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Post by derek704 on Sept 14, 2014 23:09:14 GMT -5
I had just finished writing for the last hour and was about to hit post when my computer crashed. I'll retype it best I can, saving it along the way to avoid losing it again. My parrot Chili and I have been together since 2002. I was ten at the time, and will be turning 22 this Thursday. I am reluctant to find her a new home, but she is too unhappy in our current situation. She is terribly lonely, and has been for many years since she lost a companion Quaker (just her friend, not her mate) to my sisters cat back in 2006. I have been off at work and college for the last 4 years, and am still in the process of getting my degree. Even when I am home, I cannot be with her at all times. She gets most of her enjoyment staring out the window all day watching squirrels, rabbits, dogs, and people walk by. When I come home from work or school, she waves at me through the window and says hello. She has had many near death experiences, a dog punctured her lung in 2003, she was scalped by a ceiling fan in 2006, broke her beak almost completely off in 2008, and suffered a skin condition in 2009 that left her breast featherless. She is loving, moody/aggressive, excitable, curious, is easily scared by new objects, and absolutely loves warm temperatures 76-80 degrees. Not an outdoor bird.(She sometimes gets to hang out in the humid bathroom during showers and loves it:P). I've really wanted to buy another bird to keep her company, but on a broke college student budget, that would not be the best idea. She comes with a HUGE cage that would probably fit a macaw, along with a smaller black one that she has spent most of her life in, and a 50lb supply of food. She has been on a quality pellet diet most of her life, and loves fresh fruit. She says "Hello" and whistles but not much else human wise. I am about to be home less than ever, and am seeking a loving, patient home with other avian members, to help bring joy back into my baby's life. I just cant stand to see her miserable anymore... The companionship she has provided me over the years will never be forgotten, and her happiness is more important to me today than her companionship. I'll hate to see her go, but I know it is for the better. She isn't happy, and constantly lets me know it. I haven't decided on a fee yet, though compensation would be greatly appreciated. Ah yes, I live in the Dallas, TX metroplex. (After a bath)
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Post by Jefahfah on Jun 16, 2015 22:12:06 GMT -5
I can't believe nobody responded to this. What happened with Chili?
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Post by aaron on Jun 16, 2015 22:59:08 GMT -5
It is a shame that nobody was able to help here. I hope Chili is doing well somewhere. Sorry Derek for not getting back to you on this one.
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Post by msdani1981 on Jun 17, 2015 18:10:17 GMT -5
I just sent an email, so we'll see. Derek was last active in February. I hope all is well.
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Post by jefahfah on Jun 18, 2015 11:34:25 GMT -5
Yeah I'm in Houston so if he needs a place for Chili to stay permanently or until he gets back on his feet, I can do that.
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Post by aaron on Jun 18, 2015 16:23:44 GMT -5
That's really wonderful of you to offer, jefahfah. I hope we are able to get in touch with Derek.
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Post by biteybird on Jun 19, 2015 2:49:15 GMT -5
I don't remember seeing Derek's original post at the time - and I am usually pretty good at noticing these things. I'm wondering if somehow the post didn't come through...academic at this point. I hope he sees these messages and that a solution is found.
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Post by derek704 on Jun 22, 2015 0:01:22 GMT -5
Hey all, thanks for the replies. I have since quit my job and have become a full time student, so I am not gone as much as I was before. However, Chili does seem to get lonely, and could really use some company. Granted, she is the only thing keeping me company right now, I think it better for her to find a more eventful home.
I would like to note that we are dealing with some type of skin condition that will not quite go away. I have found that washing the affected area with water once every few days seems to get rid of it. But, it comes back once every 6 weeks or so on average. I do not think she is suffering per say, it seems more annoying to her than anything. I really want to take her to a vet to see what's going on, but I'm struggling for funds at the moment. I'm just concerned that if she was re-homed with something contagious, that it could potentially spread to other birds.
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Post by biteybird on Jun 22, 2015 4:36:46 GMT -5
Hi Derek, I hope someone can assist (I'm in Australia). Many forum members are experienced with this sort of thing, but I think it is great that you are being upfront about Chili's health concerns prior to someone wanting to adopt/babysit. Hope your studies go OK. Chili looks adorable in the photos. And you are quite handsome, too (sorry if that is a bit personal or inappropriate of me to say)!
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Post by easttex on Jun 22, 2015 5:51:36 GMT -5
Hi Derek. Sorry to read this is still a problem for you and Chili. It's important for anyone who adopts a new bird to keep them in quarantine for at least 30 days and have them checked before exposing their existing flock, even when they have no reason to think there is a health issue. Obviously it might be longer if the bird is found to have something contagious. As long as you are upfront about her condition and make the quarantine recommendation, I don't see a problem with rehoming her. She looks like a sweetie.
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Post by aaron on Jun 22, 2015 15:37:10 GMT -5
Chili looks like such a sweet girl. I really hope you are able to find someone to help, Derek. I am sure you noticed, but one of our newer members, Jefahfah, noted above that they live in Houston and might be able to help.
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Post by quakerfriend on Jun 24, 2015 14:38:10 GMT -5
I'm in Wisconsin, so I can't offer any help with babysitting. But, as far as the skin condition goes, it might be diet related or allergies etc. which only a vet could determine. In the meantime you might try something like this: store.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/SOOTHER-SPRAY/productinfo/SOOTHERSPRAY/ I've never used it but it seems like it might be helpful.
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holly
Hatchling
Posts: 25
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Post by holly on Jul 9, 2015 0:47:55 GMT -5
Hello! If there is absolutely no one else more experienced that can take her, I volunteer! Not as a last resort, but I'm merely stating I am quite new to birds, but I'm a quick learner on my way to be a vet.. I have one QP at around 8 years of age.
I live out in the country on a nice plot of family land, and so we have other animals. They will leave her be, since she will be in the house and I'm the alpha so they listen, even if they want to be friends. As long as she has no urges to go after an animal that is minding its own business, she would be welcomed here! I also have a service dog with me 24/7, he does not react to my current QP, unless she flys out of the room, then he follows her and shows me where she lands. If another animal buts in that room he "draws a line in the sand" so to speak.
Most of my studies are solo whist my medical conditions get figured out, but everyone on the property loves birds, especially my Bandit(QP)! And I have great connections with my local vets.
I live in north east Texas about an hour from the LA border, outside a town called Jefferson. But I have a Dr. in Dallas and know that area well.
PM me if you need any other information, Thank you! ~~~Holly~~~
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Post by derek704 on Aug 24, 2015 20:35:35 GMT -5
Sorry for the super late response. To be honest, I have not let Chili around other animals much. We had a house full of dogs, cats, and ferrets. I actually lost a QP to our cat and ferret in '06, so I didn't let her out of my room unless the other animals were caged. The only experience she had with dogs was when my grandmother's terrier caught Chili in mid air and punctured her lung. Not a good day. But if you can PM me your details and a good time to talk, I may be interested if you still are. I'm just hoping that getting her used to another QP may help curb her loneliness. Oh yeah, I went through Jefferson a few years ago as part of a family vacation.
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