Dream Bird or Not

[riddick07]

Has anyone else realized that bird they really wanted might not actually be for them?

I have always loved the macaws especially the greenwing. But yesterday when I was in the rescue I barely paid them any mind. I looked at them but spent way more time looking at all the cockatoos. I went specifically to see a bare eyed cockatoo but figured I'd still end up hanging out with a macaw at some point . Never happened except for a little mini that the owner took out hoping we would take to each other.

I was just really surprised by my complete disinterest and wondered if anyone else has had this happen. I still love the macaws and think they are awesome but no longer have the thought that the greenwing is the ultimate bird for me. I seem weirdly enough more taken with the cockatoos! Even the amazons got more attention from me and I barely remember they exist half the time

 

[RavensGryf]

Yeah, I have. I shared a story in a post under the New Blue Throat Macaw thread that a new member posted.

Over the years, I'm not too ashamed to say (because I know a lot of other people who have had parrots for a long enough time can relate) I've have had a couple "dream species" that ended up being not the right match for me or my environment (despite much research). These wonderful birds I ended up "giving away" and NOT getting any money for them, despite losing a lot of money over them. I truly cared about these birds, and wanted to find a good owner with the most suitable environment for them (people I knew of), rather than placing an ad for anybody to see and answer.

These birds now have an aviary to fly in, plus everything they ever need to keep them happy and mentally healthy.
THIS reason, I strongly believe is a GOOD reason to rehome. A lot of newbies think of rehoming as just black and white, where it is always a bad thing no matter what. Sometimes it is - when the bird loves you but you don't love it back for whatever reason and you just get rid of it. BUT... If you know the bird isn't super bonded with you, and you KNOW it would be happier in a better environment which you can't provide, then that is better for everyone I believe. Many times, human nature will just make someone want (and get anyway no matter what) a certain breed of dog, parrot species, having more children, etc. than we know is practical...

 

[KeroRocks]

I wanted a blue and gold macaw. I went and met a bunch of them but it never seemed right. Then I decided on maybe a Red Front. The first girl I met I brought home and it's wonderful!

Sometimes life comes along and changes the plan.

 

[Birdman666]

When I volunteered down at the rescue, I fell in love with all sorts of birds...

and part of me wants all of them.

BUT I am also smart enough to know that I can't provide for all of them.

As for DREAM BIRDS...

Those, for me, are ones that are the most bonded to you.

I had a buddy who had a little lovebird, that rode around in the pocket of his shirt and went everywhere with him. THAT was his dream bird.

I've had several over the years. The 35 year old Blue Front that was critically ill, and left by a dumpster to die, THAT was my dream bird...

My conures.

My Red Lored amazon.

And now, My Greenwing...

She's as mushy as any Hy-Hy...

And bringing in another bird as a permanent resident, might ruin the relationship, and structure of the flock I already have.

So, no.... that whole concept of "status" bird or "dream" bird is a bit off to me.

 

[riaria]

So, no.... that whole concept of "status" bird is a bit off to me.

"Status bird" doesn't have anything to do with "dream bird", in my opinion

 

[RavensGryf]

The 35 year old Blue Front that was critically ill, and left by a dumpster to die

This crushed my heart when I read it. So glad you were there to save him!!

 

[Birdman666]

the 35 year old blue front that was critically ill, and left by a dumpster to die

this crushed my heart when i read it. So glad you were there to save him!!

that bird lived to be 38 years old. She died about 5 years ago of an intestinal tumor. She became my most bonded bird ever!!!

She was my "head in the eye socket" bird. I wouldn't even get both feet in the door, and she would fly to my shoulder, do her little amazon i love you displays, and stick her head in my eye socket for an extended head scratch.

In the end, she was too weak to even stand, but tried to climb to my shoulder anyway. She couldn't hold her head up anymore, but pressed it against my cheek... Until it fell limp onto my shoulder.

I have framed photos, and a tail feather from her on my wall. The inscription reads: "my velco bird. Even in death, your capacity to love was astounding..."

and this from a bird who was once thrown out like garbage!!!

