Urgent! Looking for help in Central Oregon

[tigerladytoo]

Hi!

I am writing this with an extremely heavy heart...

I got my beloved Goffin Cockatoo a little over 13 years ago... I just love these glorious little clowns! :-)

She was 7 when I first got her & she's 20 now.

My brother brought her to me from a home who'd had her since she was a baby, but had kept her caged 24/7, without much interaction. I vowed to her that day this was her last home.

Unfortunately, it's a promise I had to put on hold temporarily...and had to find her a GOOD bird foster home until I can take care of her myself again, but it is breaking my heart!! More than I can say.

A bit of background:
Due to physical limitations (I was in an auto accident 17 years ago), and had to move back in with my parents.

They gladly took me back in, aog with the animals I bring home from time to time, or the strays that show up) :-) The feeding, cleaning up after etc., however, has fallen to my mom..

Peaches is absolutely the most sweetest bird - a Velcro bird. :-) She and Herbie (my 'Tiel) have been my constant companions and friends. (my computer is in my room, as they are, and I talk to them all day long as I work & comfort them at night if they have night frights.)

Last November, my grandfather moved in, and with the extra work with him, and all of the things my mom did extra for me with Peaches (and her squawking), I was told she had to go. (Talk about a broken heart.)

Another reason for it was because recently (the last year or so) Peaches has decided she's the boss, and I am the lowly mate, and has even taken to biting me when she gets the notion...and due to my physical inability, I was unable to defend myself or get away from her.. She has gotten me twice pretty good, but the others were just nips, and it wasn't every day - just once in a while. (she doesn't bite/nip at others)

That caused her to only be able to be out of her cage for 15 minutes to an hour a day (until she started biting at me) which isn't good for her even, though we kept her cage full of things to keep her beak & mind busy. These birds need more out time than that!

So I know - for her, I needed to find a GOOD bird foster home, and *thought* I did...but because Peaches was used to me being around 24/7, and the lady she is staying with works full time, (her hours also vary from day to day, so there isn't really an established schedule to get used to), when the lady is home, Peaches wants to be with & on her, snuggling, all of the time...however that isn't possible all of the time...and at the times that Peaches isn't with her, she either squawks 'tll she comes back to her or will fly to her (if she's on the play top)

So...Peach needs someone who can be home 24/7, or during the day, or, can just be around her more, and have a shcedule...she loves, perhaps even needs to be with someone, and involved or included in the activities... You know, a normal 2-year old.

My hope is - that there is someone in this forum from the Central Oregon area who is experienced with Goffin's 'Toos (or any Too) and would be willing to take her in temporarily...a year perhaps(??) (I can supply her food & toys, I just need someone who can supply love, attention & care for a while.)

I also need help / advice on HOW to find her a bird GOOD foster home.

I also need to make sure it's the right fit too, because I don't want to damage her by putting her in a bad situation or move her from home to home to home..

She and my 'Tiel are my most precious "possesions" (they actually own Me) and I just couldn't handle it if something happened to either of them!

Anyway, I'd like a potential place for her to be:

- in Central Oregon
- with someone who is qualified
- experienced with Goffin's Cockatoo's (or just 'Toos)
- Someone who is home 24/7 is best since it's what she's been used to the
past 13 years...but it isn't required...she will adapt..
- and... any ideas???

She is a sweet, “Velcro” bird who needs a _Lot_ of attention and love. She is also playful, loves to snuggle, but she's stubborn. <grin>

Anyway...your thoughts, advice, instructions would greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much for Any help you can give me. I truly appreciate it!


Sincerely,

Lora McIntosh

[FoxersArtist]

Hi Lora.
I'm so sorry about your situation and that you are having to give up your goffins, but think it's great that you are looking for someone to keep her until you get better. Unfortunately, it will likely be difficult for you to find someone who is willing to commit to your baby for a year or more because most people are affraid of becoming too attached. I would do it but I live in NM - so I am not exactly a hop, skip, or a jump and it sounds like that is what you are looking for. The best suggestion I have is to try to find a rescue person who is already committed to having to say goodbye to the birds they work with. It sounds like you are certainly on the right track with finding someone who understands cockatoos, especially because she is a loud little one. I do however disagree that you should find someone that is a perfect "match" for your bird and let me explain why. If you find someone who is perfect for your goffins, that person will really bond with your bird and your bird will really bond with him or her. This will make it hard on everyone when the time comes to give her up again and she may not be very understanding. In fact, she may be so upset with you for taking her from her new mate that you may experience all levels of trantrum throwing. I think the goal should be to find a person who understands her needs and who she will put up with, but not completely bond to. This way she will be delighted to see you when the time comes and you can resume your relationship. I would not encourge sending her with someone she does not like as it would be bad for her to become depressed or super aggressive, but if she is in a home where she is put into a situation where she can learn a little idependence, she will be better off when she comes home. Be sure that whoever takes her understands that cuddling her too much and spending too much time with her will cause her only to become more needy. The last thing you want is for your baby to come back too spoiled to handle. Also, make sure that the environment is safe, and personally - I would not allow my bird to go to a home that used teflon cookware because then you may never get your baby back at all. These are just a few suggestions. If I can help you out in any way I would be delighted to do so. Please feel free to PM me.
-Anna

[prettybirdshome]

I might be willing to foster your bird for a year or so, but I would ask you to try one more thing with your family first. I have birds that make a lot of noise and yes it can get very unneavering at times, but they need to show you that they are there and would love to have your attention.
Now that the weather is changing to the spring and summer months, they love being outside with the sunshine, where they can just be BIRDS, I built a cage outside and I leave them out there till september (of course I like it outside with them) they just love it.
If that don't work or it's out of the queston with your family, then get back to me and we can make room here for your baby, I just know I would want someone to help me if I was in your shoes.
best wishes
Suzie