Looking to adopt!

[wilksk]

I have been doing tons of research and would love to adopt (all of our pets were adopted) a parrot into the family. I live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. Does anyone have any suggestions? I looked on Craigslist and people just want to sell the birds. I would even entertain the idea of being a foster first.

I have contacted a local rescue for informationn in Collyville and they have not responded. Not sure where to go from here. My husband is in the animal health industry and thinks he will run across one at a clinic that needs a home.

K.W.

[asulli]

These are in Texas:
Dallas Bird Society & Project Haven 972-381-3075
Feathers & Tail - feathersandtail@directway.com
Gulf Coast Exotic Bird Santuary 281-485-1900
National Parrot & Rescue Preservation Foundation mdsmahone@worldnet.att.net
Wings of Love Bird Haven (Central TexasA) de@bird-haven.org
Charley's Bird House 254-865-5831

[wilksk]

Thanks. I left a message at Dallas bird. I have been in contact with Wings of love, I planned on volunteering until I realized the were almost 3 hours away.:(

I would like to get to know my new friend before bringing one home....

[failurebydesign]

Unfortunately if you have never owned a parrot before it is extremely hard to find an organization that will adopt out a bird to you.

The birds on craigslist usually genuinely need homes and may end up being resold or taken to a rescue anyways so that is probably a good place to look.

But anytime you adopt a parrot it MAY come with unwanted behavior problems that could take years to train out.

So sometimes starting with a new baby is best for those who have not owned a parrot yet.

I don't know your history with owning parrots, or amount of research you've done so far so I don't have anymore info, but I hope this helps a bit.

[birdiemommy]

Cross Charley's off the list. They are no longer in operation:)

[Scritch]

I'd rather see first time bird owners adopt from a rescue than buy a baby, hands down... umm to be perfectly honest while a first-time bird owner might have trouble with an adoptive bird, they're just as likely to "mess up" a baby and have just as much trouble in the end! But at least with a bird adopted from a rescue, any good rescue is going to be totally helpful with issues and have lots of educational resources. Plus choosing an older parrot gives you a much better sense of their personality, and how they'll fit into your life. Baby parrots are easy -- but they don't stay easy, they grow up!

Some rescues are kind of picky about adopting to people without previous bird experience, especially when it comes to the bigger parrots, but that's not true of all of them.

You might want to contact local humane societies/shelters... they don't always get in tons of parrots but it DOES happen on a regular basis, more than most people think.

[loyallyroyal]

I'd rather see first time bird owners adopt from a rescue than buy a baby

A good majority wont let you adopt without prior bird experience. Plus some can be a real pain. With a list of classes you have to take (may I mention you have to pay for them?) having a years membership to their rescue, home visits, and so on. I dont like the tier system a lot of rescues have to where you have to start with a budgie or something small and work your way up either.

Many times its cheaper and easier to buy a baby, Im glad I did.

[FloorCandy]

Originally Posted by loyallyroyal

A good majority wont let you adopt without prior bird experience. Plus some can be a real pain. With a list of classes you have to take (may I mention you have to pay for them?) having a years membership to their rescue, home visits, and so on. I dont like the tier system a lot of rescues have to where you have to start with a budgie or something small and work your way up either.

Many times its cheaper and easier to buy a baby, Im glad I did.

While I always appreciate the hard work of the rescues, I have to agree. I previously had a cockatiel, and had to rehome him when I was nearly evicted because of his screaming while I was at work. If his new home had not wanted him anymore when I bought a house, I would have gladly taken him back, and I would not have gotten my CAG, as I know how much time and attention birds take, and feel that one bird deserves all of my time. I worked very hard with my tiel and he talked and sang like crazy. I had always wanted a large bird, but started with a tiel, and then I just accepted that a large bird would have to wait until the tiel passed. If I had to go through adopting a budgie, and work my way up to a large bird, how could I possibly care for all of those birds? If each lives around 30+ years I would own a large bird in my next life lol.I believe if someone really cares, and is willing to work hard, ask questions, research, learn, and devote themselves to the bird than there's no reason they shouldnt have one. I have a good friend who is my bird mentor, and having someone that you can ask for help, can overcome any obstacles.

[failurebydesign]

Originally Posted by Scritch

Some rescues are kind of picky about adopting to people without previous bird experience, especially when it comes to the bigger parrots, but that's not true of all of them.

Picky is an understatement for the rescues I've looked at

[wilksk]

Thanks for the input. I hoped to maybe volunteer somewhere and make a connection with a bird that way. Looks like I may not be given the chance. I will keep my eyes and ears open and keep checking craigs list and doing my research..

Have seen lots of potty training videos on utube.....is that really possible????