Buying a baby as a gift. . .thoughts?

[Amie]

I'm going to end up annoying you guys with all my posts, I swear. But, I know NO other bird lovers, so you guys are pretty much becoming my extended fid family!!

My fiance Brian has been saying for a year or so that he wants a male Vos ekkie. He's only ever had small birds, so I've been waiting to make sure that he really DOES want a baby boy. Lately, he's been spending so much time with Scarlett that she's attached to him almost as much as me (thank GOD we ended up with a non-hormonal red head!). He's even begun cooking for her and I've come home to find him cleaning her cage during tax season when I had a bit less time (I work for CPAs). He's become a pretty proud Daddy to my little Scarlett, and has been a BIG part of me getting her partially refeathered (Not a single plucked feather in 3 weeks, LOTS of new pin feathers, and three beautiful, unmutilated new tail feathers!!) He's even picked out 3 potential names for his future baby.

I've been considering getting Scarlett a new buddy since our CAG died 5 years ago, but with grad school wasn't able to give a new baby the time he/she would need. Now that that's all over, and I've successfully recovered from Hurricane Katrina, I've been thinking much more seriously about it. I want to get Brian his male ekkie for his birthday in May. By then, we'll have our house purchased and know how much room we'll have, etc. so we'll know exactly how feasible getting a new baby would be.

My problem? We have one Vosmaeri breeder within 6 or so hours that I know of. She's a wonderfully reliable breeder (my own Scarlett came from her) She has one male at present who isn't spoken for that has just feathered and will be ready in April (a little too early for us, unfortunately), and one hen sitting on two eggs who consistently gives her a male and female. That baby would be ready in June, if all goes well. She has another pair ready to mate again, but that's relying on the forces of nature. We're going to a bird fair in March so Brian can "look at some males" and so I can scope out other potential breeders, but there are no other Vosmaeri Eclectus breeders currently on the schedule.

Since this would be BRIAN'S baby (of course I would play a very happy and proud Mama) I'm going to let him know before I put down a deposit, whether or not it's before his birthday. BUT he'd have very little choice about the matter, wouldn't he? His heart is set on a Vos ekkie--he's bought books, talks about "Clover/Verdi/Basil" on a constant basis. . . But there's only one baby boy that we could get, and I know that he'll end up saying he wants him, regardless of whether or not his personality fits with Brian.

Any thoughts on this? Anyone know of a good rescue in the Gulf South? I would LOVE to have a rescue, especially after reading some of the stories on Land of Vos--my schnauzer and Maine Coon kitty are both rescues, I'm just a sucker for the unwanted. . . Or, if that doesn't pan out, breeders in the Gulf South or Mid South? I'm in New Orleans, but I'm willing to travel for the perfect baby boy to fit into our lives.

Thanks! And sorry again for my thousands of questions!

[Lisa B]

I think its a wonderful idea, since he really really really wants one and had done his research!
You can always take him on a 'date' and not tell him where you are going till you get there. then he has a suprise, but yet, still has a say before you put your money down.
I dont know much about Ekkies. so I dont know of any breeders in your area, or any rescues if they have them.

but I wish you much luck.

[Amie]

thank you!

[birdsnreps]

well, normally i would say NO to getting a bird as a gift for someone else, but your guy really has done his research first!! sounds like an awesome present :) doesnt matter if its right on his bday or not, as long as he gets a little green man that he clicks with, he will be jumping for joy if you found one for him

[Lori~D]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

I think its a wonderful idea, since he really really really wants one and had done his research!
You can always take him on a 'date' and not tell him where you are going till you get there. then he has a suprise, but yet, still has a say before you put your money down.
I dont know much about Ekkies. so I dont know of any breeders in your area, or any rescues if they have them.

but I wish you much luck.

I Think this is a great Idea!!

[swanwillow]

I think so too! Congrats on the soon to be baby bird in your life ;)

We're horrid, aren't we?

[Courtzrocks]

Great idea!! It's not like it's for someone who you don't know if they like birds or not. And even if he ends up not wanting it im sure you would haha. Hmm...thats a good idea actually...buy a bird for my bf (not a big bird lover though)...keep it for me haha, then I don't get in trouble hehe. I'll use that one when I move out...or do the "Look what I found on our doorstep!!!"

[greencinacheeks]

I like the idea....i would say NO but if its someone who likes birds and such.

GREAT idea


~N

[birdsnreps]

Originally Posted by Courtzrocks

...or do the "Look what I found on our doorstep!!!"

haha, thats a great idea!! when i bring a new bird home, thats what im gonna tell my husband!! hehehe

[Courtzrocks]

Lol, I'm saving it for a big time spend on a bird one day lol.