Driving 250 Miles for my new baby :)

[GW.Joe]

Hello Everyone!

We may be taking a 250 mile ride to look at and put a deposit on our new baby GW

I spoke to the breeder on the phone today, she describes their Aviary as a "small home aviary" and says "The babies are reared in her living room around children, cats, dogs and other birds"

She seemed very nice and told me she wanted to know about me and my family because she cares about where her babies end up, We spoke for about a half-hour on the phone, I emailed her links to my Facebook and pictures of Poe explaining how we lost him October 7th of last year

She replied later that night, of course she said that she could tell from all the pictures and video that we were bird lovers, and felt like we would be a good forever home for one of her babies

She sent me a few pictures and one very short video

I believe I have a choice between these two male babies, I named them Simon and Garfunkel for fun

So the big question: is Simon or Garfunkel joining our family? LOL
( I left the pictures full-size so details can be seen better, And I blurred out the breeders face to protect her identity since she didn't know I was going to post these pictures on line)

In the Video It looks like Simon is the one that flies to her, She told me they were just learning to fly

I would appreciate comments from anyone with green wing experience

Thank You So Much

Joe

[ame="http://youtu.be/3q40qFFFjFc"]Simon and Garfunkel - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Kiwibird]

I vote you get.....BOTH! Come on, I'm sure you have room for both these beautiful babies, right My goodness, those are absolutely adorable birds, look well cared for too (and I like the breeders choice of PJs lol). I think you'll have to meet them to see which one takes to you and your family best. Though, my gut says Simon might just be the one who comes home with you. No real reason, just a feeling Keep us posted!

 

[RavensGryf]

Great news Joe!! I knew you'd find one soon! Those are really adorable and beautiful babies too.

Simon would be a good name to keep, but Garfunkel... That's just funny

WhooHooo!!!! So it says you "may" be taking the trip. Are you pretty sure but still not positive? Still want to check others out? Yay, I know you'll have a Green Wing home soon!

 

[MikeyTN]

They certainly look VERY healthy and well taken care of. But only observation in person would tell you everything you need to know. View everything from their cage, dropping, food, eye, feather condition, environment, etc. IF the house smells like animal urine, which I don't think it would due to how neat everything looks, then you need to be concerned due to urine odor can and will cause respiratory infections. Since they say that they're being raised around other animals.

Other then that I would get just one if your rather new to macaws. One can be a hassle to handle if your not used to it. I hold one on each arm but usually have to drop one at their perch due to them fighting on me. They have a jealousy issue with me.....

 

[JerseyWendy]

They both look absolutely darling, Joe. They seem to be extremely well cared for and much loved.

I agree with Michael abut the urine smell. You will see, hear, and smell (or not) lots when you go there in person.

SO excited for you!!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Oh God their cute !!! Id take both ! The only thing I can say different about GWs to my other Macaws is their droppings are HUGE. But If I could only have one bird that's what I would have

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Also,i bet these birds are going to be great [with all her attention]

 

[labell]

Congrats, I would go and see which one chooses you!

 

[Anansi]

They are both beautiful, Joe! Tough choice, I think. I'd be tempted to take both, too. But Michael's point about having two pterodactyl sized birds fighting over you from each arm is well taken. Rather not have my head in the middle of THAT dust up! Ouch. Confetti, anyone?

 

[Birdman666]

Easy answer...

You don't go solely by how they interact with the breeder. You go by how they interact with YOU! Good macaw breeders are Mommy. Even a bird that rips everyone else to pieces will be nice to Mommy.

Go play with them. The one that is the most enthousiastic about playing with you is the one to pick. Choose the one that also chooses you.

They both appear to be well socialized and behaved, and healthy, but it's hard to tell from that short clip.

The one who flies to the person is the one that will, most likely, have more attention issues, but may be the more outgoing and interactive of the two. Just a guess.

Neither one looks shy or the least bit defensive. So, no real socialization issues there.

 

[Birdman666]

They are both beautiful, Joe! Tough choice, I think. I'd be tempted to take both, too. But Michael's point about having two pterodactyl sized birds fighting over you from each arm is well taken. Rather not have my head in the middle of THAT dust up! Ouch. Confetti, anyone?

Nonsense. I had four big macs glued to me all weekend. (One on each shoulder, and one on each arm.)

The downside is that you never get anything else done! Pick one up, pick them all up... Jealous birds!

 

[getwozzy]

Wow! How exciting!! That's going to be a heck of a road trip, but definitely worth it!! When are you going?

They're both very gorgeous!

 

[Terry57]

Joe, this is so exciting! They are both so gorgeous, but you realize that you do need both because it broke my heart when Simon and Garfunkel split up
Her place looks so clean and neat, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is that way when you go there, and that there is no smell.
When are you going?

 

[Agapornis]

Birdman, you make me laugh I have a hard enough time getting things done with 2 GCCs velcroed to me. I can't even imagine having big macaws! That would be totally out of my league, lol.

Simon and Garfunkle are gorgeous birds! You can tell they were raised with lots of attention and love. Can't wait to hear what you decide!

