Leaderboard

I wondered about what they do for the birds whenever it gets super hot or cold there. The aviaries didn't appear to have any places where they could find shade or warmth as needed.

@Greytness Yup. Parrot freedom has its costs. Ours has enclosures where a large corner (picture a 15-20 foot triangle with that clear greenhouse-style roofing material) is affixed on top and sides with extra perches beneath it. Gets them out of the sun, wind, rain, etc.. That said, while they may prefer to sleep in that corner together at night -- they actually prefer (daytimes) being out in the open even in rain, wind (even snow - which is rare here, but it happens every few years). They just acclimate like the outdoor birds. Hence they accept no new parrots in hot summer or winter -- parrots must arrive in spring or fall to acclimate. That's why Snickers will go mid-April. Though overall, it's a mild climate here. Late/early placements often end up indoors until temps are good. We had crazy unusual cold temps here a week after I placed my first parrots there in April 2017 -- Ces ended up removing them from the sanctuary and taking them inside for a week (he actually took them into his own home). There is also an indoor garage area in a true emergency (hurricanes (sort of rare here) or such) but it is a HUGE deal to move all the parrots indoors -- must be a true emergency to do so. I used to have a cool picture of the hundreds of cages in that garage one year when we got a hurricane (which thankfully turned out to be no big deal). But what a chore they had to move all these guys indoors for it.

Awww, thanks for some support. Overall, I feel good about my decision. It's sort of less about concerns re: Snicker's happiness - I truly believe he will get a good life there. And he can fly -- I don't clip him. So, um, yay for freedom! It's really more about selfish me missing him. If for whatever reason his sanctuary placement doesn't work out -- he will be cared for and at least be around other greys even if in an enclosure on his own. But I have a feeling he will probably fit in well though, and gain many friends (or perhaps even a girlfriend) there. The owner of the sanctuary once took in a severely self-plucked parrot he ended up having to keep in his own home -- no parrot there gets poor treatment regardless of their ability to adapt at the sanctuary. This guy (Ces) is a big-time parrot lover. Very empathetic and sensitive to parrot needs. There will be super hot days and super cold days when I will question my decision to place my guys (and worry for them) -- but I have to make my decision based on the norm days, when he will have friends and eat well. I didn't really mean to come off "I've been through this and know the deal more than you guys" but I have been through it before, and am needing to go through it again with Snickers. That's all I meant, no offense to anyone. I just ended up with poor health earlier in life, and had to reach this point sooner than many. Thankful this is years away for most of you. Love, huggs, good wishes to others here. And PM me if you want to know location and more details about my local sanctuary. I write so much because my mind is spinning and thinking about Snicker's placement 24/7. And about how much I will miss him.