My baby needs a new home :-(

[Celtic Caique]

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, so forgive me for just jumping right in. But the reason I came is urgent. After 8 years of having my beautiful Talyn, (my Black-Headed Caique) I am forced to find her a new home, and I don't know what to do. My husband and I have had parrots for many years, so I am aware of the fact that they are noisy. Never did I think I would be needing find a new family for Talyn. I truly intended her to be a lifelong family member.
I have had Talyn since she was 5 or 6 months old. She was hand raised, and to this day is very sociable to almost everyone. But my two daughters, ages 7 and 9 are not comfortable with her as they have been bit. They made fast movements and while that isn't an excuse for Talyn to bite, I understand why she did. I also have two dogs who are both rescues. They absolutely cower from the noise that Talyn makes, and will run from the room, which encourages the screaming. I could elaborate, but after much sole searching and tears and praying, I've decided that the best thing for the rest of my family members, and hopefully the best thing for Talyn, is to find her the right home.
So... this open up so many questions. I don't want to just give her away due to the horror stories I've heard about people getting someone's bird and then turning around and selling it. But finding her the right home is what's most important. She's had a Cages by Design enclosure her entire life, which is about a $1,500.00 cage. Since it is clear in the front and back, I'm assuming she would be most happy continuing to be in that type of home?
I'm making this way too long. Sorry. I'm just so confused and needing to make a decision that is best for everyone. If anyone could help, I would so appreciate it. I can't stand the thought of her going to the wrong home...

 

[WhataCracker]

If only i lived in America, i've been looking for a caique...

Hope you find somewhere soon!

 

[birdcrazy]

Ok so you're are trying to find a new home for her because she is too loud and bit your daughters ? I'm just trying to get the reasoning straight here. Because after 8 years those seem like strange reasons for giving up a baby.

 

[parrotqueen]

There is a great website or fixing problems like this, it's called Birdtricks.com. You can fix screaming, biting, and even do potty training.

I would reccomend trying training before breaking down and deciding to rehome her. I trust the the man that owns BirdTricks, because I actually used some of the training successfully. Pineapple, my tiel; was nippy and cage aggressive. A little training and...poof! He is now a very good little boy.

Keep trying, and I hope this can help you. It is truly heartbreaking to rehome one of your babies.

 

[antoinette]

I'm just so confused and needing to make a decision that is best for everyone. If anyone could help, I would so appreciate it.
I can't stand the thought of her going to the wrong home...

I agree with parrotqueen, re-homing your baby will be absolutely heartbreaking.
Great link below, many helpful tips, concerning your problem.
If I were in your shoes, I would certainly, try anything, just to keep my beloved feathered friend. 8 years is a lifetime, something really worth considering.
Good luck


http://birdtricks.com/

 

[Celtic Caique]

