Hello from New Hampshire!

[Roger P]

It all depends on the organization as to how long they will stay involved. If this foster home is not the people in charge of the organization, then I would be letting the people in charge know how pushy the fosters are being, and about some of your concerns about them as well.

That said, the local rescue organization here requires you to agree to two home visits, one planned and one surprise, and that if you ever decide you do not want the bird, it must be returned to the rescue, not sold or adopted out again, so they still have some say. So if the fosters are deeply involved in the rescue organization, you may need to tread lightly for a while so they don't decide you are not a good parent, and take Frankie back from you. Do what feels right to allow you to keep Frankie with you. Once he is safe for good, though, I would be saying something to somebody to get these guys off the foster list.

[Maighen]

I did have to sign a contract that if we no longer wanted Frankie we would notify them first. However....I was looking over the paperwork that I did get with Frankie and there is no bigger organization....its is just these people. I have also ask on my local craigslist and have found people who have had dealings with them before who also were not happy. I am happy to have Frankie and love him.....but the treatment of the birds and other animals in their care is questionable. I do not want to risk losing Frankie and him ending up in another foster home and possibly bounced around from home to home again.

With that said.....I think Frankie waved at me tonight! I was waving at him and he lifted his foot and moved it side to side and we did this 3 times! But of course when I wanted to show my husband....Frankie decided he was all done waving and was ready for bed lol. Maybe tomorrow

[Roger P]

Isn't it amazing what a little positive treatment can do? Animals all seem to know, who is good and who is not. They are better at reading people than other people are. It's great to hear that things are going so well for you and Frankie.

Trick wise, you are not alone in your "hey great, come see this trick he learned" and then they do nothing. Keep at it, someone else will see it eventually. I am still trying to convince my wife that Merlin says "good morning" every morning to me. It's been a month, she still thinks I am hearing things

Good idea with the Craigslist thing. Maybe save those notes and when you feel things are safe for you and Frankie, maybe a discrete phone call to the local humane society could save some of Frankie's former cell mates. Bottom line, you saved Frankie, be proud of that and ensure that he stays safe with you. Good luck, keep us in the loop as to how things are going and any other questions that come up.

[Maighen]

Before I got Frankie I didn't believe they were truely like little kids. Now I know they are....he acts almost like my 5 year old niece lol. This morning he decided he didn't want apple and spit it at me so I offered him a grape and he was happy! He is really shy or afraid of strangers.....my father-in-law came by this morning and Frankie freaked out. He wasn't even near Frankie's cage and he was growling and yelling really loud. I went over and talked to him quietly and he calmed down a little but anytime my father-in-law moved or looked over at Frankie.....he yelled.

I have found quite a few people who have been to the foster parents home and some who have gotten birds from them also. Its funny how quick people want to share there stories with someone else who has been through almost the same thing. I was told that all the birds that these people rehome other then the babies are imports....how do I know if Frankie is an import? I also found a woman who is in the process of sueing these people for the death of a B&G Macaw.....she got him a little over a year ago and he was terribly sick. I have made an appointment for Frankie to go to the vet tomorrow. I was given a health certificate by these people but I want to have him checked anyways!

[Roger P]

Given what happened at the foster and the moving around prior, he may have issues with men for a while (tell your husband to be careful). It could also be that since he has moved around so much, Frankie associates new people with new owners and moving again. Once he has been with you for a while this may get better.

Good idea about the vet visit, as you obviously cannot trust the foster parents.

[Maighen]

That makes sense! Frankie doesn't show much interest in my husband unless he is growling at him. I think Frankie woke up moody today....he hasn't wanted to come out of his cage.....no interest in toys....takes the treats and throws them and has been growling more today then he has the last couple of days! He is eating pellets and drinking water. Just keeping an eye on him!