Hm!!! Should I adopt this CAG? Possibly getting a new girl!

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Need some advice! I moved out of state to be with my boyfriend, and have been living in good old California for over 7 months now. We are very happy together, and adopted 2 parrots over a month ago. We have a two bedroom apartment - one bedroom has 2 bird cages, and the rest of the space is kind of used for storage from my big move. I have a big drum set in there - I used to have a practice spot where I practiced drums back home, and ever since I moved it's been torn down and stacked up in one corner of the room.

So, when we adopted the birds, it took a lot of convincing. I had to really work on my boyfriend for a month or two before he realized that it fit in with our lives. I really wanted an African Grey, but he was set on an Amazon. We were going to just adopt one named Kiwi, but we met Kiwi and her friend Beako together and they got along so well. Beako was actually friendlier than Kiwi, and so we adopted both of them.

Do any of you have had this happen: You love your birds so much, but you still have a yearning or place in your heart for another type of bird? That's how it is with me - I still want an African Grey, even though I love my two gals! I'm on a bird rescue mailing list - and there are several CAGs that need foster homes right now. One of them caught my eye - a 4 year old CAG who has been plucking lately and hasn't been getting enough attention. She says a few simple phrases, steps up nicely, loves being on the owners shoulder preening, and showers. Sounds like she needs more attention. When I mentioned it to my boyfriend a few times, he said " you're not letting go of this huh?" Then he said that if I got rid of my drum set and cleared out that room, another bird could work. We already discussed the extra cost, work, and time it would take for another bird.

We both have good jobs right now - and the drum set is just sitting there. I guess if I sold it, I could always buy another one later down the line if I wanted to pick up the hobby again. I also have cymbals that can sell for $$$ too. I told my boyfriend if I sold the kit, I could keep the money aside for vet bills, etc.

Should I go for this? I'm really considering posting all the stuff on Craigslist!!!! I'd love your guys input!!!!

Side note: The owner of the CAG said he doesn't know if she can learn to say more. I replied "If she's a CAG, she definitely has the capacity". Don't you guys agree?

Sincerely,
EXCITED!

 

[vicky2200]

If you feel you have the time, money, and knowledge to care for the bird, go for it! I don't think CAGs ever get to a point where they can't learn more.

 

[DannyA93]

Hmm well since it seems you guys have it all figured out i'd say go for it! im in college for music and i know how much a good drum set could go for haha good luck when you bring your new CAG home and yes she definately has the "capacity"! haha

 

[BillsBirds]

Dear Excited, (LOL), Sounds like my house! Roles are a little different, though. I could never have too many birds. I love the ones I have, but, know there are more out there that need me (& I want). My wife is like your boyfriend. She has always gone along with my decisions, and says that I am like the little boy that comes home with the stray dog, and says, "Mommy, can I keep him?". Though, usually the bird was already here when she got home. As long as you understand what is going to be involved in having 3 birds like that, and will do the right things, I say go for it! I, too, would love an AG, either CAG or TAG. Let's not get into that now. We're concentrating on you. There's a lot to having 3 big birds. If they all get along fine, out of cage time & handling jealousies are easily controlled. If not, be ready to handle them in "shifts". You are already aware of the expenses involved. Are your 2 noisy? A third will elevate the decibels. From your posts, you seem to know what you're doing. Plus, I bet, your mind is already made up!

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Thanks so much for the responses so far! So yeah, I have thought hard about cleaning another cage. The other two gals hang out together outside of their cage, do showers together, and when I prepare their food, I can easily get some extras for a new bowl I hope 3 isn't a crowd! The current owner says when she isn't getting attention she will make a beep sound like an alarm, and that he just covers her. No wonder she is plucking!!!! Does anyone have experience with a bird that plucks? Is it possible to get under control? I asked the owner if he knows if she is plucking from neglect or a health problem. Waiting to hear back on that. My two are quiet during the day, and when I let them out they talk talk talk talk, sometimes really loud, and laugh. But it's definitely manageable. I was hoping that with all the talking going on, the CAG will join in!!! I am really excited for a CAG because of their intelligence and clarity when speaking. Right now my amazons blabber blabber blabber, and a lot of it is hard to understand

Check out my youtube account: BeakoKiwiTV - YouTube to see how funny my current girls are!

So funny that your wife finds new birds living at your home when she gets home! So funny! I'd be the same way, but my boyfriend would kill me if I didn't talk it through with him first. We have big hearts. Do tell me about your love and want for a CAG or TAG! I'm listening!

 

[Mozzie]

It sounds like you have it figured out quite well as to how to make it work. I say "GO FOR IT!!". Cag's are so much FUN!!!! I adopted mine a little over a year ago, and she was 11 years old at the time. She is such a huge part of our family. And I can not tell you how many words and phrases she has learned this last year, but it is a TON!! So I expect it would be the same for your new one if you do get it. Peppers continues to learn new things all the time, and I think most CAG's are that way. They are incredible parrots!!!!!

 

[Mozzie]

Thanks so much for the responses so far! So yeah, I have thought hard about cleaning another cage. The other two gals hang out together outside of their cage, do showers together, and when I prepare their food, I can easily get some extras for a new bowl I hope 3 isn't a crowd! The current owner says when she isn't getting attention she will make a beep sound like an alarm, and that he just covers her. No wonder she is plucking!!!! Does anyone have experience with a bird that plucks? Is it possible to get under control? I asked the owner if he knows if she is plucking from neglect or a health problem. Waiting to hear back on that. My two are quiet during the day, and when I let them out they talk talk talk talk, sometimes really loud, and laugh. But it's definitely manageable. I was hoping that with all the talking going on, the CAG will join in!!! I am really excited for a CAG because of their intelligence and clarity when speaking. Right now my amazons blabber blabber blabber, and a lot of it is hard to understand

Check out my youtube account: BeakoKiwiTV - YouTube to see how funny my current girls are!

So funny that your wife finds new birds living at your home when she gets home! So funny! I'd be the same way, but my boyfriend would kill me if I didn't talk it through with him first. We have big hearts. Do tell me about your love and want for a CAG or TAG! I'm listening!

Peppers makes that same beep sounds whenever she wants anything. It is one of her ways to communicate if she doesn't feel like using words. If I ask her a question like "do you want to go back?" she will beep if the answer is yes. It is pretty cute. I will check out your girls video. I bet it is cute.

 

[Safira]

I adopted a 10 year old CAG that is mostly plucked bald, with only some fuzz on her back that she let grow in. Her plucking is caused by stress, I can tell whenever I do anything 'new' she doesn't like, she'll snip the base of the feather off (not pull it out of herself.)

Since this bird is younger it may be a change of enviorment will help. Sometimes they stop, sometimes they don't. The important thing is to love them as who they are, and not to respond to the plucking behavior. It can be very hard to watch.

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Thank you for your response in your experience. I think I'm being a little naive in thinking that the plucking may just stop if I take her in. It could be a permanent thing. I never thought about how I'd feel watching it happen. Like you said, boy would it be hard. I should keep in mind that it could be a long-term thing. Thanks so much for sharing.