Rescue Bird For Newbie??

[JustJo]

Just out of curiosity…is it a good idea for a newbie to adopt a rescue bird such as a cockatiel or Quaker? This is a hypothetical question…most rescues probably would not let a beginner adopt anyway.

I know this is a very broad question with a lot of ifs but I am curious and wanted to get some opinions from the bird folks on this subject. No….I am not getting a bird anytime in the near future BUT when I am ready a few years from now, after tons of research, and after prodding my bird lover friend’s brains, I thought that it would be nice to actually rescue a bird if possible. Over the past few months I have been reading up a bit on birds and do run across several rescue sites for them. In several cases I have read that the bird simply outlived the owner or the bird became too noisy, etc. I already realize from what I have read on the forums here and other places that a macaw, cockatoo, African Grey and others would be too much bird for a beginner so I am not referring to them. I am very interested in a Quaker though someday. Quakers are legal in Virginia as long as they are close-band.

Anyway…just throwing this subject out here for people’s opinions.

[Von L]

Hi Jo,

I'm also doing a lot of research on re-homed birds because I've decided that my next bird will be a rescue. In fact, I've ordered a book especially on the challanges of re-homed birds, but it hasn't arrived yet. :(

As far as rescue organizations go, I don't think that they usually have any policy against a first-time owner adopting, but most do require that potential adoptees be educated on the type of bird they are going to adopt, and some of the groups will do the training as part of the adoption process. If any of the rescue groups you've located are near you you could try contacting them and asking about volunteering with them. They'd probably love the help, and you'd get to learn lots about all different types of birds. Plus, then you just might be in the right place for your new bird to find you. ;)

Yvonne

[JustJo]

Hi Jo,

I'm also doing a lot of research on re-homed birds because I've decided that my next bird will be a rescue. In fact, I've ordered a book especially on the challanges of re-homed birds, but it hasn't arrived yet. :(

As far as rescue organizations go, I don't think that they usually have any policy against a first-time owner adopting, but most do require that potential adoptees be educated on the type of bird they are going to adopt, and some of the groups will do the training as part of the adoption process. If any of the rescue groups you've located are near you you could try contacting them and asking about volunteering with them. They'd probably love the help, and you'd get to learn lots about all different types of birds. Plus, then you just might be in the right place for your new bird to find you. ;)

Yvonne

Wow that is an excellent idea Yvonne. Great way to learn too! Thanks!

[Von L]

You bet! :D

[FFstpay02]

Wow, that is a good idea Von! I'm going to try that too, thanks!!

[Magnum]

When it comes to adopting, it really does depend on the rescue organization. The one out here requires joining their organization, which has a fee, and you have to attend the meetings. My avian vet is who I went through and she provided me with training and education on adopting a bird. Before I got Boo-Let, my avian vet had me work with her bird handler to decide which species I was better suited in before I took one on. In all my research, it did not compare to actually working with the different birds.

I think you would love a Quaker, Jo! They are a hardy bird and do well for a first bird owner. Luther is such a blast and what a love bug. He is so funny and such a clown. He is not as needy as Boo-Let, but they sure compliment each other. I think Boo-Let views him as a baby because she repremands him, coddles him, asks him what's wrong if he is quiet, etc......lol.

If you do decided to eventually get one, be prepared to get educated on your own nutrition......lol. Having birds really opened my eyes to the garbage humans consume on a daily basis........;)

[JustJo]

If you do decided to eventually get one, be prepared to get educated on your own nutrition......lol. Having birds really opened my eyes to the garbage humans consume on a daily basis........;)

LMBO Mags! I don't need to get a bird to know that I eat horribly! I make sure my dogs eat the healthiest stuff...but me? HaHaHaHaHa!

Anyway more great advice on the rescue groups from Mags. Sounds like that is really a good way to go....get involved with a rescue group and learn from them.

[FFstpay02]

Why are Quakers illegal in some states? Or why do they have to be caged in some states?

[JustJo]

From the little I've read it is because Quakers are very hardy birds and can survive in the wild here in the states. I guess flocks have become a problem in some states. The law here in Virginia is that they must be close-band. I had to look that up when I read it but it means they must be domestically bred. Quakers are illegal period in some states such as California, other states they must be kept caged always, and states like VA where they cannot be imports.

I think I got that right......

[FFstpay02]

There aren't any laws in Illinois that are anti-bird that I know of - That's why when I heard someone say that Quakers were illegal, I was really surprised. Thanks for the info though :)

[JustJo]

You are right that Illinois does not ban them. Here is one of the sites which shows the states law for quakers:

http://www.quakerville.com/qic/statelaw.asp

Apparently they are so successful at surviving in the wild that the fear is they are "pest" birds and will eat crops and shove out native species. i have read that this is not true however, because they have been found nesting in conjunction with native owls, etc. Some states laws are being challenged.