Rehoming Cedric

[leopardlady25]

My parents are considering rehoming their African Grey, Cedric. Cedric was rescued (by us) from a home where he lived on a porch for two years without enrichment, attention, or temperature control. As a result, this ~10 year old male is grumpy, mistrusting, and a biter (his history prior to this rescue is unknown, poor thing). My parents have had him for five years. He is in FANTASTIC condition (no I am not thinking of him as a piece of furniture- I am a wildlife biologist and he is in really good shape!). This bird, despite his issues, has never plucked in our household, has a diverse diet, receives enrichment, and the only person he allows to handle him is my mother, whom he loves. In short, we have taken great care of him, as best as we are able. However, he is cage-dependent- no matter how much we let him out of his cage (daily), he refuses to perch on the portable stand and will only enjoy himself on top of the cage. Sadly, he bit my mother pretty severely on the face last year, and she has since been unable to completely trust him again due to his unpredictable nature. He screams constantly as opposed to the talking and imitating (he has a very extensive vocabulary, and he still talks and says silly things, but not as often. I have no idea why, behaviorally, he has replaced some of the chatter with the squealing. I suspect frustration). My parents are exhausted with trying to better his life and his disposition, and it has become a burden because he is continuously aggressive and unpredictable. We sweet talk him daily, which he enjoys immensely, but he still strikes at my dad and I every chance he gets. My mother can hold him and stroke him, but he will still strike her even after he regurgitates for her. As we have had him for years, we have talked to many professionals, introduced new tactics, toys, and changed our own behaviors for him, but to no avail. I usually hate it when people say this, but we have tried everything. Personally, my family feels terrible at the thought of rehoming any animal, but we do feel it important that he receives the best care possible. We honestly do not think we are doing enough to maximize his life in captivity- he needs a home where he is the only animal and where he is with a bird enthusiast without distraction. If we rehome Cedric, we plan to be extremely cautious, selective, and allow Cedric to choose his new owner. We want assurance he will receive love, attention, and enrichment. My parents will practically perform a background check on potential candidates, so while we regret this consideration, we are serious about what it entails This is where I need some help!

 

We are in NW Houston. I have contacted a parrot sanctuary, who referred me to this forum. I am looking for ways to find Houston Grey lovers who might be interested in meeting Cedric. We want the price to be right, but more importantly we want Cedric to have a home where he can one day fully trust his owner and as a result fully come out of his shell. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you.

Edited February 8, 2012 by leopardlady25

[judygram]

I am saddened to hear you need to rehome Cedric but he is set in his ways and probably needs someone who understands greys to give him what he needs and wants. I think it will have to be someone who has a lot of time to work with him and it might just be that there is someone out there that can help him have a happier life. I wish you much luck with your search.

[Greywings]

Will spread the word a bit so people can read how earnest you are about finding the right place for this Grey boy.

[katana600]

We have a bit of an older, grumpy, rehomed bird and are slowly making progress. Sometimes there is something that either "clicks" or doesn't with a rehome. I am grateful for the intermediate caretaker of Gilbert to realize he was not thriving in her home when she make the wrenching decision to give him an opportunity with someone else. I agree that it does take someone with a lot of time and patience but I am also a believer that a change of scenery and new home can turn into something wonderful and special. My heartfelt best wishes are with you as you make the decision to seek a home for Cedrick, I am hoping you get a response soon and find the solution that will bring positive changes to all involved.