Too bad I live in Australia, there's not many macaws here, and they cost a lot too. A blue and gold cost $10,000, wonder how much a hyacinth would be.....
Like lots of folks, I'd always dreamed of owning a Hy one day. In early 2005 I ran across a classified ad on a parrot site - this was before there were so many scam attempts around. I called the number and learned that Zaf's owner had passed away and the widow had placed him in boarding at a veterinary clinic. She said he had been there for about a year. She further expressed that everyone at the clinic was terrified to handle him, so he was never allowed out of his cage. I immediately felt sad for him
. . Acquiring Zaffer is quite possibly the best decision I've ever made ..
That's a great story, I'm so happy you were able to take himLike lots of folks, I'd always dreamed of owning a Hy one day. In early 2005 I ran across a classified ad on a parrot site - this was before there were so many scam attempts around. I called the number and learned that Zaf's owner had passed away and the widow had placed him in boarding at a veterinary clinic. She said he had been there for about a year. She further expressed that everyone at the clinic was terrified to handle him, so he was never allowed out of his cage. I immediately felt sad for him
While the requested price for Zaf was quite reasonable for a Hyacinth, the widow told me that someone had already agreed to take him (prior to my call). So I left my number with her and requested that if this person happened to change their mind for whatever reason to please give me a call. She agreed.
Weeks passed and I received no call from the widow. Naturally my thinking at this point was there was no chance for Zaf to become my bird. Even so, I decided to call the widow once more (just to make sure). Surprisingly, she told me that the person who agreed to take Zaf had decided to acquire another Hy from somewhere else, so Zaf was still available! I never quite learned why she hadn't called me to inform me about this development and offer Zaf to me, but she said I could have him if I still wanted him.
The widow asked if I wanted to fly out and meet Zaf before committing to a decision. Because it would have been quite difficult for me to leave my area for long enough to go visit him, she agreed to send me some photos of him instead. Quite honestly, from the talk of veterinary personnel being afraid to handle Zaf, I didn't know what to expect personality-wise. But I decided I wanted him and that I'd take the chance. As they say, the rest is history
That may be a rather long description, but it's the real story of how Zaf came into my life
He has such a awesome home!
So a Hy will have to remain my fantasy macaw.
Thanks
. Zaf's almost 24. He was 16 when I got him.
If you're inclined, go for it. That's actually kind of flattering
. I don't have Zaf's image on anything, but I have the MOA insignia on a couple of t-shirts.
Yes, he's always been sweet. He didn't know me of course and was noticeably watchful for the first week or so. But he seemed to have a pent up craving to snuggle and be cuddled. He's such a cuddly bird and I still can't imagine how he survived being locked in his cage with no touch-contact for so long
. He was also immediately very playful (but tender) with his beak. Zaf just loves people!
