Getting babies versus adopting older birds

[Sasha2]

Does anyone feel like they kind of missed out because they adopted older birds? Both mine were older (18mnths and 2yrs)and I never have gotten to have that cuddly baby time with them.
My greenie cuddles me now but not like I see some birds do.I know my Sun will never cuddle since he is even older.
I mean its not sooo important but I do sometimes wish I had gotten a baby.

 

[Kiwibird]

I think everyone desires a different experience with their bird(s). I personally wanted an older bird. Kiwi was probably adorable as a baby, but I did not care to go through the onset of puberty with a bird and possibly have all my hard work with training fly out the window because hormones kicked in. I've heard countless horror stories of the sweet, loving, well behaved parrot who hit puberty and became a raging hormone monster, putting the owner back at square one with them. I wanted a bird who had already began to experience hormonal behavior, so the training and socializing I needed to do could focus around his adult personality that would not be likely to change again. We adopted Kiwi when he was around 10, he is now 15, and is really mellowing out. Plus, I just really wanted to give a older bird with issues the chance to experience a loving home and proper care. It is the best reward ever to see Kiwi finally start to come out of his shell and be the happy, loved bird he deserves to be. The only thing I wish is that Kiwi wouldn't have had to experience the things he did in his prior homes (which must've been awful, confusing and terrifying for him), but who knows, maybe he appreciates being spoiled rotten now even more than he would have had he been well cared for his whole life.

 

[Jtbirds]

I'd like to point out that just because a bird is rehomed does not mean it will to bond or cuddle or play. My macaws are all rescues and most of the let me lay them on there backs, preform various tricks with them and cuddle. Our cockatoos and other birds are the same way. I do want to one day have the expirence of raising a baby bird, but I will never regret offering a home to an animal in need

 

[Peeker]

I adopted my girls as older birds and my male was a baby. Each has their own personality and the male is not a cuddler. He is active a bit unpredictable at times so trying to cuddle with him could get me bit. One of the girls was 10 when I adopted her. She is now 20 and very cuddly. She will climb right up my chest and snuggle with her head tucked under my chin. I can do most anything with her and not risk a bite. I don't think it's a matter of age when you adopt. It has to do with their unique personalities and the bond you two share.

 

[OOwl]

I love my rehomed Amazon, and I'm glad I could help her, but I actually have a better relationship with the birds I raised from babies. I am comforted to know they never had a horrible previous life, I like knowing their complete medical histories, and I see no ghosts, confusion, or pain in their eyes, like I do the Amazon's. They have an innocence and confidence about them that the Amazon will never have. It's hard not to pity the Amazon and treat her differently, trying to atone for the neglect and ignorance she suffered in her previous home. It's hard that she trusts no one but a select few. It's hard to watch her struggle with things that the others, raised here as babies, take for granted, like showers, fresh foods, and new toys. It's hard that she has trouble making friends.

I admire those that can and do rescue ALL their parrots. It can be a lot of work, sometimes more so than raising a baby correctly, but the rewards are great. It certainly causes you to become a better parrot keeper, because you become part-time rehabber and part-time behaviorist.

 

[SandyBee]

We adopted both of our birds and they are total cuddle bugs.I know people that have gotten their birds as babies and ours cuddle more. I'm not sure if we just got lucky or what.

 

[MonicaMc]

I wouldn't consider 2 years to be old!

My first conure was estimated to be 9-11 years old when he was given to me, but for all I know, he could have been older! (older than myself, actually). It wouldn't have surprised me. Noel never really was cuddly or very human orientated, but I still loved him for who he was!

My second conure was 12 years old when I adopted him (was told 10 years of age, but his leg band said otherwise). Charlie is cuddly, nippy, loud, hilarious, goofy, etc. He's pretty much all conure! All that I expected and then some! I was so used to Noel's personality and behaviors that Charlie was more than I "bargained" for, but he's still 'my-turd'! ;-)



I'd *love* to have a young conure someday! I'd love to watch a conure grow up and go through all the trials and tribulations of being a conure! But I'd be fine with adopting another one, too!


Considering the fact that conures can still be growing (mentally) and maturing, even at the age of 2 years, I consider that young! But I do get what you mean!

 

[Sasha2]

My greencheek is cuddly but being a conure can be nippy and bossy too.Just curious if anyone felt they missed out.
I hope my sun gets cuddly but Its not a requirement.I just sometime wonder if getting a baby would make a difference in how they act later.

 

[Bird_Mom_to_Coby_the_GW]

I personally don't think I would ever go to a breeder and buy a baby bird. There are too many older birds out there that are in desperate need of good loving homes. My Coby was almost four when I got him. He was not used to being handled, was quick to bite and didn't trust humans at all. He is now a happy, healthy, sweet and well adjusted bird. His cuddles mean more to me because of what he has over come than any cuddles from a baby bird that has known nothing but kindness.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Rosie is at least 20 and I've had her for almost 2 years. I feel she knows her life is better. She does struggle with some things since she went through abuse & neglect but we've overcome most of it already. She loves me so much, and although she isn't cuddly she loves to have her head scratched, and to be around me.

I just adopted Kenji so I don't really know him yet. We are taking it one day at a time and getting to know each other.

Adopting a older bird is a fantastic thing, I love earning trust and getting to know them more and more. There are things you have to work on but eventually everything seems to work itself out and you have a friend for life.

 

[henpecked]

It's the part about raising a parrot the right way that makes a difference. I wish i could raise a baby amazon now , knowing what i know now, from "raising" older rehomes. I've done well with my longtime pet. But that's because of early socialization. As an older guy i don't really want to start with a baby at this stage of my life. However i know i could raise it right and it would survive me just fine with the right parront. It's the socialization that lets them adjust to our lifestyle, and adjust to the rest of life's trials. Hat's off to those of you who care enough to work it out with an older bird. Then again i wish all babies could have experienced owners who would put in the time and patience that an older bird needs. Raising a pet from a baby is the rare chance to get it right and have a life long companion, like i have. Sorry, but i'm "on the fence" on this topic.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I love birds !! I wish could say that Im just for rehomes [but Im just not].I love having both .I think that the experiences Ive had, have benefited both. The babies had built my confidence and the rehomes have made me learn how to treat all my birds even better!! I think the rehomes have progressed so quickly because they have had a chance to settle without my pressure to progress our relationship.[I say hi and if they want to see me great ,if not im sure someone else will.] Its nice to have the bird who can crawl all over you and have my hand in her mouth[my Macaw] and you dont have to pay attention cause I know she wont hurt me. I also love the birds that can sit contently next to me for hours that can communicate in their own way. I dont think it should be one way or another.Its not like you can let these birds go outside and survive.They both need good homes.