 

[Birdman666]

Birdman, you make me laugh I have a hard enough time getting things done with 2 GCCs velcroed to me. I can't even imagine having big macaws! That would be totally out of my league, lol.

Simon and Garfunkle are gorgeous birds! You can tell they were raised with lots of attention and love. Can't wait to hear what you decide!

What I learned that week that I bird sat the other two big macs was that even one more macaw would be one too many!

I literally could not get anything done.

One of them was a baby BTM (that I just adore!) who was still on handfeeding, and wanted to be held a lot. Pick him up THEY ALL wanted up. HOLD HER BIRDS, My birds felt left out...

Up until that point, I always wanted two more big macs (a hy and a BTM.)

Now I know better...

So, I have really come to love my flock for what it is.

 

[Allee]

This is super exciting! Both birds are stunning, I would hate to be forced to choose just one. As everyone has said, when you visit in person, I'm sure you will be able to make the right decision. I love the name Simon but Garfunkel could be a challenge for the bird to say. Road trips with new family member's at the destination are always the best. Can't wait to hear the rest of this adventure, Joe.

 

[witchbaby]

They both look gorgeous and healthy! You should definitely make the trip and find out which of the two seems to click with you the most. I'm so excited for you!

 

[Anansi]

They are both beautiful, Joe! Tough choice, I think. I'd be tempted to take both, too. But Michael's point about having two pterodactyl sized birds fighting over you from each arm is well taken. Rather not have my head in the middle of THAT dust up! Ouch. Confetti, anyone?

Nonsense. I had four big macs glued to me all weekend. (One on each shoulder, and one on each arm.)

The downside is that you never get anything else done! Pick one up, pick them all up... Jealous birds!

Yeah Mark, but you're the freakin' Bird Whisperer! Lol! If I were getting a macaw for the first time, (assuming, of course, that this is Joe's first macaw) I wouldn't start off with two, much less the four you were strolling about with! Haha!

 

[GW.Joe]

I vote you get.....BOTH! Come on, I'm sure you have room for both these beautiful babies, right My goodness, those are absolutely adorable birds, look well cared for too (and I like the breeders choice of PJs lol). I think you'll have to meet them to see which one takes to you and your family best. Though, my gut says Simon might just be the one who comes home with you. No real reason, just a feeling Keep us posted!

OMG April, can you just imagine having both of those beautiful babies? you always make me laugh, yeah I like her PJs too everything about this seems good, this is the first time out of all the people and stores I've contacted that I'm getting good vibes, I must admit I'm getting butterflies in my stomach, my nerves are completely on edge now, I know it sounds silly but this is just such a big thing for our family

I know she said that she has a deposit on one of them but I got the impression she would let me pick of the two, I just left a message for her letting her know that I am considering driving up there this weekend and putting a deposit on one of them (because it's a holiday weekend I have to hope that she's actually available)

As you and others have said if I do get a choice it will be the bird that picks us as a family

I'll let everyone know as soon as she returned my call, I will bring my HD camcorder and shoot a bunch of video if going up there works out.

Thanks April!!

Great news Joe!! I knew you'd find one soon! Those are really adorable and beautiful babies too.

Simon would be a good name to keep, but Garfunkel... That's just funny

WhooHooo!!!! So it says you "may" be taking the trip. Are you pretty sure but still not positive? Still want to check others out? Yay, I know you'll have a Green Wing home soon!

Thanks Julie, VERY Funny naming the bird "Garfunkel" every time I say it I laugh Gar-Funk-el LOL !!

The only reason I'm saying I "may" be taking a trip up there, is getting all the details worked out in a perfect world I will be there this weekend

Thanks again Julie

They certainly look VERY healthy and well taken care of. But only observation in person would tell you everything you need to know. View everything from their cage, dropping, food, eye, feather condition, environment, etc. IF the house smells like animal urine, which I don't think it would due to how neat everything looks, then you need to be concerned due to urine odor can and will cause respiratory infections. Since they say that they're being raised around other animals.

Other then that I would get just one if your rather new to macaws. One can be a hassle to handle if your not used to it. I hold one on each arm but usually have to drop one at their perch due to them fighting on me. They have a jealousy issue with me.....

Thanks Mikey, I agree based on the pictures the place looks pretty good, I understand what you're saying and believe me I'll be checking out every detail, I'm not really "new" to Macaws but I want to devote myself to one bird (besides the bank says one only anyway )

Thanks for your input Mikey, you are always right on target!

Oh God their cute !!! Id take both ! The only thing I can say different about GWs to my other Macaws is their droppings are HUGE. But If I could only have one bird that's what I would have

Hello Terri, Ok Ok, I'm getting a mental picture, yep that's it Jurassic Park and dinosaur poop
Thank you so much, they look so nice, well cared for and adjusted, my nerves are on complete edge :52:

Joe,

I am so excited for you!! I wouldn't pick one by photo, just wait to see who steals your heart (or carkeys)

That's not birdie brains in VA is it? Doesn't look like exactly like her living room but we were there at xmas! She has wonderful sweet babies and has a great setup. But these guys look social and happy. I can't wait to see pics and videos from your meeting and who the lucky baby is ! I am guessing you're not really thinking of both? Or are you! !??