Thank you to everyone who has posted in response to my request for help. I know what I am looking at doing is very frowned upon, and I expected some ridicule for looking at trying to adopt Talyn out to a new family. Yes, it breaks my heart. I've spent a lifetime advocating for animals, educating about spaying/neutering, volunteering for the Humane Society, etc. I always put my fur/feathered/scaled kids before myself. That is what I am trying to do here, which is why I've come to a group of parrot lovers.
I have worked a great deal with so many of the training techniques that are mentioned in the videos you have spoken of, as well as from countless other resources. She has a clean bill of health, is fed a healthy pelleted diet, supplemented with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of nuts. The nuts are hidden in toys throughout the day so she can forage for them. Fruits and veggies are on fruit kabobs and other various interactive feeding methods. Her water is Nikken filtered water so there are no chemicals in it. She gets misted with the same water. Her cage is large, clear in the front and back, 3'x3'x4', and is open almost all day long. She has a bed to go into, which she chooses to do at night. She has manzanita, mineral, and therapeutic perches of various sizes. Her toys are rotated constantly, hung at different levels, and constructed from different materials that she can shred and chew. Her favorites though are paper towels! She also has balls, blocks, etc., that are on the floor for her to play with. I have a play gym for her which she uses regularly, and I take her around the house with me several times during the day. I also have a smaller travel cage that I put her in so she can enjoy being outside when weather permits. I do not trim her flight feathers, only her nails.
So that may tell you a bit about how she has been taken care of. As a homeschool mom, I'm home a great deal. So she isn't a bird that has been neglected. I've also had a lot of training in early childhood education, since I'm a licensed teacher. It may sound strange, but I have applied a lot of that training in working with Talyn. I ignore negative behavior, like screaming, and reward positive behavior, even if it is small. I will call to her when I leave the room, or answer her if she calls to me. If she screams, I make no response. Etc., etc. But Talyn will scream (yes, at the top of her lungs scream, not just usual loud parrot noise) for a very long time. I can be two feet away from her, and she will start screaming. I either ignore it or walk away. Mostly I ignore it as I don't want to give her any reaction what so ever.
Someone commented that screaming and biting seem like a strange reason to find a new home for Talyn. Please keep in mind that I have been working on changing these behaviors for long time. This is not a decision made in haste. But it is preventing my daughters from being able to focus on their schooling. That is a huge issue, and has to be considered. It is terrifying my dogs to where it is effecting the health of one of them. My vet has said so. That is a huge issue. I have had her for longer than Talyn and rescued her from a very abusive situation. She's never liked the noise, but she truly cannot handle what is going on now. As for the biting, if that were the only reason, I wouldn't be finding her a new home. My daughters don't have to hold her, and usually she is really good. But they do have to live in the same home, and everyone else is miserable. None of this is any good for Talyn!!! I know she would thrive in the right environment. But I need to make sure she gets that, and I don't know how to make sure of that. I'm feeling sick to my stomach just writing this...
I'm sorry. Perhaps this wasn't the proper place to write. I so understand your feelings about not wanting to see any bird rehomed. But I know in my heart that this is the best decision for all of us. I guess I needed to see it all in writing. Maybe our prayers will be answered and the right owner for her will see this.
Bless all of you and your feathered babies.

 

[Celtic Caique]

I forgot to mention that there are some photos of her in my album if anyone would like to see her. I hope I have it set up correctly.

 

[antoinette]

You mentioned I know what I am looking at doing is very frowned upon,
We will try never to judge someone. We are not in your position, I pray that I will never be.
Whatever your decision I wish you all the best

 

[Riley's mom]

Thank you to everyone who has posted in response to my request for help. I know what I am looking at doing is very frowned upon, and I expected some ridicule for looking at trying to adopt Talyn out to a new family. Yes, it breaks my heart. I've spent a lifetime advocating for animals, educating about spaying/neutering, volunteering for the Humane Society, etc. I always put my fur/feathered/scaled kids before myself. That is what I am trying to do here, which is why I've come to a group of parrot lovers.
I have worked a great deal with so many of the training techniques that are mentioned in the videos you have spoken of, as well as from countless other resources. She has a clean bill of health, is fed a healthy pelleted diet, supplemented with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of nuts. The nuts are hidden in toys throughout the day so she can forage for them. Fruits and veggies are on fruit kabobs and other various interactive feeding methods. Her water is Nikken filtered water so there are no chemicals in it. She gets misted with the same water. Her cage is large, clear in the front and back, 3'x3'x4', and is open almost all day long. She has a bed to go into, which she chooses to do at night. She has manzanita, mineral, and therapeutic perches of various sizes. Her toys are rotated constantly, hung at different levels, and constructed from different materials that she can shred and chew. Her favorites though are paper towels! She also has balls, blocks, etc., that are on the floor for her to play with. I have a play gym for her which she uses regularly, and I take her around the house with me several times during the day. I also have a smaller travel cage that I put her in so she can enjoy being outside when weather permits. I do not trim her flight feathers, only her nails.
So that may tell you a bit about how she has been taken care of. As a homeschool mom, I'm home a great deal. So she isn't a bird that has been neglected. I've also had a lot of training in early childhood education, since I'm a licensed teacher. It may sound strange, but I have applied a lot of that training in working with Talyn. I ignore negative behavior, like screaming, and reward positive behavior, even if it is small. I will call to her when I leave the room, or answer her if she calls to me. If she screams, I make no response. Etc., etc. But Talyn will scream (yes, at the top of her lungs scream, not just usual loud parrot noise) for a very long time. I can be two feet away from her, and she will start screaming. I either ignore it or walk away. Mostly I ignore it as I don't want to give her any reaction what so ever.
Someone commented that screaming and biting seem like a strange reason to find a new home for Talyn. Please keep in mind that I have been working on changing these behaviors for long time. This is not a decision made in haste. But it is preventing my daughters from being able to focus on their schooling. That is a huge issue, and has to be considered. It is terrifying my dogs to where it is effecting the health of one of them. My vet has said so. That is a huge issue. I have had her for longer than Talyn and rescued her from a very abusive situation. She's never liked the noise, but she truly cannot handle what is going on now. As for the biting, if that were the only reason, I wouldn't be finding her a new home. My daughters don't have to hold her, and usually she is really good. But they do have to live in the same home, and everyone else is miserable. None of this is any good for Talyn!!! I know she would thrive in the right environment. But I need to make sure she gets that, and I don't know how to make sure of that. I'm feeling sick to my stomach just writing this...
I'm sorry. Perhaps this wasn't the proper place to write. I so understand your feelings about not wanting to see any bird rehomed. But I know in my heart that this is the best decision for all of us. I guess I needed to see it all in writing. Maybe our prayers will be answered and the right owner for her will see this.
Bless all of you and your feathered babies.

