Help composing message to rescue

[LordTriggs]

Hello all. I've spent the last few days trying to compose a message to email to the rescue I'm looking at regarding the Meyer's they have. I thought I would ask here to possibly proof-read the message I have and offer up any ideas to it so I can as many points covered as I can. So without further ado, here is the wall of text I have for them!

Hello,

I’ve recently been looking at getting myself a parrot after losing my Green Cheek Conure back in May. I met with some representatives of birdline at a show and they gave me a lot of really good information in regards to parrots and adoptions.
I’ve taken some time in thinking over whether I should get another parrot and what would be suitable for me, recently I saw the Meyer’s parrot you have currently up for adoption and have to admit I’m a little smitten by him. I just wanted to ask a couple questions about him before making any further decisions based around him, not sure if you’re able to get into contact with his current safe-house to relay any info back to me?
I’m aure you must get a lot of people asking for quiet non-bitey parrots be assured I am very much aware they do bite and they do make noise. My main concern with his noise would be regarding neighbours as I live in an apartment so need to consider them too. Like I said I have owned a Green Cheek who would get a good screech going when excited and never received complaints and there appears to be a few wild Ringneck Parakeets living in the area so there is at least a tolerance for the noise, of course I don’t think any of them would be too pleased with a constant high-pitched screeching bird in the building.
Secondly I am aware that he can get a bit bitey when upset (who doesn’t? haha) I’ve tried searching to figure out just how bad a Meyer’s bite is but of course people either never speak of a bite or greatly exaggerate them. I’ve never actually met a Meyer’s or similar poicephalus birds before so have nothing to really go on. My main concern is that I’m not the greatest person at handling pains don’t want to be in a situation where I become quickly scared of him. My Green cheek got me once pretty well and I was okay with that and recently got a bit of a nip from a Lorikeet so I know I can tolerate some pain but of course each bird is different. I was just hoping to get some general idea of what it’s like to get hit by a Meyer’s.
Also, I’m not sure how long he has been with birdline for but I was wondering if he had been through his hormone period at all within his safehouse? And if at all possible I could get an idea of how he is with that troublesome time, I’ve looked into ways to help them get through the time easier/quicker but of course some birds find the time more frustrating than others so to get an idea of how he is with it would be really helpful to care for him.
Lastly I was wondering if there is any point during the adoption process where a prospective adopter is allowed to meet with the bird to see if they are happy with the new person before a final decision is made? Naturally the last thing anyone wants is to have a parrot put into a home where they don’t like the new owner and end up needing to come back to the safe house.

I look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind Regards

 

[plumsmum2005]

Name the show you attended and any names of the reps from birdline you met there.

I would make it more formal ie opening and closing of the letter.

spell check, spell check lol.

 

[LordTriggs]

Name the show you attended and any names of the reps from birdline you met there.

I would make it more formal ie opening and closing of the letter.

spell check, spell check lol.

yes I do need to spell check it. I don't remember the names but I'll put the show. How would I make it more formal?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Dear Sir and ending Yours Faithfully

Possibly condense the paragraph starting 'Secondly' Remember you do not want to put them off you! Read it back a few times, will help.

Lastly I was wondering if there is any point during the adoption process where a prospective adopter is allowed to meet with the bird to see if they are happy with the new person before a final decision is made? Naturally the last thing anyone wants is to have a parrot put into a home where they don’t like the new owner and end up needing to come back to the safe house.

I am a firm believer in letting the bird choose and with this in mind would like to be able to meet the Meyers to see how we get on. Naturally the last thing anyone wants is to have a parrot put into a home where they don’t like the new owner and end up needing to come back to the safe house.

 

[LordTriggs]

thank you! that'll be a lot of help

 

[wrench13]

