Uh-oh...I've been chosen....

[LindaMary]

By a severe macaw.

 

Last year, while I was visiting Max several times a week before finally taking her home, I of course also got to know some of the other birds at the store. A few of them are still there, and one, a severe macaw about the same age as Max, took a bit of a shine to me. Although I like to visit the bird room when I go back for supplies, I actually stopped going in there for a while this past summer because it seemed to me that the bird was becoming quite attached to me, and various family circumstances just made it impossible to even consider adopting another high-maintenance "pet" at that point.

 

Things have calmed down some on the home front, and when my mother really wanted to go supply-shopping with me and see the birds six weeks ago, I went back in. The severe recognized me right away, and I confess I have not been able to resist saying hi to him(her?) on my last few visits. Each time I go in, the bird is twice as expressive towards me as the last time. The store has had to reduce its staff (grrrr - this economy....); the main players are still there, but they are overworked, and having to spend more of their time keeping everyone clean and fed and stocked, so the weaned birds are not getting as much handling time as they used to. As a result, this young fellow is a bit cage-bound by now - but he REALLY wants to come out for me (actually he wants me to come into his cage with him....)

 

So many things figure into this decision. I have the physical space for another bird and its cage. I have done a financial analysis, and could afford to maintain another bird, with a bit of rearranging - the upfront cost would be tough, but I bought Max and her equipment in installments, too, so I know I could do it. I have even considered how I would manage if I should be laid off from work - not something I'm expecting, but these days I think we all have to think of that! I know I can't assume Max would be in favor or opposed or even care a hoot, as long as I give her her props as the alpha bird in the household. (Of course I'd love it if they turned out to be company for each other while I'm at work...but I know I can't assume that...)

 

I'm meditating right now on how I would manage my time among my various "dependents" if I should do this. I've read through the MBS thread on here several times recently to help me think through this; also read the good article on the subject in the recent issue of Bird Talk several times...

 

Truth is, I'm literally starting to dream about this bird. My daughter already has him/her named. My gut is pushing me towards it. What am I missing? What do y'all think?

[judygram]

It sounds to me like you have considered about everything in whether to take this bird in or not. I say go with your gut instinct, you know yourself better than anyone else but this bird seems to have selected you and he certainly needs a home and deserves to have someone to love him and give him the attention he desires.

 

Linda, let us know what you decide but more importantly let us know when you bring him home with you for I can tell you have given this much thought, not that you needed it but you have my blessing.

[casper]

Linda, I can tell by your post how much thought has gone into this.

This bird has chosen you for sure and there is something between you and the bird already.

I have three greys and learn to balance my time between each and everyone. They all have different needs and i manage to give them all quality one on one time as well as letting them socialize together.

I dont feel anyone of mine lacks attention in any way at all.

 

Like Judy said, go with your gut instinct! You have thought about everything else.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Caroline

[BaxtersMom]

After reading your post it sounds like you have thought every aspect of this out. It sounds like you were trying to find a valid reason not to get this wonderful bird and couldn't come up with any not to. You listed many reasons why you could/should get him. It sounds very thought out. I think you should get him or her. You would be probably be heartbroken if you went in one day and it was gone:ohmy: . If you are dreaming of it, then I think you have already mentally claimed it;) Go get that bird:laugh: It's depending on you:silly: :side:

 

 

Let us know what happens;)

 

Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/10/30 21:29<br><br>Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/10/30 21:31

[Tycos_mom]

Well Me and you have already talked about this and Like I said I can just about say without a doubt that you wo't be dissapointed I could go on and on about how wonderful Gizmo is annd I've only had him 3 days. It sounds to me like this guy really wants you to be his mom so what are you waiting for. Go get him and bring him home he's not getting any younger and the longer he's left in a cage the more cage bound he will become. Like Judy said this bird deserve a home and love just as much as anybody ad he has chosen you so I don't see as you have any choise in the matter he's made that dession for you.:laugh:

[casper]

Linda Mary,

 

Have you made a decision yet? We cant wait to find out!:whistle:

Caroline

[LindaMary]

You guys are something else!

 

Thank you all so much for your encouraging, supportive replies to my post! I guess I was raised to believe logic was the only legitimate way to approach a decision, and sometimes I am so maddeningly cerebral - it's like I just fail to notice when I've done about all the logic I can do, and it's time to let my instincts have a go.

 

I was awake at 4 this morning again mulling things over, and yes, Carolyn, I have decided that I'm going to check in with the shop this morning, see if the bird is still there, and if so - start negotiating with them.

 

(My horosope even said this morning: "You've thought enough about a decision, now listen to your gut." Isn't that weird?)

 

Heart in my throat! I'll keep y'all posted!

[casper]

I am so excited for you!

Please post later today and let us know what happened!

I cant wait!

 

Caroline:)

[BaxtersMom]

Excellent! Can't wait to find out what happens.

[Lyric]

How exciting! I hope you do end up with him, it sounds like it was meant to be....

Hope you weren't coming here hoping we would talk you out of it, MBS is contagious, don't you know? Let us know how it goes...

[Tycos_mom]

Oh now I'm so excited some one else to talk to that has a Severe Macaw also I hope he's still there I can hardly contain my excitemant I have a permanent smile. I also can't wait to see him. if you can't bring him home right away at least take your camera with you and post some pics for us please. Gosh I hope everything works out.