Beautifully written even though you owe no explanations for your decisions. It is not fair for you to be judged. Like I wrote to you in the PM, situations arise where everyone has to make decisions that hurt, but is in the best interest of their beloved pets. I admire you for wanting what is best for Talyn. I would love to give her a new home. I think she would fit in here nicely, but I live in Florida. Good luck.

 

[Celtic Caique]

You mentioned I know what I am looking at doing is very frowned upon,
We will try never to judge someone. We are not in your position, I pray that I will never.
Whatever your decision I wish you all the best

Thank you Antoinette. I too pray you will never be in this situation, and I pray Talyn never will be again.

 

[Celtic Caique]

Riley's Mom, Thank you so very much for your understanding and support.
Your kind words mean a great deal to me. I was sitting outside with Talyn while I was working in the garden this afternoon, and talking to her about what is going on. She cooed and made all sorts of sweet noises, and it was so hard to fight back the tears. But I'm going to trust my girl to tell me when she's met the right person to be her new mommy. God will make sure that happens. Thanks again.. Birdie Blessings to you!

Thank you to everyone who has posted in response to my request for help. I know what I am looking at doing is very frowned upon, and I expected some ridicule for looking at trying to adopt Talyn out to a new family. Yes, it breaks my heart. I've spent a lifetime advocating for animals, educating about spaying/neutering, volunteering for the Humane Society, etc. I always put my fur/feathered/scaled kids before myself. That is what I am trying to do here, which is why I've come to a group of parrot lovers.
I have worked a great deal with so many of the training techniques that are mentioned in the videos you have spoken of, as well as from countless other resources. She has a clean bill of health, is fed a healthy pelleted diet, supplemented with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of nuts. The nuts are hidden in toys throughout the day so she can forage for them. Fruits and veggies are on fruit kabobs and other various interactive feeding methods. Her water is Nikken filtered water so there are no chemicals in it. She gets misted with the same water. Her cage is large, clear in the front and back, 3'x3'x4', and is open almost all day long. She has a bed to go into, which she chooses to do at night. She has manzanita, mineral, and therapeutic perches of various sizes. Her toys are rotated constantly, hung at different levels, and constructed from different materials that she can shred and chew. Her favorites though are paper towels! She also has balls, blocks, etc., that are on the floor for her to play with. I have a play gym for her which she uses regularly, and I take her around the house with me several times during the day. I also have a smaller travel cage that I put her in so she can enjoy being outside when weather permits. I do not trim her flight feathers, only her nails.
So that may tell you a bit about how she has been taken care of. As a homeschool mom, I'm home a great deal. So she isn't a bird that has been neglected. I've also had a lot of training in early childhood education, since I'm a licensed teacher. It may sound strange, but I have applied a lot of that training in working with Talyn. I ignore negative behavior, like screaming, and reward positive behavior, even if it is small. I will call to her when I leave the room, or answer her if she calls to me. If she screams, I make no response. Etc., etc. But Talyn will scream (yes, at the top of her lungs scream, not just usual loud parrot noise) for a very long time. I can be two feet away from her, and she will start screaming. I either ignore it or walk away. Mostly I ignore it as I don't want to give her any reaction what so ever.
Someone commented that screaming and biting seem like a strange reason to find a new home for Talyn. Please keep in mind that I have been working on changing these behaviors for long time. This is not a decision made in haste. But it is preventing my daughters from being able to focus on their schooling. That is a huge issue, and has to be considered. It is terrifying my dogs to where it is effecting the health of one of them. My vet has said so. That is a huge issue. I have had her for longer than Talyn and rescued her from a very abusive situation. She's never liked the noise, but she truly cannot handle what is going on now. As for the biting, if that were the only reason, I wouldn't be finding her a new home. My daughters don't have to hold her, and usually she is really good. But they do have to live in the same home, and everyone else is miserable. None of this is any good for Talyn!!! I know she would thrive in the right environment. But I need to make sure she gets that, and I don't know how to make sure of that. I'm feeling sick to my stomach just writing this...
I'm sorry. Perhaps this wasn't the proper place to write. I so understand your feelings about not wanting to see any bird rehomed. But I know in my heart that this is the best decision for all of us. I guess I needed to see it all in writing. Maybe our prayers will be answered and the right owner for her will see this.
Bless all of you and your feathered babies.

