Why parrots are commonly given up on OR Relinquished.

[lovethatgrey]

2 insightful studies.

 

I appreciate the way this part is defined.

 

 

“Relinquished parrots are parrots that have been given up by one or more owners for any

reason. Relinquishment may or may not involve the exchange of money. However, the

transaction of a parrot from a breeder to wholesalers or retailers for the purposes of resale

is not considered relinquishment. In addition, the transaction of a parrot from a breeder,

wholesaler or retailer to the first owner is not considered relinquishment. Any subsequent

sale or surrender of the parrot is considered relinquishment. Other terms used to describe

this population of parrots include: previously owned parrots, surrendered parrots,

unwanted parrots, homeless parrots, abandoned parrots, re-homed parrots or displaced

parrots.”

 

 

and I find this part to be quite insightful,

 

"What we should be more concerned with are the relinquishments that are based either

entirely, or primarily on behavioral or compatibility factors. Relinquishments of this

nature are due to a breakdown of bond between the owner and the parrot which might be

avoided. Both of these categories involve some aspect of the parrot’s behavior, or its

care requirements, which was unexpected, unwanted, or unattainable by the owner at the

time of relinquishment."

 

 

 

 

http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/documents/NPRRPReport.pdf

 

http://www.birdcompanions.com/Kaytee%202010%20parrot%20relinq%20survey%20results.pdf

Edited August 8, 2013 by lovethatgrey

[Timbersmom]

Interesting stuff. I imagine most people who rehome a parrot struggle with the decision. At least the people on this forum would! I know there are circumstances beyond our control that might force us to rehome a bird. It is such a balancing act though... When I brought Timber home (total novice), I thought he was going to end up being a cage bird. But I had already determined that he would be the happiest caged bird I could make him. Thankfully, it didn't turn out that way. Then there were times I thought "maybe someone with experience could give him a better life," or "maybe he just doesn't like me and would be happier somewhere else." Those thoughts came when I was almost in tears over another failed attempt at interaction or another bite. Thank God and the people on this forum who were so much help that it ended well.

[lovethatgrey]

I'd say that parrot owners who join forums and who seek out better ways to enrich their parrot's life are an extremely different type of parrot owner than the *average, common* parrot owner. Parrot owners on the forums are the exception, not the rule in this huge world that we live in. Just need to skim all the rehome ads that make it on the internet and visit any rescue to catch a small glimpse of all that.

[katana600]

Thanks for the information. It will take a day or two for me to read it and understand it, but the initial reaction I had was surprise that a high percentage of rehomed parrots are stable in the second home. What I mean is that subsequent rehomes are less prevalent than I might have expected. When a young parrot comes from a breeder and bonds to the new family and is later given up, it surprises me that the second home is able to overcome the behavoral issues without having that instant snuggly kind of love from a baby stage.

[katana600]

I would definitely agree that the people on forums and seeking information to better integrate a parrot into their lives is definitely not going to fit a study questionaire. As we look at those ads, I am also reminded how many people think the parrot they saw on television or YouTube is cute and smart and they want one just like it. Before they consider that it takes time, effort, hard work, understanding, financial hardship and more time, they get to a breeder and see all the adorable babies and can't resist. I would like to see a study among long time parrot owners that asked "If I had known _____ about parrots, I may not have made this decision." Then go on to describe how they coped with the issue.

[Greywings]

I can speak from front line experience volunteering at the Sanctuary and answering the phone calls. Most who contact us wanting to surrender their birds into our care do so due to unforeseen circumstances. The economic downturn the USA has been working through has disrupted peoples lives, no job finding themselves homeless with no where for their birds to go. People who became very ill or sustained life changing injuries leaving them unable to care for their birds. Family members who have no interest or are in fear of their deceased families flock or taking long term jobs overseas all these things have landed birds in rescue or Sanctuary situations. Very rarely do we get calls indication that living with the mess or the noise has become too much.