OK, I'm not sure how I'm going to go through with this but I need to find Hank (my 5 year old male QP) a new home. I've recently been diagnosed with a condition that prevents me from keeping my best friend which has brought me to this listing. Hank is a loving and happy friend and all I ask of any perspective parent is that they be the same. He's currently boarding with his breeder in the Columbia MD area and I'd prefer that interested parents visit him there but I wouldn't be against traveling with him to find the right home (be prepared to deal with my emotions if you request this option) I'd be lying if I told you that he didn't have any faults so please consider the following (all of which are due to his owner's inexperience, not his). Never assuming that this day would come, I've spoiled him rotten. He's accustomed to being out of his cage whenever I'm home. If you're going to take Hank in you'll need to know this and do the same or be prepared to hear from him (and he can be loud) while you're training him differently. I've also allowed him to be top bird. His place is on my shoulder or wherever else he decides. Now that I've told you the worst, please be assured that he is something special and I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't want to find him the best possible home in just one try.

I do have some pictures of Hank but haven't yet figured out how to add them to this thread. I'd also like to hear from anyone who can't take Hank in but can give me some good advice on things I can do to make sure that he ends up in a good home.

I wish it hadnt come to this. But I know you have to do what is right for your health. Beings as you have made this decision you prob will want to mention too the rehoming fee, what comes with him,cage, toys stands etc. What food he is on?. Just everything to help. Im too far away but I wish you well and good luck.

I'd rather find him a good home than collect a new homing fee. I would obviously ask that a new owner keep me updated as to his wellbeing but everything he owns (I purchased but he owns) if you want it comes with him. That includes his cage and all toys purchased over our five years. He eats the pellets provided by his breeder (sorry, I don't know the brand, I just reorder from them) but I spoil him by giving him pumpkin seeds, potato bread and other treats.

Sorry for the delay but i just found out how to add this.

What a doll. I'm truly sorry you are going through this. It is ever parrot lover's nightmare. But, your health is MUCH more important and don't let any one tell you otherwise.

Good luck in finding a new home for your little green charmer.

Well, I wish I were closer but Im sure someone will be along that is within distance.

Thanks Carrie-Anne and thanks for all of your advice over the last week or so. Did I mention that I was a fellow Canadian (born and raised) but moved down here a while ago (it's a lot warmer).

I'm so sorry you have to rehome Hank, I can't imagine what you're going through. Hank sure is a cutie and I'm sure you'll find him the perfect home.

Hugs and Good luck!

Hi--How is Hank with kids and other pets? I live in Columbia, MD, and have been considering expanding the flock. Does he have any issues? Thanks.

I'm sorry, I don't have children or other pets but he has been good with other houseguests and I've had a dog in the house on several occasions. During those times, he seemed very interested in the dog but we kept him at a safe distance.

He's currently staying in a bird store that I'm sure you're aware of if you live in Columbia just off 29 (at 216) if you are interested in seeing him. Just let me know and I'll contact the owner.

Yes, I would like to visit Hank. What's the address or the name of the shop? I haven't lived here that long. Thanks.

I just sent you a message with the information (I'm not sure if the owners of the store where he is want me posting their contact information on a public message board).

I found a few more pictures of Hank and thought I would share them with you.

Oh, I hope this works out! I am not far away from Columbia - in Falls Church, VA - but I cannot have another bird. I hope you find Hank a wonderful home ... with visitation!

Susan

Hi Iain, Hank is so pretty, I hope you will find a good home for him soon. Fingers crossed!

I'm going to be out of town between August 22nd and August 24th with little or no access to the internet so please don't be discouraged if you post and I don't get back to you right away. I'll reply (and I hope I have a number of people to reply to) as soon as I get back.

I live in Mount Airy. I would like to visit Hank (and it would be nice to know of more bird stores in the area). Can you send me the store info?

Hank came home today. I think part of it had to do with the fact that I couldn't stand having him locked up in his cage 24-7 while he was in the store and the rest of the blame rests on my shoulders. I'm going to start running ads in every publication that I can get my hands on and the reality of letting him go is setting in. So please pass the word around that there is a sweet, loving bird in need of a great home in the Maryland area (although I will travel to find the right home for him). The ads that will be running read as follows:


5 Year old Male (DNA tested) Quaker Parrot
Please help me find a new home for my five year old quaker parrot. I've recently been diagnosed with a health condition that will prevent me from keeping my little friend and would like to find a permanent, loving home for him. I'm in Maryland but will travel for the right home. His cage and all of the accessories will be included but I'll need to be convinced by perspective owners that they are prepared and committed to take in a very special bird. Previous or current quaker ownership is preferred but not necessary. Please send some general information about yourself, the reason why you'd like to adopt and reasons why you would be a good new parent to my parrot mailto:IMSQP@YAHOO.COM

Might I suggest that if you are going to list him in papers and what not that you ask for a rehoming fee and then when you find the right person you can waive the fee. The reason I say this is because you'll have everyone and their dog out for a "free" bird. They may talk a good story but know little to nothing about the bird. By asking a rehoming fee you'll have fewer wacko's wanting something special for nothing.