Congrats, I would go and see which one chooses you!

Thanks Jen, Thanks Labell (not sure your name) its in CT, even if I could afford it I wouldn't take both of them because I want to be able to completely devote myself to one of them

Thanks again, I'll make sure to let everyone know which one chooses us

They are both beautiful, Joe! Tough choice, I think. I'd be tempted to take both, too. But Michael's point about having two pterodactyl sized birds fighting over you from each arm is well taken. Rather not have my head in the middle of THAT dust up! Ouch. Confetti, anyone?

Thank Stephen, VERY funny (pterodactyl sized birds) it's funny you say that, when I hear them move their wings I picture Angels they are just so majestic, we are VERY lucky to share our lives with them

Easy answer...

You don't go solely by how they interact with the breeder. You go by how they interact with YOU! Good macaw breeders are Mommy. Even a bird that rips everyone else to pieces will be nice to Mommy.

Go play with them. The one that is the most enthousiastic about playing with you is the one to pick. Choose the one that also chooses you.

They both appear to be well socialized and behaved, and healthy, but it's hard to tell from that short clip.

The one who flies to the person is the one that will, most likely, have more attention issues, but may be the more outgoing and interactive of the two. Just a guess.

Neither one looks shy or the least bit defensive. So, no real socialization issues there.

Thanks Birdman, I understand, I was planing to get each one of my kids to interact with the birds also, thanks for your advice I really respect your opinion

They are both beautiful, Joe! Tough choice, I think. I'd be tempted to take both, too. But Michael's point about having two pterodactyl sized birds fighting over you from each arm is well taken. Rather not have my head in the middle of THAT dust up! Ouch. Confetti, anyone?

Nonsense. I had four big macs glued to me all weekend. (One on each shoulder, and one on each arm.)

The downside is that you never get anything else done! Pick one up, pick them all up... Jealous birds!

HA HA HA... Now that's a PICTURE...You know speaking of that ...... I keep hearing about all these cool things (like all your birds in a tree outside) The next time you have FOUR Macs on your person will you PLEASE get a picture ??

Wow! How exciting!! That's going to be a heck of a road trip, but definitely worth it!! When are you going?

They're both very gorgeous!

Thanks Shirre, It is about 255 miles EACH way If I can get everything worked out this weekend, I left this post around 12:30 PM to drive to NJ and pick up a $4k motor for an AC cooling tower (that was an emergency job of course)

So I just got back home to finish the posting, Soooo I have kind of an update, I called the breeder while I was in the truck driving and tried to "firm up" seeing her this weekend

Since I like to find humor in everything in life I am going to give you the good and the bad

GOOD: she is not going away for the holiday weekend
BAD: she can't take a credit card, so the deposit is on a check
GOOD: she said even though there is a deposit on one of them I COULD HAVE PICK because the "other person" does not have a preference YAY !!
BAD: because she does not take credit cards I have to come up with the $1500 balance in CASH in the next week or so (I had a credit card set aside for this purchase)

And Now it wouldn't be Joe's life unless there was a SCARY BAD, as always is the case in my life, we were talking about when I could bring home the bird, I was loving life for a minute and then she said quote:

"It's just as well we wait a week or so cause the other day I smelled something funny and it was the birds poop so I called and the vet came out to my house and prescribed me an antibiotic just to be safe, So I wouldn't want to send the bird home with me till they were all done the antibiotic"

I now feel like I am losing my mind

Someone I have the utmost respect for told me I shouldn't be so worried about it, and pointed out how she is being honest with me and maybe even just over worrying a bit, I tend to agree but with a 500 mile ride, $2000 of my money and my children's love and emotion on the line I must say it's something I didn't want to hear

I think my next step is to ask her:

1) What medicine they have the Birds on?
2) What the vet thinks it is?
3) and since the vet gave the birds an antibiotic will she give me a note saying why for my vet?

I never had any kind of "smelly poop" in 20 years of owning my Poe

Does this happen?

Joe, this is so exciting! They are both so gorgeous, but you realize that you do need both because it broke my heart when Simon and Garfunkel split up
Her place looks so clean and neat, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is that way when you go there, and that there is no smell.
When are you going?

Ha Ha Ha, Well Terry Thanks for paying some HUMOR forward to me, We are a very musical family, so when I told my daughter Rissa what you said about when Simon and Garfunkel being split up she laughed hysterically
(seeing her laugh like that really brightened my day thanks)

Simon and Garfunkle are gorgeous birds! You can tell they were raised with lots of attention and love. Can't wait to hear what you decide!

Thanks Lorinda, I appreciate your thoughts

TBC..... ( to be continued)....

Joe

 

[MikeyTN]

Due to how far it is I would advise you to either make up your mind on it to make it a one trip deal or you sure can visit couple times. Cause it just sounds kinda fishy to me that she'll take deposit but you have to wait for them to get better from the antibiotics first then make another trip? Be real careful especially when they're that far away!!!