ParrotLawyer

I'm going to ask the vet what is best to do with his wings. Hunter is still pretty skittish whenever my dog moves (but has no problem stepping up onto my dog - so weird). Anyway, like I said before, I don't know what avenues this kid considered or the finer details of his situation but I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for him. I do know Hunter was listed online for 2 weeks before I went to see him and if it I hadn't adopted him it would have been someone else. I'm a huge proponent of rescuing and because a parrot hasn't suffered abuse shouldn't preclude them from rehoming to a capable family. Its on the original owner to exhaust whatever alternative remedies they see as viable - I can't pry into his life and make those decisions for him. I also respect his decision. Parrots are an enormous responsibility and for whatever reason, landlord or otherwise, he decided the best course of action was to list Hunter online for a new home. I would encourage anyone who has experience with parrots, and wants to take a bird, to adopt. It is hard work but the the experience is really rewarding. If some stranger listed their bird on the internet for a new home you don't need to second guess all their decision making. They have google and they can find affordable boarding and fostering services. If the bird is a good fit for you, take them in and give them a stable, loving, and structured forever-home. This board is a wonderful resource. Thanks everyone for the good start and the useful info. I apologize for bringing up a point of contention for the board. I honestly didn't realize adoption would end up a source of discord and I appreciate the help despite having incongruent view points. I think I'm going to bow out from posting though to lurk for awhile. Despite loving to argue in a legal setting I like to get along with online pals and I feel like I stepped on a few toes inadvertently. Sorry guys.

Hunter is doing great today. A little contact calling but other than that he's a really mellow bird. His spot on imitation of a telephone means its time for me to get up. The Amazon and Hunter are totally fine. I thought this would be the point of contention because the Amazon is so fiercely territorial about the apartment and my fiance. Hunter imitates the Amazon. Its kind of hilarious because he says "HELLO AMY!" in the amazon's voice (something the 'zon says non-stop). I let them get pretty close to each other but I don't let them sit on the same perch for fear of beak battles (I have a rolling perch for w/ food+water bowls and toys I can take to whatever room I'm in). Hunter is a little curious about Amy but otherwise doesn't really care one way or the other about him it seems. They both like hanging out while I read cases and briefs/ write my thesis. The Amazon is pretty indifferent to Hunter. The Amazon sings, makes his usual demands for shoulder time, and goes about his bird business.

I feel like this thread ended up derailed. Sorry. I didn't think it would be controversial. I appreciate the advice helping hunter adjust immensely. I also really liked reading through the objective wing clipping threads in the health lounge someone pointed out earlier in this thread. Thanks a ton.

I think you're looking for coercion or unjustified opportunity on my part or something that just isn't there. I don't have control over his last owner's life or his whole story resulting in letting go of his buddy. Sorry to have offended you in some way.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if this would be the correct subforum for wing clipping/ vet/ bird emotional stuff. sorry if it was in the wrong spot. >^..^<, this is a forever home for Hunter. I'm not going to give him up, even if he decides to love my fiance and not me. Tonight we had some pretty decent break throughs. Hunter had some shoulder time and "cleaned" my hair. He's also convinced the mole on my neck is a bug or something and he needs to remove it for me (ouch!). He's been a sweetheart. Here is a picture of hunter from this morning. We had some breakfast together and did some solid torts studying. I'm pretty happy he's adjusting well. The screaming and searching only happened once today for about 5 minutes before he settled down.

So, I have new questions. Hunter needs constant enrichment in the morning and at night. In the morning he seems content to hang out with the amazon and watch me study. Something about the pens and highlighters and reading holdings and rules out loud is fascinating to them even if the law stuff drives my fiance nuts. What are some easy to make toys? He seems really disinterested with all the bird toys I have (a whole bucket full of standard stuff for parrots). His last owner only let me take the travel cage, so this weekend he's getting a 4'x5' cage to match the Amazon's. Will that help w/ the desire he has to tear up everything in the house? Hunter also has a vet appointment this weekend (for a check up). Because he is skittish in his new surroundings and takes flight my fiance wants to clip his wings so he doesn't kamikaze into our giant window. Will this really mess with him? Sorry about the plethora of questions.

This is making me feel a lot better. Hunter's last owner had to rehome him because the landlord decided to install a 'no pets' policy. He's 21 and can't move back home and can't afford to move. He was a really nice guy. He passed up a lot of people offering to pay for Hunter because he thought I'd fit with Hunter. He definitely loved Hunter and slept next to him. He cried when I left. Hunter has calmed down a lot. He makes a lot of electronic sounds from video games. I think I'm living with r2d2 now. The calm voice explaining everything/ cooing/ strawberries helped. Thanks.

Thanks a ton. This is really reassuring. When I went to meet him he ran over to me and stepped up with me asking. He bopped his head and a bunch and played with my fingers a little with his beak. He was just super friendly. An hour later and all signs of that parrot are gone. I'm really afraid he is thinking I stole him or something. I'm a little anxious.

His name is Hunter. His last owner cried when he gave me Hunter. I thought my Amazon was a loud bird. I was so sorely mistaken. Hunter is really loud, and I think he's looking around for his pervious owner by screaming for him. I gave him a strawberry and for a little while he forgot everything and later demolished one of his toys. But so far he keeps calling out and making high pitched squeaks and cries (almost like baby noises). Is there anything I can do to get him settled down? Will I just have to wait? Or am I living in a dream world that he will one day mellow out to the level of my 16 year old amazon?

I laughed pretty hard at the last picture. Thats a very Clint Eastwood "go ahead, make my day" look.

Any tips for getting them to enjoy the harness when its time for a walk? My dog goes bananas when I take out the leash, but I don't think the birds will have the same gung ho reaction.

I don't. She doesn't fly and her startled response is to bite the hell out of my shirt and cling. (Amy is an amazon. I'm not sure if Greys are more prone to flying or not, but Amy is more of a monkey than a bird.) I'll definitely check one out if you think it is an issue. Any good recommendations?

I live in downtown san diego and when I walk the dog I walk the bird (if it is over 70, and its usually over 70). Last weekend I walked over to the outdoor organ concert in Balboa Park. I used to be nervous about walking around with Amy on my shoulder, but he'd rather die than leave me and if I'm wearing a hoodie w/ the hood up he'll hang out in there. All I have to do is remember to take him off my shoulder so he can poop every now and then (he refuses to do it on my shoulder - something I'm thankful for).

Thanks. Ray - it is good to know mine isn't the only one averse to using its wings to get up and down. It is really funny to watch him waddle across the room and raise his claw to 'step up' because he wants a personal elevator to get onto the desk or chair or whatever.