I still miss her terribly at times... Even though i have five other birds, and even though my greenwing is almost as bonded as she was...

So yeah, one person's throwaway bird IS ANOTHER MAN'S DREAM BIRD!!! AND SHE WAS MINE...

 

[RavensGryf]

Aww!!! That melts my heart!!! Your posts are too emotional today Birdman, stop it LOL

 

[Birdman666]

Almost every single picture I have from that time period, has that bird in it, and she's always pressed up against my face.

A friend of mine even did a painting after she died (I was pretty busted up about it.) of that bird pressing her face against me. It's one of my most prized possessions...

 

[noblemacaw]

My Noble macaw Mihijo and my Illiger's macaw Diego and my Solomon Island Eclectus Joaquin were my "dream birds". When all three were alive they made the best flock and because of their differences I had balance in this flock. I was very content with these three and they were very well adjusted and cared for. Each bird was bonded to me and each parrot had different ways that endeared me to them. It has been told me to that Diego was my "favorite" but in truth I loved each parrot differently.

Joaquin had a special gift of helping other people who were not well feel better. He could take their pain and give the dying such peace. It as truly a honor to be able to share this and witness what Joaquin could do.

Diego was very bonded to me and would only tolerate everyone else. Although I took such pains to socialize him since I got him this is the species trait and I accepted this about him. After diagnosed with cancer and surgery was complete Diego was brought to me after surgery and his presence brought me such joy I was able to be released sooner because I recovered from surgery so quickly. Diego always brought me such joy being himself and his devotion to me was like no other companion I ever had.

Mihijo loved people. He was extremely well socialized bird anyone could handle him. Since he lived the longest of my boys I have so many stories of our adventures I could write a book. Everyone loved Mihijo and I treasured the almost 18 years I had with him.

My goddaughter painted canvas on oil a picture of all these of my boys and gave it to me for Christmas last year. This picture is displayed in the area of their shrine where each boy's ashes and talon prints are. This area of the house is where my treasures are.

Valentino is suppose to be my "dream bird" because I have wanted a RFM since 1997. He is the largest parrot I ever lived with and my "green giant" helps heal my heart with the loss of my boys. I had Valentino over a year now and am still bonding with him. He is very bonded to me but it is taking me longer to bond to him for some reason. After all these years of wanting a RFM after living with Valentino sometimes I feel all the years wanting a RFM in the end it has been a let down. Don't get me wrong I love Valentino but at times he can be extremely annoying and I see this increasing as he matures. I will learn to live with it because I care for him.

 

[broxi3781]

I didn't know I had a dream bird until we found one. If I had had the choice of any bird before getting our quaker - I suppose I would have chosen a blue macaw - but only if I got a new house and garden with it. I haven't the room for a macaw sized cage in the living room, and I think an outdoor flight for warm days would be helpful as well. I also rather fancies African Greys simply because I know they are very intelligent. But even if I moved to a huge house with a giant aviary - I can't imagine ever having any bird other than a Quaker now, and we've only had him two weeks. This is definitely my dream bird and my husband and sons all say the same thing.

 

[jenphilly]

I think the thought of 'dream bird' is meant more like your dream car... if you could have any car in the world, what would it be... Same thing with birds, sure all of us have had the thought of I would really love to have a ________....

For me it was Eclectus, but I've met a couple even at the shelter and they have no interest in me and I just was middle ground about them. Surprisingly, the bird who caught my attention was a cape! Didn't know a thing about them, but he just kept talking to and seemed so interested in me and what I was doing over all the other people in the room. No, didn't adopt him, we were there to meet a problem child my daughter has been watching for almost a year.

Anyway, I think that was more the thought. How you have an image in your mind, then you go out and find the right match for you looks nothing like what you thought!! I would never have said a bare eyed cockatoo was my dream bird, but Ivory is my best friend and just the most loving wonderful feathered kid we could ever have hoped to adopt!

