Long-term fostering

[Jason M]

Greetings, all –

 

I wanted to reach out to the community for some advice and would be grateful for any suggestions you may have. First, some background. (This is fairly complicated, but please bear with me.) I am taking a new job with a UN organization in Geneva and will be moving from Michigan to Switzerland in October, with my partner following in December. We will be moving along with our three cats and our beautiful Grey, Olive. It is going to be a challenge to find housing in Geneva for *all* of us, but we're committed to making this happen. We'll be abroad for at least the medium term (3-5 years). My request for advice is actually not Grey-related, but, rather, in regard to our 2 yr old Sun Conure, Jackson, who we will not be able to move over with us… at least not this autumn. Jackson is a wonderful little guy, but despite a lot work over the past 2 years, has not relinquished the dramatic screaming that suns are known for. He's not the most social fellow with human kind (as compared to our Grey, obviously, but also as compared to other Suns I've known). He's not a biter, nor is he terribly timid, he just doesn't enjoy human attention the way some conures do. Jackson's screaming is not limited to the morning/evening sessions, but generally occurs often during the day. If I could be assured that we could find a small detached house near Geneva, we would be taking Jackson with us without question. The chances of securing such accommodations, though, are extremely slim – at least in the short term. For now, I simply can't risk putting my Grey and my cats' security at risk because of neighbors annoyance with Jackson's screaming.

 

Now, my request for advice: I am interested in knowing whether any of you are familiar with facilities with long-term fostering programs in the U.S. I've learned of one facility in Denver, specifically, called The Gabriel Foundation, who cares for birds on a semi-permanent basis for an annual fee. Are you familiar with this group? Ideally, I am looking for a facility that can care for Jackson in an interactive environment where he can socialize with people and other conures, and one that can care for him for a prolonged period for a monthly or annual fee. Ultimately, we would hope to be able to provide a stable home for Jackson again in the future, but I don't know whether the "future" will be 6 months from now or 6 years. We would, of course, cover the cost of transporting Jackson, the costs of his care, and the costs of transporting him back to us when we are able. We need to find a group that could be committed to working with us and committed to working with Jackson.

 

While these are difficult circumstances, I am committed to providing for Jackson's care for as long as it takes. Any advice or leads to appropriate sanctuaries/facilities you may have would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks,

Jason

Edited September 13, 2011 by Jason M

[Jason M]

I'd be sincerely grateful for any advice anyone might have for me. Thank you!

[Luvparrots]

Jason, I live in the State of Washington so I am unfamiliar with what is available in your area. Have you no family or good friends to help under these circumstances? I wish I could help.

[judygram]

Like Janet I live in Virginia and don't know about what may be available in your area but family or friends would be your best bet, maybe check any local bird clubs for members who may be interested in fostering your conure if needed.

[birdhouse]

I can't specifically recommend anyplace, either. But I was wondering if you'd asked your vet or the local bird clubs? Maybe the local SPCA knows someplace. Most of them aren't set up to handle birds & might have someplace to foster the ones who come in.

 

Really impressed w/your commitment to this fid. Please let us know what you work out.

[Dave007]

I'd be sincerely grateful for any advice anyone might have for me. Thank you!

 

Did you investigate all of the laws concerning transportation of animals from one country to another? It's important that you do this before making up your mind as to what you're gonna do. All parrots are wild animals and there's very strict laws concerning moving them. Even in the US, there's many laws concerning long term quarantine when moving from state to state. Then, you'll have to find special airlines that transport animals. Many airlines don't do that. It's very important that you seriously check out all of these things.

Edited September 14, 2011 by Dave007

[katana600]

My heart goes out to you Jason while you get the information you need for your move. We had a three year assignment in the middle east and took two cats and a dog, but didn't have parrots at the time. I live in Georgia, have family in Pennsylvania and would be willing to help you with transport if you do find a foster home for Jackson.