Hi everyone, I decided to start looking to add a bird to my flock a couple of months ago. That's actually what led me to PC, or I should say, how I found PC. I've been doing research on what kind of bird I might want. I decided that I wanted to adopt rather than buy a baby from a breeder, so I looked into all of the rescues in Texas. Well, the ones that aren't strictly sanctuaries don't have any birds for adoption right now, as the people who run them are experiencing difficulties of one type or another. So, that's left me out on a limb, no pun intended. I have been combing the bandwidths for available parrots on Craigslist as well as other places. I was very appalled at the number I see listed, as well as the reason they are being listed if given.

A couple of days ago I found an add on Craigslist about a Timneh looking for a new home. Rather than flat out trying to sell her for money, the owner was trying to find a better home for her, as she had rescued her from a hoarding situation (at least that's how it sounded in her emails). The woman stated that she wanted to hear about the prospective owners life and situation before she would even respond to their email, so that was a good sign to me. I have corresponded with her and asked her questions about the grey, and it sounds like she's quiet and calm.

*She is 9 years old
*She does not talk, and does not pick.
*She's on Zupreem pellets and will eat most anything that is given to her (as in people food, w/ exception to the no-no's).
*She is stand-offish with new folks, but once she gets to know you she will step up.
*I didn't even ask about biting, as it's kind of a non-issue to me.
*She has never been to an avian vet for a physical or blood workup
*She is familiar with dogs being in the house (important to me since I already have two, I was afraid what would happen if she had never seen a dog)
*She has a cage that is "3x3x4" (her description)
*She stated that she is a special needs bird because she is missing some toes, which doesn't sound like too much of an obstacle to me, just need to take some things into consideration about her environment. She is able to perch and walk around, but she did state that she is a little clumsy because of the lost toes. She does not know how they were lost, just that that was the way she was when she rescued her.
*She is asking for a $400 rehoming fee

Now, am I missing anything vital? Help me out by making any suggestions you might have. I am totally aware of the risk of bringing in a strange bird, and will be going with a rather long quarantine period (at least 90 days if not longer) since this woman hasn't had her vetted. I am serious about getting another bird, and if this starts to feel "wrong" before I adopt I will back off in a hurry. I don't want to jeapardize my current flock in any way.

Also, state any and all opinions, I am asking for them so fire away. Does this sound like a good/bad/ugly situation, or whatever. I want y'all to play the devils advocate to some extent.

I've probably forgotten something.

If I were adding, Id taker her. Timnehs are sweet. But I would want to meet her first and see if there is chemistry. If she picks YOU, you will know! Good luck!

Yep, I'm waiting on a return email from the woman about setting up a time to meet her. I did tell her that I would not make a decision without meeting the bird first. I'm also hoping I know enough about grey's in general. I did research years ago before I got Bacca, thinking I would get a grey. I realize their temperament is much different from my amazons, but hopefully that won't inhibit the grey. I wouldn't ever plan on sticking them together, but hope the grey could stand a chatty-kathy as a sister and room-mate eventually (as in the living room together).

I'll likeley be doing a ton more research if I do go through with this to make sure I get everything "right", lol. I'm a bit anal about my babies, does it show. I'll have some things to watch out for, but I already do that with Bacca and Fizzy, so one more won't be a problem.

Stephanie, she sounds lovely. I would want to know a little bit about her day activities. What time she gets up, goes to bed, is she covered, in a cage, on a cage, playstand, likes rides, likes going outside, etc. Not that the answers would stop you from getting her, but just so you would know what she's used too so you didn't stress her by doing something right away that's unfamiliar to her.

This is the one I would have a hard time with if I were in your shoes. You may be setting yourself up for mega vet bills and lengthy treatment if something is amiss.

I knowingly took on two birds that were sick and I knew they would need extra costly care from day one and we're still working through the health care issues almost 3 years now. But I went into it with my eyes wide open as to what their health problems were.

But IMO it's one thing to go into it knowingly and another to not know if anything is wrong with the bird. So if it were me, I would want a physical and bloodwork done.

Yes I would agree with meeting her first to see if she likes you. The grey sounds adorable!

FeathersnFur made a good post, I'ld listen to what she says.

Thanks Karen. I was wondering about how to go about doing this. Do I ask the current owner to take her to the vet at my expense before I decide to take her, or what? I've been puzzling that one over and can't decide.

Your other points are great, keep them coming.

I'd probably ask if she would share the expense 50/50. If I fell in love with the bird after meeting her and if the owner flat out refused to share the cost I know I would ask her to take the bird in at my expense though. But it wouldn't hurt to ask for 50/50. Also if I were paying I would speak to the AV and tell them what I want done and get the results directly from the AV.

Having two birds adopted from CL, you've already asked the most cruitial questions. No matter how 'normal' a person sounds, I don't trust people on CL (and that may just be b/c the people here are crazy). Since you've already established just about everything you can know about her personality, I would focus on diet. Does she have any other birds? This is IMO, a very important question. Some birds do not do well around other birds, and some might not do well around specific species. Because Amazons are loud birds while greys tend to be mush more quiet, this could pose as a problem.

The thing that sticks out for me is the lack of vet care. I would be weary of this. I would do what Karen suggested. Its important to get all the facts before bringing another bird into the house. You don't want to sign up for something that's going to become something you really regret. Also, ask her to send you pics! Good luck and I hope everything works out!

My sweet Gipper was a tag. He was the best bird in the world. So smart and loving. Hopefully you can meet her first and see if sparks fly. Just remember they can be very shy at first.

Big hugs to you for considering a rescue. You can never go wrong with a Grey. My first step would be a vet check and bloodwork. If this person is truly concerned with finding the Grey a good home, she'll work with you on the price and vet cost. So many claim to be rescue and wanting to find good homes, but are actually looking to make a buck. Good luck!!