Am I too old?

[kannon]

I am 75.I have no health issues,work out in the gym every morning and take care of all that needs doing around the house.I work from home managing investments for an east coast institution.I acquired an African Grey recently and I think I can rely on a daughter to take the bird if I am unable.But should I think about trying to take on a rescue bird?There seem to be many birds offered on Craigslist and Tucson has a rescue service.
I would like to get a Cockatoo since I am lead to believe they are very affectionate.Since I work from home I have a lot of time to be with a bird.My African Grey is out of the cage and within 3 feet or so 10 hours a day.She is 9 years old and has been in a breeding cage for most of those years and has trust issues.But we are working on that and making slow progress.I think I could work with a larger bird that needs to build a relationship.I am not a fearful person.Many times working in the yard I will see a rattlesnake near me.I leave them alone and they leave my alone.

[Wolf]

First of all, in my opinion it is always a good idea to have someone who is willing to adopt your bird(s) should anything happen to you that keeps you from taking care of them. So in your case, and I am 60, I think that it would be a good idea to discuss the adoption of another bird with your daughter before you do it. She may be willing to care for one bird but may not be able to deal with two birds, especially since both species are high maintenance birds and also dust birds that will require the use of an air purifier. Both of these birds bond deeply with their special person and don't really like to share them with another human or bird.

[Pajarita]

Yes, Wolf is right but, if your daughter does agree, I suggest you take an older bird (20-30 years old).

[liz]

I am pushing 65. Rambo is 20+ and Myrtle is 4.
Rambo needed a new home after being with his owner for 11 years and being treated like her kid. I knew nothing about Amazons but we had met and he knew I was a friend of his Momma. He adjusted quickly. He did have trouble when his "Grandma" went on a permanent "bye bye". It was 2 weeks before he accepted that she was not coming back. Every once in a while he will call her still. It makes it a lot easier if your daughter spends time with it.

Rambo was social when he came to me. Myrtle had to come a long way. Both know my friends and more than one friend is willing to take them when something happens to me. They are in my will to go to my son who will not be able to keep them but I trust him. He has a feeling for critters like mine and will choose the new home that is the best for them at that time.

[kannon]

Thank you for your replies.I knew the answer but just needed someone else to tell me.
I saw a PBS program on TV recently and saw birds poorly treated.Craigslist has offerings of different birds almost daily.Last week I a saw a 3 year old Cockatoo offered and I wanted to take but my better sense warned me off.This weekend I saw a a Ring Neck Parakeet.Yesterday someone was offering just hatched Cockatiels .The local rescue society has a number of different birds for adoption.
Getting old limits in many ways.As far as my daughter, one bird is enough to expect her to take.

[liz]

It is really hard to resist a rescue. Some of our members rescue, rehabilitate and find them forever homes.
I took in two budgies that needed help. I changed their food, gave them warmth and light and love. They had plenty of stuff to keep them busy including interacting with the other critters. But I just could not help Marley with her problem. I asked for help and Wolf came through. I hope her new family has helped her.
I have friends who visit often (I don't get out much because of my aunt) and also bonded to my very social birds. In an emergency I know one of them will take care of them even if they have to adjust their own lives for a while. When I had to go in the hospital one couple moved in because they knew the schedule and only went home during the day to take care of their cats.
If you are strong enough you can rescue and rehabilitate then rehome knowing the personalities you can get forever homes. It is really hard to turn you back on a baby who needs help.
Increase your social circle so you don't depend on just your daughter to take them.
My daughter, aunt and I all live in the same house. My aunt does not take care of herself. My daughter puts herself first before the critters (that is why they are in my will, so she can't claim them).

[Pajarita]

Liz, although your advice shows that your heart is in the right place, rehabilitating parrots is not for everybody - especially the large ones which usually end up with aggression issues. If you don't know what you are doing, you can end up inadvertently causing more harm than good. Plus, an older person might not be up to checking references, doing home inspections, etc. And it's expensive, too (vet bills, new cage).