[Carolyn]

My fingers are crossed for you:laugh:

 

Carolyn & Mika

[LindaMary]

Hi there, my friends and supporters! I just wanted to let you know that (1) the bird's still available, and (2) Mary (my daughter) and I are driving over to the shop tomorrow to meet with the head bird lady there and talk terms. I will undoubtedly be back on here tomorrow afternoon to fill you in.

 

You are right, Jen - I should have known not to expect this crew to talk me out of a move like this (not that I really did expect it, of course....)!

 

 

As for you, Pat - I feel the same way - I think it's so funny that Gizmo popped into your life right in the middle of my ruminating over this bird. It'll be great to have someone to compare severe stories - and maybe severe/grey stories - with!

 

I am now going to try to concentrate on Halloween and spookiness, followed by a good night's sleep. And BTW: Maxi started saying "thank you" and "hi cutie" today. I consider this a good omen!

 

:silly: :blush: :silly: {{{butterflies}}}

[she]

Well you have really thought things through and You really want this bird so I think I can make a good guess as to the outcome. I can feel the excitment now.Lets see the pictures as soon as you can

[LindaMary]

Well, I did it. I have placed a deposit on the severe macaw, and we expect to bring him/her home in about a month, once we've got his cage (which I've also ordered) and everything else he needs and can finish paying for him.

 

:woohoo: Yeehah! :woohoo:

 

It feels so good to stop thinking and start doing! Mary has named him Tanner Logan (we all hve two names around here), We hung out with him for over an hour today, and will probably go back again tomorrow, since I have weekends off. He was Mr. Nippy today, - I can tell he's going to need a patient hand - but he actually got half his body out of his cage at one point. Progress! I can hardly wait to bring him home where we can really relax together. I haven't taken any pictures of him yet, but I will soon!

 

Just wanted to let y'all know the wheels are now in motion! Time to start moving furniture ...

 

[Carolyn]

Congradulations, to both of you. I am looking forward to seeing pictures when you have a chance. I am so happy for both of you.

 

Carolyn & Mica

[Luvparrots]

Ahh the, " I have placed a deposit..." congratulations on your decision. Tanner Logan is certainly a lucky dude.

[MarytheTweet]

Hehe, I'm very happy too. All thanks to mom for finally making the decision after all my nagging and bugging! I didn't do that much nagging and bugging either. Thank you all for helping me nudge her into the decision, though I'm absolutely POSITIVE she would've done it anyways.

 

Happy happy ^-^

~Mary~

[she]

I knew you would get him. Good luck and I cant wait to see some pics.

[Tycos_mom]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO PICTURES YET!!!! Just kidding. Don't worry about him being a little nippy he will get over that soon enough once you get him home. I love his name very nice. Gizmo was nippy when I got him but has aready almost stopped I just used the Iron fisy approuch and the top of my head and within no time no more biting it works really well they can't get a good bite on a fist or the top of you head so the soon give up trying to bite. Gizmo only took 4 days to come out of his cage he doesn't stay out but as soon as I come over to play he come and sits on top of the door of his cage so he ca be closer to me. I ask him all the time yo step up but he's not quite ready for that yet but I'm sure with a few more days of love and interacttion with him he will. He says I love you everytime he sees me now it makes me feel so good. I had to work tonight so I was gone for a long time I'm telling you as soon as he heard my voice he was screaming c'mere c'mer but I don't want to turn him into a screamer so I just said hi Gizmo from the kitchen and didn't go to see him until he was quiet again. It's good that your getting your bird after I got mine this way I can tell you what worked for me because I'm sure Gizmo is every bit as cage bound as your guy is. Any way I am just overjoyed that your going to be bringing him home visit lots and keep us updated

[LindaMary]

You are right, Pat, I think it is wonderful that you are going through this routine with Gizmo just a few weeks before I will be going through it with Tanner - plus your already-multiple-bird-owner wisdom is going to be real ace in the hole for me, I know! Right away you've given me some valuable, practical tips, and I thank you! It sounds like you are doing a terrific job with Gizmo - he really trusts you and is looking to you to lead him. What a lucky birdie he is for his path to have led him to you! I am curious : I know Gizmo is separate from your other birds, but what kinds of reactions are they showing to hearing another bird in the house? Tyco in particular?

 

I have been reading whatever I can find on-line on overcoming cage-bound behaviors, and I have to say most of it seems to be common sense, but it's often so easy to forget common sense in the moment, I think. :whistle:

 

I will be visiting Tanner as often as I can between now and when we bring him home, and I'll take Mary along as much as her busy teenage schedule allows, too, so he can get more used to her as well. We also have two rooms to rearrange : my guest room for his quarantine time, and then the room we call The Adventure Room (where Max and the bunny live), which Tanner will eventually be moving into also.

 

And thank you ALL - Caolyn, Janet, She, Caroline, Jen, Erika, Judy - and yes YOU TOO, Mary - for letting me know you are excited right alng with me.

 

{Love-000200BF}

[Tycos_mom]

I really find with Gizmo most of the lunging is just bluff He's pretty much over all that now He like to me to stand really close so he can reach me and grab my shirt sleeve just below the shoulder I often ask him if he want to step up there but no such luck yet soon I think. I want so badly to get him away from that cage because he is so cage bound I know he needs it but I'm going to let him decide when he's ready. as soon as he steps up I'm out of therr with him. I was thinking I might get his wings clipped just till he gets more used to things it might help him to become more dependent just for a while so I can work with him away from the cage. I haven't decided yet we'll see how he does between now and Tuesday when I take him to the vet.