February 27, 2007
Pet Parrot Rescue
From an unknown “parrot” comes this sage advice: “I am likely to live 10 to 80 years. Think of that before you buy me.”
Parrot life expectancies vary, but many can indeed live to be more than 50 years old. Consider four examples.
* Budgie 10 - 15 years
* Cockatiel 15 - 20 years
* African Grey 50 - 60 years
* Macaw up to 80 years
Sadly, people do not always think before buying a parrot, or are not told how long the bird might live. In the U.S. alone, millions of pet parrots are abused, abandoned, neglected, and unwanted. More than 3 of every 10 pet parrots will die before reaching natural life expectancy. Nearly 9 of every 10 parrot owners will give away or sell their birds within the first two years after purchase.
Parrot Rescue Groups
Rescue foundations and organizations can care for a mere fraction of these parrots. Some lack space - all lack funds. Yet they try to continue for the sake of the birds. Their mission is to provide a loving home for parrots that can no longer live where they are.
Parrot rescue groups are not numerous, and you may have trouble locating one, but an Internet search can produce many. If they are not able to help with your parrot rescue, they will often be able to guide you to someone who can.
Parrot Rescue Candidates
Most parrot rescue involves parrots that are relinquished by owners.
* In many cases, the reason given is that the bird was too noisy; bit too much; refused to learn tricks; etc. When behavioral reasons are given, it is much better if the owner learns to teach the parrot, rather than send him away from his home.
* Other parrot rescues involve unavoidable circumstances, such as the owner’s relocation, military assignment overseas, or even death. No training can overcome these situations, and parrot rescue is understandably in order.
* In a minority of parrot rescues, the bird has escaped from its owner and gotten lost, or has been lost through a natural disaster such as a major hurricane.
What to Do if You Must Use Parrot Rescue
If you really must relinquish your bird, seek out the best parrot rescue group you can find. Treat personnel with high respect, since they are providing for your parrot what you could not - usually as a non-profit organization.
If you are able, do one or more of the following.
1. Make a monetary donation to the parrot rescue foundation.
2. Donate your parrot’s cage - or pay for a new one.
3. Donate any left over food, and additional food as you are able.
4. Donate parrot toys, perches, vitamin supplements, etc.
5. Be as cooperative as possible in getting your bird to the pet rescue location and settled into its new home.
How to Avoid Needing Parrot Rescue
Before you purchase a parrot, ask a lot of questions. Learn how long it is expected to live, and what will be involved in caring for it. Learn when to begin training, and get advice on the best parrot training.
If you begin to experience minor behavioral problems - which may seem major to you - most parrot rescue organizations will be happy to advise you. They would rather help you and your parrot form a loving bond than see another bird “disowned” without adequate reason.
DIY Parrot Rescue
Do-it-yourself parrot rescue is always a possibility. You may be able to find your parrot a new home by selling it, or adopting it out. The goal is to be sure your parrot gets to live out his life with as much health, safety, and happiness as possible.
Filed under 03-Parrot Breeders by Administrator
Comments on Pet Parrot Rescue »
Hello, I have a Mexican Red Head male parrot. He is 20 years. I have had him for two years.
He was a very scared bird and was being sold at a pet store. It took me a couple of months to earn his trust. He now lets me do anything with him. I have no ideal how many owners he has had. I figured if he loved someone else he could love me and he does.
Because he trust me and let me in, it makes it very hard to yet find him another home. I hope you can help me trough this.
My reason for letting him go to a rescue, is you will be able do what is best for him and understand what he is going through.
He says I love you, hello when the phone rings, he makes a potato chip crunch when he wants something your eating or drinking. He also whistles for the dogs. He is trying to say how are you.
He only likes me but will let one of my sons friend pick him up. He knows what it means to step up. He does not like any one else.
He does not like parrot food but likes frozen veggies and oranges and apples. He loves junk food .
I have to find a place for him because my husband now has breathing problems and my son as of last week Monday has type 1 Diabetes.
It sure isn’t fair to Louie (thats his name) but it is very important that he has a lasting home. I thought it would be with me.
Well thats about it. Could you please e-mail at hillmankim@yahoo.com I thank you for reading my message and look forward to talking with you if it is possible. You can also call me at my home at 616 957 4915. Thank again. KIM