I’ve recently been looking at getting myself a parrot after losing my Green Cheek Conure back in May. I met with some representatives of birdline at a show and they gave me a lot of really good information in regards to parrots and adoptions.
I’ve taken some time in thinking over whether I should get another parrot and what would be suitable for me. Recently I saw the Meyer’s parrot you have currently up for adoption and have to admit I’m a little smitten by him. I just wanted to ask a couple questions about him before making any further decisions based around him, not sure if you’re able to get into contact with his current safe-house to relay any info back to me?
I’m aure you must get a lot of people asking for quiet non-bitey parrots; be assured I am very much aware they do bite and they do make noise. My main concern with his noise would be regarding neighbors as I live in an apartment so need to consider them too. Like I said I have owned a Green Cheek who would get a good screech going when excited and never received complaints and there appears to be a few wild Ringneck Parakeets living in the area so there is at least a tolerance for the noise, of course I don’t think any of them would be too pleased with a constant high-pitched screeching bird in the building.
Secondly I am aware that he can get a bit bitey when upset (who doesn’t? haha) I’ve tried searching to figure out just how bad a Meyer’s bite is but of course people either never speak of a bite or greatly exaggerate them. I’ve never actually met a Meyer’s or similar poicephalus birds before so have nothing to really go on. My main concern is that I’m not the greatest person at handling pains don’t want to be in a situation where I become quickly scared of him. My Green cheek got me once pretty well and I was okay with that and recently got a bit of a nip from a Lorikeet so I know I can tolerate some pain but of course each bird is different. I was just hoping to get some general idea of what it’s like to get hit by a Meyer’s.
Also, I’m not sure how long he has been with birdline for but I was wondering if he had been through his hormone period at all within his safehouse? And if at all possible I could get an idea of how he is with that troublesome time, I’ve looked into ways to help them get through the time easier/quicker but of course some birds find the time more frustrating than others so to get an idea of how he is with it would be really helpful to care for him.
Lastly I was wondering if there is any point during the adoption process where a prospective adopter is allowed to meet with the bird to see if they are happy with the new person before a final decision is made? Naturally the last thing anyone wants is to have a parrot put into a home where they don’t like the new owner and end up needing to come back to the safe house.

I marked off corrections/changes in red. Personally, I think you are giving them pause to let you adopt. Why?
a) You last parrot died
b) admitting noise is a concern
c) admitting bites are a concern - and asking how bad they can be. If you've had experience with parrots, you know they vary by bird, circumstances, etc. Asking them this question introduces doubt
d) Asking if he is thru puberty what his mating season is like

Its like your putting restrictions on them rather then the otherway around.

Hey I hope you get the little guy and I've not tried to adopt a parrot ( dogs yes). Me I would leave as much out as possible. You've parrot experience already. You saw the Meyers, did your research, and would like to move onto the next step in adoption, what are they please? Short and sweet. Good luck!

 

[LordTriggs]

so Wrench do you think it would be better to just 'dive in' so to speak and apply for him? Noise is becoming less of a worry the more I research, I've seen hours of video of them and they barely make a noise in any of them except for mimicking and of course their eyes are more emotive than Green Cheeks (looking for pinning on a pure black eye is pretty tough)

 

[Scott]

I would humbly agree with condensing the letter a bit. Your heart is in the right place and enthusiasm shines through, but sharing doubts may give the rescue pause.

Perhaps focusing on your positive experiences with birds and expressing concern for first meeting the Meyers would be helpful. Your writing is genuine and has built a case for avoiding a "grab and go" adoption.

 

[LordTriggs]

I would humbly agree with condensing the letter a bit. Your heart is in the right place and enthusiasm shines through, but sharing doubts may give the rescue pause.

Perhaps focusing on your positive experiences with birds and expressing concern for first meeting the Meyers would be helpful. Your writing is genuine and has built a case for avoiding a "grab and go" adoption.

Okay, so more just focus on positive. Thankfully the people I met were very supportive, they said they thought a grey would suit me although I'm not convinced even though everyone else think greys suit me

 

[Scott]

Thankfully the people I met were very supportive, they said they thought a grey would suit me although I'm not convinced even though everyone else think greys suit me

Have you taken any of the "find a bird" quizzes? Somebody posted one a while ago.

What is the best pet bird for you? Quiz
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=which-pet-bird-would-be-best-you

Some of these can be silly, but you seem to have a good idea what you'd like.

 

[LordTriggs]

Thankfully the people I met were very supportive, they said they thought a grey would suit me although I'm not convinced even though everyone else think greys suit me

Have you taken any of the "find a bird" quizzes? Somebody posted one a while ago.

What is the best pet bird for you? Quiz
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=which-pet-bird-would-be-best-you

Some of these can be silly, but you seem to have a good idea what you'd like.

