is it fair....for the bird??

[azdesertrhino]

This is an excellent thread and I struggled with these concerns for some time until I read some of the thoughts here.

when we got Mac, we did a lot of research about costs, time constraints, foods, toys, cages etc. The one thing that did not seem to hit us was longevity. Mac will out live us. When it comes time to re-home him, hopefully one of our grandchildren will take him.

If not, one of the fine folks on this forum will be getting a visit from us!!

 

[forbey]

If you go with that line of thinking then none of us should ever get birds, because there are no guarantees in life - anything can happen to any of us at any time.

I guess that is about as healthy an outlook as one could have. Take a shot, love a bird (or birds) and plan for their future while you plan for yours!

 

[aliray]

Forbey, Keep us posted and put up pics when you decide who will be your new fid or fids

 

[Zazoothehahns]

There are absolutely no gaurantees in life. Not only Are we uncertain about our future, there are issues that may arise with with our feathered friends. I must admit, that it is a factor we must strongly consider. I know when it comes to my horses, the one year old I have will likely be the last baby I will ever have here. While there are 101 things that may happen between now and the time he may become an old man, till he is grown and trained, I will not be getting any younger and the ground will not be getting any softer (any horse folks will get that). None the less, that factor alone makes having him all the sweeter, I enjoy each and every phase he goes through, knowing I will not be putting that time into another young horse.
With that said, I say if you have the know how, allow it to be your last hoorah, if you have a plan for the future, go for it, treasure knowing it will be the last young bird you will raise. Now, if I were looking for a larger macaw, cockatoo or timneh grey( i may be down the road) I think I would prefer one that was a well loved 20-30+ yr old, that was willing to accept our family and needed to find a caregiver due to the previous owners age. I really wouldn't think twice about that and would prefer it in all actuality.

 

[Tonia]

Ya know...I didn't even think about that when I adopted our new baby, Annelise, 2 weeks ago. She turned a year old on June 5th. Of course, I have 4 children....3 of which are HUGE animal lovers so I feel sure Annelise will be well loved and taken care of throughout her life. Good luck to you WHATEVER age bird you decide on. Annelise has brought nothing but laughter and smiles to our family thus far
~~~Tonia

 

[sodakat]

Does everyone seriously think their bird will be the one that lives to 40 or 50 or 60????

I think the number of pet parrots over 30 is very small. Would love to be proved wrong of course. Who owns all these old birds?

 

[henpecked]

I don't have many under 30.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Many good and interesting points of view here, all valid for their own reasons. I have thought of this stuff too, thinking 'maybe' someday i will add to my flock.
I guess in a way the bottom line is that if you are even following the line of thoughtful consideration of what is best for the bird, that is the first sign that you are a good candidate! A good home with proper socialization and happiness would mean more even if it didn't last for the duration of the bird's life than a 'so so' home FOREVER.
Then with all that said, i also think it's a great idea to consider adopting an older bird as well.
I don't think either is "right" or "wrong", just find what works for everyone.

 

[triordan]

When it rains if pours, now I have a few choices for rehoming, all Greys , now I have decided which one. ?... Only one will I be able to see before hand and that's a female Congo , waiting to hear back about the others!

 

[aliray]

Go with your heart and then it is tough to go wrong

 

[sarafigal]

I have a rescued 34-yr-old Amazon and a rescued 25-yr-old CAG. They are absolutely delightful, full of developed personality. Rescues are FULL of adult birds who have been stranded for one reason or another--there are enough out there that it is always possible to find the right match.

 

[sodakat]

I don't have many under 30.

That is wonderful. Unfortunately, especially on forums, I think you are one of few.

I think the oldest bird I know of is 45. Most of the "older ones" are in their 20s. I'm talking about birds with proof of age.