Birdman.... I owned a business at one time called Treasure to You and it was that very logic, one man's trash was a treasure to you. I am so sorry you only had your blue wing 3 short years, but its pretty clear those were the most wonderful 3 years of his life and he left you knowing he was loved beyond words. Thank you very much for sharing that story with us, I know I was in tears, I can imagine it was mixed emotions telling us about him.

 

[Sadie13]

What drew me to birds in the fist place was the scarlet macaw!
after going to a bunch of different bird shows and breeder i realized that i can hear a u2 scream and think "that's all you've got" but i hear a macaw do its call and it goes right through me....and my husband...
so we decided that we dont think a macaw would ever fit in our home unfortunately...but now i have 2 (almost 3) wonderful birds that do fit our family dynamic perfectly!

we have decided that maybe once we are older and all of our birds and dogs have passed, it may make for a great only pet. but that would only be if one of our kids would be willing to work with and take over when we die....

its funny how the thing you want may not really be the thing you need...and even better when you can accept that.

 

[Freespin]

An eclectus was always my dream bird. I loved Nelson but being only a baby I didn't get to experience a huge amount with him. I think it would be hard to get another one now just because of how it all ended... Maybe one day if it's meant to be it will happen.

 

[riaria]

When I think about the phrase "dream bird" I think of it more as "dream species". Not an individual bird, but the idea of one, the species as a whole.

My absolute "dream species" would be a Cape Parrot. Whenever I see one, my heart melts. A few years ago, we came fairly close to rehoming one; my heart broke when we couldn't (the owner wanted him to go into breeding instead), it was one of those times when you just really instantly connect to someone, and I still regret and miss him (so I suppose that particular individual would classify as "dream bird" as well as "dream species"). I've met a few parrots that I've just instantly connected with, but sadly they've not been able to come home with me. But, we've got limited space and time, and I love our three birds dearly.

Cockatoos are also a "dream species", and in terms of individuals, our Ducorps Cockatoo is pretty much a dream bird Meyer's Parrots and African Greys aren't among my "dream species", but our particular individuals are a dream. I've been very lucky!

after going to a bunch of different bird shows and breeder i realized that i can hear a u2 scream and think "that's all you've got" but i hear a macaw do its call and it goes right through me....and my husband...

Sadie, I'm the same, can't stand macaw screams! But aren't too bothered about cockatoos (though I'm sure it's a bit of an auditory challenge to live with an Umbrella or Moluccan!)

 

[cstambaugh]

A hyacinth is mine. They may unfortunately be a little too pricey for me to justify.
A mush mac that likes to check for dominance every once in a while is the behavior I go after. Not one that flips on a dime, but every now and then keeps me on my feet.

 

[Terry57]

My dream bird was always an eclectus. Ekko is everything and more than I could have imagined. The only other bird that was in my dreams (and will stay there) is a black palm cockatoo. I think they are so gorgeous, but too much bird for me, I fear.

 

[Karigan]

I'm hoping for a Harlequin macaw, and am hoping to bond to one someday. I say they're my dream bird because of their typical behaviours, so I'm hoping to one day stumble across him and bond at first sight. Should I find the qualities I'm looking for in a budgie so be it, but we have to start somewhere and understanding species behaviours is a good first step I think.

 

[goalerjones]

George, my Jenday was my first bird. I still remember the evening he fell asleep in my hand. I actually stopped what I was doing and was astounded (and managed to get a picture). That bird, and I don't mean to be melodramatic, changed my life.
I love Hahnzel. His personality and playfulness brings me joy (and holes in my fingers) every day. But George, the one who trusted me in a very difficult time, was my dream bird.

 

[hacatta]

My dream birds are an green cheek pineapple and a yellow sided turquoise.
4 green cheeks further,i still don't have them.
Not complaining to much,i love them more then anything.
But i am going to have an pineapple in the future,not going to let them escape me
Unfortunately the yellow sided turquoise isn't breeded in my country,so will stay a dream bird till they do.