I hope you can find just the perfect home for Hank. I know how hard this is for you; probably one of the hardest things ever. But I think you are doing what is best for you and for Hank.

Take care of yourself. Big Hugs...

Thank you. I didn't think of that.

Thought I'd add a few up-to-date pictures to this string. This was Hank right after he arrived home tonight.

Hi Andie's mom:

I took your advice and added a re-homing fee to my ad but then received the following message. Don't get me wrong, I think your advice was right on but man did it hurt to read this.



Reply to: [email="comm-813794856@craigslist.org?subject=Its%20A%20Shame%20(MD)"]comm-813794856@craigslist.org[/email] ^[?]
Date: 2008-08-26, 12:41PM EDT


I just had to writed this after months of reading looking and trying to find a wonderful pet. I have lost money on adoption fees and never got what was promised. I have not understood this adoption or rehoming fees that is just silly where I am from we dont do rehoming fees. If you are selling an animal that is a choice but please a rehoming fee. Think about what you are saying a rehoming fee. You are selling your animal I will not call it a pet. It is a shame you are taking away a chance for an animal to have a wonderful new home. I know this will get flagged or removed but at least maybesomeone will think.

Sorry you got that type of response, that's too bad. I very much agree with posting a rehoming fee (even if you are going to waive it) to cut down on the number of people who just read the words 'free!' Ignore their response, it's the exact opposite of what you're trying to do... you are trying to find the perfect home and cut out the possibility of a person who just wants something for free.

*Hugs*

Thank you and I know that. By the way, I posted a $200 re-homing fee. Does anyone have any thoughts on that amount? I don't want to post a fee that is so high that it scares people away but as you say, I don't want it so low that everyone and their uncle replies.

First, I am so sorry you and Hank have to go through this. It must be unbelieveably hard. I see no problem with a rehoming fee and I think $200 is a fair price. I agree with everyone that has said the rehoming fee helps screen out the people that just want a bird because it's free. The response you got just rubs me the wrong way. You shouldn't have to feel bad about wanting to find the best home possible for Hank. If the person that wrote it was really interested in finding a "wonderful pet" they would be smart enough not to send a negative message that makes little sense. If they would have written to you and explained that they would love to take in Hank, couldn't afford a rehoming fee, but would like to meet with you if you can't find him another home, I'm sure that you would be much more likely to consider them. I'm sure the right home will come along. Hopefully you won't have to weed through more messages like that before you find it.

Thank you. I'm actually speaking to a very nice person right now and hope that something great can come out of it. Thanks to everyone for their posts. I'll definitely keep you posted.

Keep your fingers crossed.

I live in Delaware (used to live in Dundalk, MD) and am seriously considering adding another quaker to my family. Let me know if the person you're talking to doesn't work out.
I have one quaker now, he's 3 years old, and would love to give him a buddy.
I would be willing to drive up to see him (I'm overdue for a visit to my friends there, anyway)
Thanks!
Kate

Thanks Kate, I'll keep you posted.

I had a very encouraging meeting last night and have another (with a different perspective owner) tonight. It definitely is making this process a little easier knowing that there are great homes and people out there who will take great care of Hank.

Thanks again for your post and I'll be in touch.

Iain

Iain,

I hope everything works out...but if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know.
Kate

QUOTE (Carrie~Anne @ Aug 14 2008, 08:49 PM)

What a doll. I'm truly sorry you are going through this. It is ever parrot lover's nightmare. But, your health is MUCH more important and don't let any one tell you otherwise.

Good luck in finding a new home for your little green charmer.

THANK YOU CARRIE~ANNE!!!!!

QUOTE (Casey's Mom @ Aug 26 2008, 04:45 PM)

Sorry you got that type of response, that's too bad. I very much agree with posting a rehoming fee (even if you are going to waive it) to cut down on the number of people who just read the words 'free!' Ignore their response, it's the exact opposite of what you're trying to do... you are trying to find the perfect home and cut out the possibility of a person who just wants something for free.

*Hugs*

THANK YOU CASEY'S MOM!!!!

i'm new to the board and live in central ny
id consider taking in hank
feel free to pm me
if your still looking for a home
and i'd be happy to tell you about my bird family, quakers and
why id be willing to take in one more

Connie is right. A re-homing fee keeps people from just looking for a bird to sell.
The guy or gal that wrote the nasty response was just looking for a free bird.
I think it would be great if someone from the forum could have Hank and then it
would be so easy for you to be updated on his progress.
Best wishes