Adopting a parrot

[Tinman1018]

I owned a DYH Amazon for 34 years. I am lucky enough to be able to retire at age 55 and I am looking for a new buddy. I will have plenty of time to spend with the new addition and thought this may be a great place to get something me valuable advice. I am aware of life with an Amazon but am also considering a mini macaw, yellow nape, yellow crown, African grey or bare eyed cockatoo. I know that's a big list and wanted to get some opinions. As I said I will have all the time I need with the bird daily. Any advice is greatly appreciated. This is a great forum, thank you

[ParrotsForLife]

I own an African Grey so do a few people on here if you have any questions about African greys feel free to ask.

[liz]

Welcome to the forum.
You do not have your location in the info box so I don't know where you are.
Since parrots have long lives when cared for properly, I will suggest that you get one that is middle age like you.
I also suggest that you volunteer at a parrot shelter. We suggested this to Nevre. He was almost immediately claimed by one of the birds and is learning the personalities of the others.
This way you know each other before you take him home. You will also get as much backround as is available.

[Tinman1018]

I live in the Cincinnati area. I have researched the parrot adoption agencies and it is harder to get a response from them than it was to tame my DYH. I would have no problem adopting an adult bird, but have been stonewalled trying to find a agency that will adopt a parrot to someone so far away or even get as much as a reply from an email sent. I have a younger relative who is a bird lover like myself who will be in my will to adopt my bird. But for now I will stop the talk of my demise.....

[Pajarita]

Yes, bird rescues have very little time to answer questions (always under-staffed and overwhelmed) but what Liz suggested was that you volunteer at one of them. This would give you a good idea of the generalities of the different species you have on your list PLUS you might find that there is one bird of a species you did not even consider that clicks with you.

As to the list itself, you have very different birds there so you would have to be more specific as to what exactly you want to know about them.

[Tinman1018]

I have visited rescue organizations in the past. My conure when I was young was a rescue and my DYH I lived with for 34 years was a rescue. I have been looking at rescue sites on my web as the one near me was closed. I have visited various shops, breeders, and a a rescue in Kansas and Colorado when on vacation. I want to adopt a Bare Eyed Cockatoo after months of visits, research, and deliberation. I made the final decision this weekend. Any advice on reputable rescues that would adopt to someone in the Greater Cincinnati would be appreciated. The frustration level I am at due to the difficulty of finding a viable rescue society I have a backup plan of getting a baby. I would much rather find a rescue who needs that last home. Thanks in advance for any/all help.

[Pajarita]

Well, bare-eyes are not really any different from any other white cockatoo... not in what counts so, if I were you, I would not get 'stuck' on bare-eyes but look at all white toos because they are the number one given up bird and thus very easy to find one to adopt. Just look in CL and Kijiji for a couple of weeks and I bet you will find some (virtually all cockatoos end up been rehomed, they are not easy birds to keep and people give up on them all the time) Sheesh, there are so many given up that there are rescues that only 'do' toos!

[liz]

You can also do http://www.rescueme.org

[Tinman1018]

Thanks for all the help, I much prefer to adopt an older friend who needs a home with lots of time to work with them and play with them.

[liz]

Most of the rescueme parrots are put on the web sight by their owners. Most will give you info on personality. They may also make a list of foods that he likes.