Becoming a Foster Parront

[Ladyhawk]

At this point in my life, I cannot get another parrot of my own. As many of you know, I lost the two loves of my life within the space of a single year.

If I foster a parrot, I can keep some emotional distance and perhaps change the life of a bird. I'm not quite ready, but I thought I'd ask some questions of those who have done this.

First of all, there are some limitations.

1) I live in an apartment. Gabby and Kizzy were not loud birds. In fact, Kizzy talked a lot, but rarely squawked. A quieter Amazon you never met in your life. Maybe it was because she was raised by humans and only spoke "human." Talking and imitating chickens = adorable. Squawking? Not so much.

2) If the bird doesn't come with his or her own cage, the cage I have needs to be sufficient. I've read reviews about my cage that say mouthy birds can pop the welding. Amazons tend to be less destructive than, say, a cockatoo or macaw. Maybe the right Goffin's would do all right, depending upon how noisy / mouthy he / she is.

3) I have the most experience working with Amazons and large macaws. Unfortunately, large macaws are out of the question unless I want to get evicted. If my living situation changes, I would love to foster a large macaw or cockatoo, but for now, I need to stick to quieter birdies.

4) I'm not sure I'm ready for another flighted bird. Maybe I could start with a clipped bird which would give me time to better bird-proof the apartment.

Secondly, how do I become a foster parront? I would like to do it through a reputable agency so I know if I become unable to care for the bird, he or she would go to another good foster home to continue rehabilitation.

Again, I'm just feeling this out. I miss Gabby and Kizzy so much that my heart can't stand another tragedy.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Great thoughts! Yes to fostering! Find a good charity, have a home check and then you can select or be selected to be a safe house. If you feel suitably and emotionally attached maybe apply to adopt. This process works well in the good ones.



I am sorry you have lost Gabby and Kizzy hun.



G2 depends on the bird, I am lucky with mine she ony makes noise when she def wants something. The rest of the time her talking is hardly audible, she needs to be on my shoulder. They are very strong willed, extremely intelligent, very prone to plucking, over preening and anting. They can also be very fussy eaters.



I would say remain open on the bird and view on it's merits. Do some research, ask for good charities in the US to make contact with. Most need safe houses, people to go out and do home checks, offer support time and money. Good luck!

 

[Jen5200]

I’m glad to hear that you are considering fostering - you are an amazing parront who suffered some terrible losses.

It might be worth calling rescues in your area, and visiting them to see how they work and if their philosophy matches your own - no commitment required. Ask some questions about fostering for them, let them know what your parameters are - and get a better feel for if it would be a good fit for you. I know that the rescue that I volunteer for sometimes receives birds that are not suited to a noisy, busy environment and foster homes are a much better option for the bird’s well-being. By discussing things up front - your concerns about noise and flight - they are unlikely to ask you to foster a bird that doesn’t suit your home.

Hugs to you and I think it’s very brave of you to consider opening your home birds who may need a safe and healing place....

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

It is soooo nice to see you active on the forum Lady! I have thought of you from time to time,just wondering how you have been

I had a Goffin (Jonesy) a couple years back that I adopted from my-then girlfriend brother after my beloved Smokey passed away after twenty-eight years. He as the goofiest fid I had ever seen! He talked a bit "I'm a good cockatoo man" and "you're effin me!...you're effin me!!!" Then,one day,something happened..to this day I could never figure it out. He would SCREAM from the moment he woke up to long after he went to bed..CONSTANTLY!! Then the maiming started on ME One moment he was loving skritches,then BAMM! he was pulling flesh from my hands or arm,trying to climb me to get to my face!! I asked sooo many questions here...took him to his doc to see if he was ill..he was fine. He screamed so much and so loud Amy would say "SHUT UP!!"
Luckily, I knew a family who owned/ran a convenience store right down the road from me who had prior birdie experience and they adopted him. Last time I saw them,he still screamed a bit,but they love and cater to him

and I would argue the case about whose Amazon is quieter. Amy has NEVER screamed..ever!! Oh sure,he'll get loud at certain times of the day but it's always in human speech.."HI!! How are you???" "What are you doing??" and his favorite "Outside??...In the car??"

Again, I am so happy to see you back on the forum and please let us know what you plan on doing!


Jim

 

[Scott]

I have never fostered and have no clue the process. But you have so much to offer and this process makes enormous sense for you as best possible compromise. You are guaranteed to benefit beyond belief. Please keep us updated!