Fostering

[Nowonmai]

I would love to become a foster home for birds. However, I am concerned about quarantining the new bird(s). Is that necessary if the bird has been tested? I am concerned about quarantining because if it is kept in a place away from my birds I am worried that it won't get enough attention. On the other hand I would never be able to live with myself if anything happened to my flock (1-U2 and 2 parrotlets).

Another concern is if the bird(s) with me a long time, how will I be able to part with it/them when the time comes and how will the parting affect my birds?

I would love to read about any experiences and advice regarding fostering.

Thanks!

[TheFrantom]

I do not think you are ready to foster. Yes, there could be contagian of disease, but in my experience, this has not happened to me fostering yet -- because I take the proper precautions. All foster birds should be put in a separate room with NO CONTACT with your private birds. Use separate clean dishes and water containers. Disinfect your hands between switching rooms and change your shoes at the door.

Not every rescue agency can vet check every bird that comes in, for every medical problem out there. If they did, someone would have to reimburse them for these fees. What private adopter out there would pay $100.00+ to adopt a budgie or a finch or a cockatiel???

It is hard enough finding homes for older birds now because most bird lovers are looking for BABY birds and expect to find these at a RESCUE organization. Not....

Very nice older birds are being dropped off at rescue organizations now because of people losing their homes and jobs. Yes, foster people are needed. You may have a good heart, but if you are really concerned about your birds catching anything from a foster bird -- then leave the fostering to someone else. Or else, you can "volunteer" to pay for vet checking of any bird you personally foster out of your own pocket. The rescue organization will be very grateful!

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Disclaimer: My comments on this site are of my own opinion. My intent is a friendly chat, to promote the welfare and proper care of parrots and other pets. If this is a problem, please private message me.

[TheFrantom]

I forgot one important thing... Foster birds MUST be returned to the organization on request. Foster people are not considered the owner, just the volunteer or helper. You cannot take over ownership of a foster bird, nor can you personally place or sell any foster bird in your care. You WILL lose in court. A wise rescue organization will have their foster people sign a legal foster agreement before droppping off any bird for foster care.

This info is not to scare you, but legal issues have arisen in the past over foster birds "disappearing" too.

Just don't get too attached to your "boarders" and keep this reply tacked to your refrigerator if you decide to get into fostering birds (or any pet).

An honest person will not be too concerned about this info, though. Just a few more things to think about.....

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Disclaimer: My comments on this site are of my own opinion. My intent is a friendly chat, to promote the welfare and proper care of parrots and other pets. If this is a problem, please private message me.