Question about my DYH Amazon

[nkyankow]

My husband and I are seniors. About 4-5 yrs ago we adopted Tony, a DYHA, and confirmed male. We also have a GCC (7-8 yo) and a cockapoo.
Facing reality, we heartbreakingly know that Tony needs a home better able to grow with him through his lifespan, to stimulate him more than we have time to do (we are both still working), and to keep him alert and sweet. It's killing us that we need to find a new home for him. We think though, that we've found a winning home. Our prospective new parrot parents: family (4 children, 2 grown in early 20s, 1 10-yr old, and 1 4-yr old); a dog; father grew up with an amazon; when I asked that they do their homework and read up on amazons, they did so. These people are the FIRST in Tony's life who've walked into our home and with whom Tony didn't mount a display or pin -- just appeared curious and went willingly "up" to perch on Dad's hand.
What we are doing, and where I need your advice, PLEASE: Both Mom and Dad came over this past weekend, and we spent time indoors & out with Tony, who continued to behave as if he were very comfortable in their presence. This coming weekend, Tony will go in his house to their home to spend 3 days and see how that goes. This couple are willing to take Tony on weekend getaways until they know & we know everyone is comfortable. Further, we can maintain visitation -- IS THAT A GOOD OR A BAD THING TO DO TO TONY? So far, we think this situation is ideal, and that Tony will have the time to adjust and learn to trust his new family.
Is there anything else we should be doing? (And in answer to an unspoken question: we are neither asking nor accepting any $ for this; all we want is to be sure Tony has the new family he deserves, who will love him & support him & spoil him like we do. He will have to learn a 2nd language -- Spanish/Spanglish -- do you think that will be a problem? The mother is a stay-at-home homemaker, and radiates warmth & affection.) Thank you; we want our very special bird to be happy & find a home where he can grow old (Father has already said: well, our 4-yr old is same age, they can grow old together.)

 

[JerseyWendy]

Firstly, welcome to the forums, nkyankow.

WOW, that had to have been a very tough decision to make about Tony, nonetheless, a decision I understand you had to make for Tony's benefits, and I take my hat off to you for doing this! :respect:

It sounds as if Tony is quite a well adjusted DYH, which is a GREAT thing! The family who is coming this weekend to give this a try sounds truly wonderful. My only concern (and it may prove to be wrong) is that they have a 4 year old. Tony may not be too overly friendly with him in the beginning. Many Amazons can get a bit standoffish around small(er) children. My Hunter, a 16 year old YN hen came to me when my children were 6 and 9, and I never had any issues.

It most certainly is possible that Tony will be bi-lingual in no time. They are so clever!

As for you and your wife visiting Tony, that is entirely up to you. See how it goes first. Amazons are incredibly resilient and adaptable.

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome to the forum!
I think that the way you are doing the rehoming process is wonderful. I think this is going to give Tony an excellent shot in his new home by doing it a little at a time to begin with. This will also let them see how Tony will be around the 4 year old, in case there is an issue like Wendy mentioned could happen.
It's definitely a great sign that Tony seems to feel comfortable around them already.
As far as visiting, I think you will be able to tell what's best after he is in his new home. If you go and he is depressed after you leave, then it would probably be a good idea to give it a little time. On the other hand, he may be happy to see you and then be fine when you leave as well.
I have a Pionus who came form a friend's rescue, and she had her for 18 months before we took her. Pisces is so happy to see them when they come visit, but is fine after they go
Best of luck to you!!

 

[Doublete]

My Chiqui was originally adopted by an English speaker. Returned to bird paradise and adopted by a Spanish speaking family. She will end her life with me and DOES speak both hola and hello to get my attention.

 

[Birdjoy]

My family inherited our DYHA a few months back. I have a four year old granddaughter, and I have taught her to only speak to him softly every time she walks by and for her in no manner to touch him or the cage. And now our DYHA sings with her and talks to her from the other room.
So, as long as the child is well behaved and has boundaries, this shouldn't be a problem.

 

[nkyankow]

I cannot thank you each enough for your input. It makes this process, which for me is very sad, easier, because I am reassured that we are doing the rehoming as well as any of us who love these wild creatures know how.
An update from today is that Tony remains completely relaxed, and has already called his second mom "Ma"......calling for her when she is out of sight.
The 4-yr old is being properly taught and trained himself, and keeps an appropriate distance from Tony's large house. At some point second dad today watched his son approach Tony's house, and stand in front and look at Tony. In response, Tony calmly walked down the bars of his house until he was eye level with the child, and then Tony simply looked back at the child.
Because Tony is fitting in so well -- in retrospect, based on how Tony had consistently behaved with these folks I believe he (Tony) sort of "chose" them as his humans (something I've seen other parrots do on occasion) -- we elected to leave him with his second family for a few more days before visiting. It's my hope that will help him adjust. And if I brought him home as we had originally planned, I don't know that I could give him up again, and I know in my heart this new home is far better for him. He gets lots & lots of stimulation, he has all-day people & play time, and is adored by everyone in the family. Please keep your fingers crossed for us that this works out beautifully for my beloved bird. Thank you.