ken
Hatchling
Posts: 10 
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Post by ken on Nov 19, 2017 23:47:03 GMT -5
Hi everyone. I posted almost to weeks ago about losing my Q.P. skippy. I feel so empty without her. I feel guilty for leaving her at the vet and not being their when she passed.
I catch my self talking to her as I walk around the corner where her cage use to be. I know a lot of you know how I feel. most people even my wife doesn't understand how attached
I was. It doesn't seem right not having a noise maker in the house. I have had birds for over 25 yrs. And feel I would want another but am afraid to get one at 58 yrs old. Thought about
adopting a older bird, but just don't know. any thoughts.
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Post by biteybird on Nov 20, 2017 3:18:11 GMT -5
Hi again, Ken. I think you should follow your heart.  If any of us thought about our age we'd never do anything! Besides, you're not THAT old. Adoption is a good way to go if you are up for the time commitment and are motivated - Easttex (forum member) knows heaps about adoption. Of course we all understand how you must be feeling. Grief can do odd things and it can take a while to cope. There is no 'right' answer - you must do what you feel is right for you. I just want to give you moral support! Hope you begin to feel better soon. Please do let us know what you decide. Best Wishes. XX |
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Post by easttex on Nov 20, 2017 10:53:44 GMT -5
I understand the concern about getting older. When I adopted my grey, Allie, I knew it was a real possibility that she would outlive me. I had to find someone who would take over her care, at least temporarily, if something should happen to me, because my husband is not at all good with birds. My sister would take her in, but ultimately Allie would probably go to a rescue/sanctuary. I figure she's had ten years so far in a very loving home that she might not have had otherwise; not to mention all the benefits I get from the relationship. You do the best you can to plan for the worst, but you should do that even if you are a young person.
On lifespans in general, keep in mind that only some small percentage of birds are going to reach the maximum. (Which isn't really a true maximum, as some few will exceed it.) But this consideration is one of the reasons I adopt, rather than going to breeders. People give up their birds for all kinds of reasons, and they are often ignorant of the bird's nature. They might decide it is aggressive when all it needs is someone with patience who understands a little about birds. Or maybe it doesn't "fit into their lifestyle" now, or they wanted a bird that talks, or whatever. I've taken other people's cast-offs, and I've never been sorry. My quaker, Peppy, was 21 and cage-bound when I got him, and he lived only a couple more years, but after the adjustment period they were two years of cuddling and sweetness that I wouldn't have traded for anything.
I don't think you need to let your age stop you from getting another parrot. If you do decide to, just make a good contingency plan.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 20, 2017 15:55:30 GMT -5
Hi Ken, my little rescue kitten passed away 3 weeks ago. I had her from 4 weeks of age to 10 months. I miss her terribly and will go to her grave in the backyard to have a chat to her each day. I still cry every day. However, today I am off to meet a little rescue kitten who will probably come home with me. I know he wont replace Mia but he will bring a lot of joy into the house and I can give him a wonderful home. I am a lot older than you but you have to do what feels right. I think it is great if you are going to adopt a rescue animal. My birds will be put into my will - my kitten and dog are from rescue groups so will go back to them if something happens to me. All I can say is if you are still missing your little buddy, then it is time to get another one.
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Post by cnyguy on Nov 20, 2017 21:19:04 GMT -5
I understand how you're feeling. After my Amazon parrot George passed away, I would come into the apartment and say hello to him, as I always had-- and it hurt to get no reply. It wasn't long before I knew I didn't want to be without a parrot. At that time, I was close to your current age, and that didn't stop me from bringing Ralph the QP into my life. About a year and a half ago, I adopted Scooter, a 13-year-old African Grey parrot. As easttex said, it's a good idea to have a plan in place (at any age, and not just those of us over 50) should anything unexpected happen preventing one from taking care of the parrot. If you're ready for another parrot now, it's probably the right thing to do to find one to adopt or to take in a younger parrot.
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Post by biteybird on Nov 21, 2017 2:47:29 GMT -5
Like the others have said (which I meant to mention in my first reply), you do need to have a backup plan for your new parrot - if you decide to go ahead and buy/adopt another. I think having a contingency plan would give you great peace of mind and the freedom to relax with your buddy, knowing that he/she would be safe and happy should you not be there someday. Good luck with your decision. |
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