Beautifully written even though you owe no explanations for your decisions. It is not fair for you to be judged. Like I wrote to you in the PM, situations arise where everyone has to make decisions that hurt, but is in the best interest of their beloved pets. I admire you for wanting what is best for Talyn. I would love to give her a new home. I think she would fit in here nicely, but I live in Florida. Good luck.

 

[justwingingit]

It's a shame that you have to possibly rehome your bird and that you also feel that you have to explain and defend yourself. As was said, we are not here to judge, but to help. I just took on today a B&G Macaw, Sheba, who was originally bred and used at Disney. She is plucking and seems to want to possibly have a mate. I've put her between two of my males to see if there is any interest from anyone. Sometimes birds are rehomed, not matter how much we wish it wouldn't happen. Some reasons are important and heartbreaking. Others are stupid like "we redecorated and now the bird doesn't match." I hope that you are able to keep your bird with you. However, if it does come down to a new home, I'm sure you'll pick the right one. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Litilchef]

Just wanted to let you know I am sending your whole family some really positive energy. I have had a Louis for three months who I adopted from my best friend. The care that you provide Talyn sounds so commendable. It is so hard with kids these days and HOMESCHOOL? Holy man. I have two kids, one and five, and I can't wait for kindergarten to start for him so I can finally get a few things done around here. Good job taking care of everybody!

Louis was miserable at my friend's house and he's just fine here! My friend can't believe it! He is the only pet here now, but there he was one of five. Him, an African (the boss) and three little dogs. He used to scream all the time in the morning. He NEVER screams now, unless he sees a hawk out the window. Unfortunately we have a hawk nest in the back yard.

Just wanted to let you know my success story with Louis!

Kind regards,
Elizabeth

 

[carrie]

I would love to give Talon a new home but my problem is I live in Illinois. Hope you find a nice place. If you would like to ship Talon to me I would love to take Talon i have 2 conure parrots and 7 parakeets and i love all birds please e-mail me at [email protected].

 

[Beilana]

