77railer

Just wanted to let everyone know my wife and I decided to get two Quakers. There names are Ziggy and Zoey. Please go to http://www.parrotforums.com/quakers/6431-our-new-quakers.html#post50762 to read about them. I can't thank you all enough for the vast information you've provided. Let the journey begin...

Zandische - Thank you for your post. You raise several questions that I need to think through in order to handle them with success. I do want to let everyone know that I have been in contact with a lady who has a nanday conure that she is considering letting us adopt. Her husband is deployed and with work and kids she feels she is neglecting the bird. I have also been in contact with a breeder in my state who has agreed to significantly reduce the price of a baby yellow naped amazon. My wife and I have been discussing this project and she is excited about having a bird at home. I will continue to update as things unfold. Please wish us luck... Mr. S

GoDiego - Thank you for your reply and thoughts. From time to time I would take the bird out of its cage. Possibly for an incentive for the class reading a certain number of books or scoring a certain percentage on a test. Im thinking from reading all of the thoughts and websites that it might turn into a day a week or so. Depending on the behavior of the bird, and my classrooms reaction. I spoke with a breeder today that also suggested a yellow naped amazon. Funding is a serious issue since I cannot use school money to purchase from an individual. Has to be a company like petco that we already have an account with. This means if/when I do this I will have to use personal funds...gonna be awhile unless I find someone wanting to help a classroom teacher,lol. I will keep yall posted on how things are going... Leroy

Lots of good information and suggestions. I am currently trying to acquire a cage that would house a medium/large bird as the first leg of our journey. As far as "classroom management" for the bird goes...that would take some getting used to. In past classes we have had several class pets and the kids did a good job respecting the animals. The door would be an issue that I would be interested to see how the class decides to handle. I find if I let them "own" the idea they do a much better job of carrying out the task. From further research and suggestions on the board I am open to a conure or amazon parrot. With funds being an issue in education we are hoping that someone may donate a baby to our class. We will have the habitat waiting on the bird long before we acquire it at this rate but everything happens in due time. My wife and I have looked at conures and a few amazons in a pet store and she is excited about having one that comes home with me. I appreciate all the suggestions and comments and look forward to hearing what you have to say in the future. Mr. S (what my kids call me)

"Would this be your pet that you would bring with you to the classroom?" Yes I will be keeping the bird. It will stay in the classroom during the day and at my home at night/weekends. I am definetly open to other breeds of parrots. I think the "adoption" aspect of my kids endeavor is the most important. They want to give of themselves and anyway I can give them the chance to do that would be awesome. Anyone know of any birds that need a good home?

Good Day, My name is Leroy Steigerwalt, and I am a 5th grade teacher @ Kingsbury Elementary located in Sumter SC. I had my students research various birds as a possible classroom pet. Once my class discovered that an African Grey has the mental capacity of a 5 year old child they were very interested. After we read Because of Winn Dixie one child asked the class if we thought an African Grey would be smart enough to "feel" unwanted. Needless to say my class is now committed to adopting an African Grey that has been rescued or needs to be relocated. If any of you might have pros and cons to attempting this or may have resources at hand to make this possible please chime in. I am eager to do this and have had experience keeping other breeds of birds in the past. I look forward to hearing from you. Leroy Steigerwalt