We like to screen our potential families, the following are some things to consider:
- The birds fly, and I will not sell them if you wish to clip their wings. The following website explains the advantages of flight: http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/fitnessflight0504.htm
- The birds live a long time, and it is preferable that they stay with the one family for the rest of their life (nobody knows exactly how ling they live, but it is approximated to be around 60 years); however it vital to have considered somebody who can take your place if unforeseen circumstances bring you to needing to re-home a flying parrot.
- Do you have the required state or territory licenses and permits to move and keep one of these birds?
- Have you considered the purchase of an eckie for some time or is it a spur of the moment decision?
- Do you understand their needs such as diet and stimulation using fresh branches and toys. This website is only the beginning of things you should know, the web is a great place for extra research, ideas and information.
- Do you realise that because these birds eat fresh fruits and vegetables that planning holidays without your bird means providing them with someone who can feed them daily? They cannot be left home alone with just pellets and seed.
- Do you have time to spend with the bird? The degree to which your baby remains cuddly is equal to the amount of time spent with them.
- Do you understand that no matter how good of an owner you are, you will get bitten at some point! Parrots go through adolescence similar to humans and sometimes a nip can't be helped, don't get frustrated just work through it. And remember the mood swings will not last forever!!
- Does anyone in your family or home smoke? If so precautions will need to be taken. Birds have sensitive lungs, we know the damage that can be done to human lungs, it is far greater in our feathered friends!
- It is important that you have a basic knowledge of safe and unsafe toys, foods, plants and of aerosol dangers. Also cooking, Teflon can emit toxins when you cook with it, which has killed birds. Also beware of pesticides, some fruit and veggies are more risky when ingested by your bird, e.g. grapes, they absorb more toxins than other fruit/veg under the skin. Soaking veges in diluted vinegar can counteract some of the risk.
When applying to adopt one of my birds please respond to each of these points and provide any extra information you find relevant.