Thank you to everyone who has posted in response to my request for help. I know what I am looking at doing is very frowned upon, and I expected some ridicule for looking at trying to adopt Talyn out to a new family. Yes, it breaks my heart. I've spent a lifetime advocating for animals, educating about spaying/neutering, volunteering for the Humane Society, etc. I always put my fur/feathered/scaled kids before myself. That is what I am trying to do here, which is why I've come to a group of parrot lovers.
I have worked a great deal with so many of the training techniques that are mentioned in the videos you have spoken of, as well as from countless other resources. She has a clean bill of health, is fed a healthy pelleted diet, supplemented with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of nuts. The nuts are hidden in toys throughout the day so she can forage for them. Fruits and veggies are on fruit kabobs and other various interactive feeding methods. Her water is Nikken filtered water so there are no chemicals in it. She gets misted with the same water. Her cage is large, clear in the front and back, 3'x3'x4', and is open almost all day long. She has a bed to go into, which she chooses to do at night. She has manzanita, mineral, and therapeutic perches of various sizes. Her toys are rotated constantly, hung at different levels, and constructed from different materials that she can shred and chew. Her favorites though are paper towels! She also has balls, blocks, etc., that are on the floor for her to play with. I have a play gym for her which she uses regularly, and I take her around the house with me several times during the day. I also have a smaller travel cage that I put her in so she can enjoy being outside when weather permits. I do not trim her flight feathers, only her nails.
So that may tell you a bit about how she has been taken care of. As a homeschool mom, I'm home a great deal. So she isn't a bird that has been neglected. I've also had a lot of training in early childhood education, since I'm a licensed teacher. It may sound strange, but I have applied a lot of that training in working with Talyn. I ignore negative behavior, like screaming, and reward positive behavior, even if it is small. I will call to her when I leave the room, or answer her if she calls to me. If she screams, I make no response. Etc., etc. But Talyn will scream (yes, at the top of her lungs scream, not just usual loud parrot noise) for a very long time. I can be two feet away from her, and she will start screaming. I either ignore it or walk away. Mostly I ignore it as I don't want to give her any reaction what so ever.
Someone commented that screaming and biting seem like a strange reason to find a new home for Talyn. Please keep in mind that I have been working on changing these behaviors for long time. This is not a decision made in haste. But it is preventing my daughters from being able to focus on their schooling. That is a huge issue, and has to be considered. It is terrifying my dogs to where it is effecting the health of one of them. My vet has said so. That is a huge issue. I have had her for longer than Talyn and rescued her from a very abusive situation. She's never liked the noise, but she truly cannot handle what is going on now. As for the biting, if that were the only reason, I wouldn't be finding her a new home. My daughters don't have to hold her, and usually she is really good. But they do have to live in the same home, and everyone else is miserable. None of this is any good for Talyn!!! I know she would thrive in the right environment. But I need to make sure she gets that, and I don't know how to make sure of that. I'm feeling sick to my stomach just writing this...
I'm sorry. Perhaps this wasn't the proper place to write. I so understand your feelings about not wanting to see any bird rehomed. But I know in my heart that this is the best decision for all of us. I guess I needed to see it all in writing. Maybe our prayers will be answered and the right owner for her will see this.
Bless all of you and your feathered babies.

Reading this I was almost in tears. I cant imagine how you must feel! Sometimes whats best for everyone hurts but in the end you know its right.

Obviously if she is having behavioral problems she isnt well balanced. Maybe she feels the negative energy from your daughters, dogs etc. Sounds like a busy household.

My heart goes out to you and talyn. I hope and wish the best for both of you.

 

[apatrimo94]

Oh no, poor Talyn. We will never judge you. Whatever choice you make is yours. I pray for the best for both of you and you family. I wish I can help somehow. Good luck and you have my prayers and blessings.

 

[babybirdkisses]

I am so sorry to her that you have to find Talon a new home. I don't judge you for making the decision you made but I do praise you for screening of a new home. It sounds like Talon will be going to a very good one. Your doing the right thing by screening and weeding out sellers and people who will not make a good pet owner.

I know people who get birds for free or cheap and resell for profit. When my husband, daughter and I myself look at our babies, we have sparkles in our eyes not dollar signs.

I had just rescued a bird which was from an abusive home, given to yet another and about to be sold yet to another abusive home which would have bred her or sold for a higher profit. I was supposed to purchase her for $100.00 and find her a very caring loving family. I refused to let the person breeding and reselling, buy her from the last owner. Even if it meant buying and GIVING her to someone who would love and appreciate her. She started as a rescue but is now with us a month and is part of our family or should I say flock. I have 7 birds which include my daughter's 4.

I was very hesitant about taking responsibilty for another bird. I was worried that I could not provide enough attention for her. But things are working well. Each bird has one on one time.

My husband insisted we find her a new home when we had her the first two days. She is now bonded with my husband, cuddles and insist he hold her while she sleeps on her back holding his thumb. Very loving bird! My husband has never again mentioned rehoming her. She is home!

She was thrown into a wall, kids teased her by pulling her tail, poking at her with objects through the cage bars, was not properly fed and no toys and about an 1/8" of slimey water in a bowl that had a huge chip out of it and would only hold 1/8".

She was rescued ($$$FREE$$$) by the second home and was fed, watered and held but was to be sold into the same conditions and all for the greed of money. She suffered enough! She is not even a year old yet. So I felt a need to step in and give her love, food and a happy home and in return she brings joy into our lives!

 

[apatrimo94]

I love stories with happy endings like babybirdkissis's story

 

[ConureLover1990]

Where you able to find a loving home for your baby?

 

[Salina]

I am interestead in your bird get a hold of me, are u locate in Az?