As many of you already know, I have to re-home my little friend. I've been given an option and wanted to hear what some of you thought before I made a decision.
The breeder/owner of the bird store where I got Hank has offered to take him in as a "store bird" and will wait until a trusted/known customer inquires about him before offering information about adopting him. My questions for you are as follows:

1. How do you think my Qp will convert from living the free life (out of his cage) to a store life?
2. Should I press further to find him a home before going this route?
3. Am I placing an undue burden on the breeder (she has a business to run and rent to pay)?
4. Is there anything else I can or should do?

Any help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.


Iain

I have to say, I've seen this type of thing go both ways, where a bird is taken in as the "store bird" and under good circumstances where the bird is out of his cage part of the day and allowed to be handled by customers under supervision it could work to the birds benefit in becoming more socialized and more able to adapt to change. That's if its an outgoing bird already. But if it is more of a timid bird then it could become way too stressful for the bird.

An advantage is that the bird may remember the store owner and might be quite comfortable there. I do however doubt that the store owner will continue to let him have free flight unless they have a specific room for birds where the doors are closed so they can't fly into the main part of the store. It would be too dangerous for the bird to be left flighted.

Please remind us of the situation and why you need to rehome him and if you're asking a rehoming fee...my memory is terrible sorry.

You might also add the city and state you're in so that if someone is close by maybe they can help you.

I have to say that that Nobody is going to give your bird the same care you have given your bird, that is a given. Not at least until they get use to your bird, that might take some time. It is really sad that you have to give up your bird in the first place, but your are just going to have to TRUST the people that you give your bird to. That is about all if I can say about this.

Just a thought---have you thought about fostering your birdie if you see in the future this would fit into the equation?

I'm sure the store owner will do her best, but she just won't be able to give your bird the time and attention an individual at home would because, as you said, she has a business to run. And people come into stores and tap on the cages and make noises at birds, and she can't watch him constantly. Isn't there another solution? Surely someone could take Hank. People from all over are on the list and maybe one is nearby, or near enough.

Thank you for your posts. Here are few answers to your questions:

Andie's Mom: About three weeks ago I was introduced to a phrase that I hope none of you ever have to hear: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis with a positive blood test to pigeon serum. Due to this, I've been told that I can't keep my little friend.

LuvMyHarley1: I'm not sure I know anything about fostering but if your suggesting that someone look after Hank for a while and then return him to me, it unfortunately won't be an option.

Siobhan: I'm not convinced that this is the route I'm going to take which is why I posted this note. I do have an ad up in the re-homing section and I've chatted to a few people but don't have a new home for him yet.

The only reason that I'm considering going this route (and I've spoken to the breeder several times now) is because she cares for Hank and wants to find him a good home with possibly one of her regular customers. That way we can both keep in touch with the new owner and we'll know how he's doing. However, she doesn't know how long it will take to find someone that will be willing to take him in. It could be days, weeks or months.

I have forgotten what state you are in or your rehoming fee. Was there not anyone from the forum close enough to help out?

Sorry, I'm in Maryland and I'm not looking for a re-homing fee (just a warm, loving home).

I am so very sorry about the circumstances surrounding having to give up your bird. Surely somewhere on this forum, we have someone that would take him in with loving arms.........Once again, I am so very sorry you have to give him up. My prayers to you right now!

Oh Yeah. Now I remember. I do wish I were closer to help.

Thanks for your replying...I understand your circumstances now...sorry this has happened to you....what a bummer...

I do hope that Hank will find a loving and forever home soon....Bless you.....

At the moment, Hank is with the pet store owner, is that correct? How is he doing there? Does he seem to be handling it okay? If the answers to those questions are yes, then I say leave him there until you find a permanent home, whether it be you who finds the home, or the store owner.

Correct, Hank has been in the store (the same store he boards at when I go out of town) since the 9th. He's doing well and is quite interested in another QP who is in the cage beside him right now but the owner mentioned to me that he isn't eating his pellets (maybe my fault for giving him too many treats while he was with me) and he won't come out of his cage.

I love quaker parrots so much I'd take a second one if I were closer. I hope you are succesful in finding him a good and loving home. As for uploading the pictures...I have used a free program at www.shrinkpictures.com. It's easy to use and compresses pictures small enough to upload. That's what I used to upload this picture.

I keep seeing people saying that they are too far away to take the bird...something to think about might be to pay for the shipping. Truly, it isn't all that expensive, especially when you consider that you are getting a free bird Perhaps if the right member comes along who could offer a great home, Iain may consider shipping the bird.

Thanks Carrie-Anne and I will consider anything at this point for a loving home. I'm not sure that I'd ship my little friend but I will consider driving him. I've considered road trips as far as 10-12 hours away.