Yeah I've done loads of those, I seem to get a relatively high percentage with most birds! The lowest percentage of compatability I just got was a Macaw at 41% funnilly enough the top 4 in the all pet birds quiz were small conures, Lorikeets, cockatiels and then Lovebirds

I'm actually very unsure of what I want, pretty open to whatever works with apartment life and gets on with me. I'd go for a Lorikeet in a heartbeat but of course the mess and specialist diet would eat up so much time I wouldn't have the opportunity to be with the bird

 

[plumsmum2005]

I agree with Wrench but was trying to be a bit more subtle, you are giving them an opt out, why?

If you need more time and feel you should be doing this instead of want to be doing this, have as much as you need. You are welcome here and it makes no difference bird or not.

Sorry I have a niggle that it should be another Conure. WDYT?

 

[LordTriggs]

I agree with Wrench but was trying to be a bit more subtle, you are giving them an opt out, why?

If you need more time and feel you should be doing this instead of want to be doing this, have as much as you need. You are welcome here and it makes no difference bird or not.

Sorry I have a niggle that it should be another Conure. WDYT?

Yes I have to admit maybe a conure is right. More than anything I know what I'm getting. Possibly a hand-fed one just to help with the taming process.

I do feel in a position where I want one, but of course I can never quite read my own emotions (yay aspergers). Of course meeting is a key part to it all. I think when I get some funds together at the start of October maybe a trip up to sky birds (no idea if you've heard of them) may be in order

 

[Katu]

Yes, in the meantime, meet more birds if you possibly can. I quite liked a Senegal at the one shop I visited, which wasn't even on my list. I wouldn't worry so much about the taming process. You seem to really have it under control strategy-wise, and you've done it twice already. I'm all for the best possible start of course, but you seem to have very limited options where you live, and I feel that you'd be able to overcome issues a bird might have due to your previous experience and knowledge.

 

[clark_conure]

Wouldn't hurt to name drop you're a "Senior member" or parrotforums.com with 522 thanks in 368 posts, the most premier parrot information spot on the inter-tubes.

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

You already know everything to expect in a parrot.
possible noise, possible biting, etc.

You should write a letter telling them (and yourself) all of the reasons that you would be a great parront.

 

[sonja]

Is birdline the name of the rescue? Unless they specifically don't capitalize their name, it should be capitalized.
I see you are in the UK, so maybe "safe house" is the correct term, but generally they are called foster homes.
As someone who has done rescue for a jillion years, I'd prefer if someone filled out the application and wrote a short note at the end covering some of the things people are suggesting. The application is always our starting point.
Express in interest in the Meyers, if he's who you are interested in, but also add that you are open to suggestions on who they think might be a good match for your situation.
And, as has been mentioned, be positive in your initial communication with them.
But, if they start to check you out for adoption, be honest. Don't lie about what happened to your last bird. They will Google you and if they find the info and you've lied to them, or hidden it, well, game over. Because they don't know what else you may be hiding.
Finally, perhaps you could volunteer with them for a while so you could get to know the birds and the people could get to know you. Then making a good match will be clearer.
Best of luck and thank you for rescuing!!!

 

[ZephyrFly]

Is birdline the name of the rescue? Unless they specifically don't capitalize their name, it should be capitalized.
I see you are in the UK, so maybe "safe house" is the correct term, but generally they are called foster homes.
As someone who has done rescue for a jillion years, I'd prefer if someone filled out the application and wrote a short note at the end covering some of the things people are suggesting. The application is always our starting point.
Express in interest in the Meyers, if he's who you are interested in, but also add that you are open to suggestions on who they think might be a good match for your situation.
And, as has been mentioned, be positive in your initial communication with them.
But, if they start to check you out for adoption, be honest. Don't lie about what happened to your last bird. They will Google you and if they find the info and you've lied to them, or hidden it, well, game over. Because they don't know what else you may be hiding.
Finally, perhaps you could volunteer with them for a while so you could get to know the birds and the people could get to know you. Then making a good match will be clearer.
Best of luck and thank you for rescuing!!!

Birdlime isnt a single location, it's network of people who rescue, foster, and re-home birds. So volunteering isn't really an option besides becoming a foster home. Also the site is a little odd with the word foster, the site has a "become a foster" application but in the bird profiles it's normally calls safe houses.

Birdline Parrot Rescue