Today i went to a house up the street to drop off a piece of mail that was wrongfully delivered to my house. While waiting for the woman to come to the door I saw in a the front window, a very sad CAG, in a cage that was WAY too small, with no toys, and enough poop in the bottom stuck on the grate to indicate that it hadn't been cleaned in at least months. The look on his face was disheartening. The woman who came to the door was elderly, and I have seen her outside before, getting mail etc., and i believe she lives alone. I tried to spark a conversation with her about the bird and she had no interest whatsoever, just wanted to get rid of me. What went through my head in the 10 seconds of meeting her was, maybe she couldn't take care of him anymore and didn't know how to go about finding him a good home, and BAM, here I was on her doorstep, what a great opportunity to arrive for her to take the bait if i threw it out to her....but she wasn't interested at all. I commented on how beautiful he was, how i used to have a CAG, how much I loved them, how I live right up the street, I have macaws and a tiel and love birds, and she just nodded and slowly closed the door in my face.

Sooooo.....now what?????????? I was thinking of dropping off a toy, saying that it was too small for my guys, blah blah, and just starting to make a pest of myself that way. Geez, I live like 10 houses up from her (and these houses are on top of each other here) i could make myself a regular pain in the a@$ if she wants me to. Am I wrong here???

How thoughtful of you to want to help the woman and her bird. She may be being cautious with living alone, so it may take a few visits before she feels comfortable enough to open up and be friendly.

I have often read how important pet companionship can be for the elderly. It may be too difficult for her to clean the cage and maybe in time she will gladly welcome an offer of help to clean his cage, provide a toy or two or even some birdie bread. Good luck with your mission!

i guess that's the best you can do - carefully try to enter her world (i think the toy idea is a good one), and with the same care introduce her to the concept that birds need more than a cage once she doesn't shut the door in your face anymore.... maybe add some flowers to the toy for her too

difficult situation... poor birdie

If you have another opportunity to speak to her, you might ask her if her grey speaks. Most grey-owners enjoy sharing stories regarding the vocabulary of their birds. Might be a way to get her to open up more to you. It can be very tough to get people to open up -- especially the elderly -- given all the bad news on the television these days about seniors being targeted so much by thugs and scam artists. I think it admirable that you wish to do so much to help this little spirit. I hope you succeed! Please keep us updated.

You've gotten some great advice so far!

I was dealing with a similar situation several months back. A family in my hometown have an approx. 9 year old grey, who hasn't been out of her cage in 8 years. She has the one dowel perch that came with the completely circular cage, and 2 crocks that are usually empty or nearing empty of both food and water. No toys- not one.

The thing that made this situation difficult for me, was that these people used to be best friends of our family. To make a very long story short, we no longer talk to any of them. I just couldn't let that stand in the way of trying to improve poor Valentine's horrible conditions, so I came up with the excuse that I just started buying lots of toy parts to make all of Ollie's toys, and I was having so much fun, and needed lots of practice. I gave them a toy to give her, and as far as I know, its still sitting on the table next to her cage.

It just makes me sick thinking about it-I sure hope there is something you can do for this little one. Keep us updated on any progress with the owner! Maybe she just doesn't know proper parrot care. Hopefully eventually you can just educate her, and she will be willing to improve her husbandry.

I too would try the toy and small talk. I have entered many people's lives that way. Some elderly and they didnt have birds, but I opened that door.
Once she warms up to you, she will probably be very thankful you knocked on her door.
please let us know what happens.

Andrea - stop by the store. We will put together a care package for you to bring to her. I wonder what she is feeding the poor guy. Actually, I kinda don't want to know.

Kathie that is very kind of you and the store.

I hate when that happens. Bless you for caring to improve this guy's life. And you too, Calvinsmom, for giving a care package.

I have had success with getting people to care more for their birds by saying the toys I sent are 'gifts' for the bird, because I just love birds so much (as opposed to me telling them what to do). I told you guys about the budgies in Mexico, and another time, my friend told me his wife's family had a green parrot (I'm thinking an amazon from the description of its size) that had nothing in its cage. I told them I enjoyed making toys for birds and mailed them a big package of toys that I had put together. (they are in America, I am in England).

We are also thinking of my friend asking if I could come over and see the bird "because I love parrots." I've done some volunteer work at parrot shelters and my friend was thinking of exaggerating that A LOT to make it sound like I was some kind of a professional parrot consultant, thinking that maybe they would listen to what i have to say then. Hopefully next time I go to America I will see the bird and bring him more toys. My friend knows nothing about parrots, and HE is concerned, so I am afraid to see what conditions this bird is living in.

My husband wants to kill me when I see someone not taking proper care of a bird - I HAVE to say something. I try to do it politely, not saying "you should" but no matter what I say, my reserved British husband gets embarrassed. I do not care, as you will see from my 2nd signature quote! I am American, and Americans come across as pushy over here, no matter how polite.

Please let us know how it goes. If you have paypal I would like to send you a little donation to buy something for this bird.

If you see her outside make your move whether it be with a toy in hand or just some conversation. She may have been on guard since you were at her door or maybe she was just having an off day.
I agree with Camille, tell her you make bird toys and bring her one.

Good luck and I know exactly how you feel!!!! Keep us posted.