adopting

[Pips mom]

I recieved this today in my email. It just made me stop and think, and also realize that this is the reason why I am so dead set on adding adopted birds to my flock. I could have easily found someone who breeds lovies, or bought one at the pet store (of course then you don't know the sex either) There are so many good reasons to adopt a bird who needs a home, instead of getting a baby. First is that all of my adopted birds were still very young. You can still find a young bird, even when adopting. Second is that you know more about the bird, it's likes and behaviour, and maybe even the sex of the bird! Also adopting is cheaper too, as re-homed birds have a lower re-homing fee and sometimes will even come with a great cage. I have become a firm believer in adopting a bird being re-homed....also partly because these birds are just as wonderful as a new baby from a breeder. Please read this and consider adoption when looking to add a new bird to your flock!
http://forums.manhattanbirdclub.com/post?id=3578105

[LauraO]

I am a BIG fan of adoption and have quite a few adopted and rescued birds. I think it's a win win situation and something all folks should consider for all the reasons listed and more. People get baby birds cause 1) they are cute and 2) they think it's the only way to have a tame bird. These reasons are problematic as babies grow up and a tame baby does not make a tame/friendly adult bird. In fact, I say the older the bird the better.

I have pretty much made up my mind that we are bringing another grey into our home. We are starting to look for a house and hoping to buy before Christmas. Once we move, I will start looking for a rescue grey who is older and needing a home. I will likely begin by fostering the grey because Mijo has to like the bird and vice versa.

[bbslovie]

Hi, I think it's a personal choice. However they choose us and they come to our families it's ok by me. As long as the health and welfare of the animal are first and they are loved and well treated. I've done both. With the amount of animals that need adopting right now I hope it's something people keep in mind when they start looking. Just my :2cents:

Barb :)

[LovelySydney]

As we all know Im a big believer in adopting birds. My next birds will all be birds that need another home, rather than from a breeder. Im such a craigslist browser & a hoobly browser so I see all the birds that need new homes. Lately its been A LOT of African Grays and bigger birds. I also like the fact that you can learn a lot about the bird you are adopting because someone has been taking care of them - so you can learn of a personality and what they like and dont like. Plus, as pipsmom said, the price is always really affordable and many times you DO get a cage.

Luka, my first lovey, was from a breeder and it showed. She was so personable and so social, she was my little angel girl. That was my first lovebird experience so I wanted to make sure I knew where I was getting my bird from. Gus was a bird that needed a new home and so was Oslo. Oliver came from a breeder - again, first parrotlet experience so I went the route that made me the most comfortable. Now that I know more about both breeds I personally would just opt for a re-homed bird. I totally understand getting from a breeder. When I get my GCC there's a chance I would get it from a breeder but that won't be for at least another year! (maybe- lol!)

[Jally]

Yes, I agree with Barb. We got Peanut from a breeder after much searching and researching. Peanut couldn't be anymore loved and wanted than when we had our human children and our puppies. He was planned and prepared for from day one.

However, he is the only bird that we got as a baby from a breeder. All of our other birds are either rehomed or pet shop birds, from a pet shop that I know and trust. They only get their birds from local breeders. I actually know first hand as I am in those stores (2 stores where I would only ever buy birds from) A LOT and have met the breeders.

I think if a person does their homework and really really wants a bird, then the committment is there and will always be there. They'll figure out ways to keep their birds happy and well adjusted. I think the problem we have right now are the young kids I see on forums who get birds and think how cute it would be if they were to have sweet tiny babies. Babies that they don't realize grow into adults and become adult birds who make a lot more noise, make a lot more mess, etc and then their parent's force them to give them away. Those are some of the birds we see on CL. :(

My 2cents...