I keep getting calls about taking in Macaws. The rescues are full. People are losing their houses due to forclosure and are moving into apartments, therefore they need to get rid of their parrots (mainly B&G Macaws). The rescues are full. They say no one is adopting because they can not afford to due to our economy. Adoption fees are steep...anywhere from $250 and on up.

Now they want me to foster in my house that I just moved into. I have a ton of extra room away from my own fids. Heck, I even have a spare cage -- but most parrots come with their previous cage.

I...just can't do it. I don't have the time or patience. Heck...I'm even running short on time for my OWN animals lately. They stay clean and fed, but don't get as much attention. I'm even running short on time for myself!!!

I can not take in fosters knowing my own fids are not getting enough time. UGH this is really weighing on me right now.

Homeless, neglected animals is a HUGE problem in the world right now...what happened for it to get so bad?! I know, I know...one of the worlds many issues that keeps getting worse and worse.

Sorry...I needed to vent.

Missi, this can be a heavy burden. Tell them to stop calling you. I dont get involved with any of that crap anymore, it breaks my heart. I lost sleep many nights over many birds. I hate to turn my back to it, but I had to come to terms with the fact that, I cant all the animals out there. Once your name gets out there, they call you!

You're right. I know, I've had to turn my back. I feel so guilty. I hope the rescue people understand. I really hate to say 'no', but I believe that it was the best decision. Best for me, Joe, our animals, but I'm not sure about the rescues or the rescuers...I feel selfish, I guess.

Missi I was just thinking about this very thing this afternoon. I did have a moment where I thought, I owe it to the homeless birds to try to take care of more. But after giving it thought, I have to remember I made my promises to Kady & Kita. Their needs come first and take up my money, space and time resources. I not only have to provide for them while I am here, but have to prepare for them for when I'm not here. That means I cannot take on more in my home. I suppose there will always be pangs of guilt that I can't do more, if it was a dire situation I would be there, but I try to help out rescues in other ways than fostering.

Sweet Missi! If you take on these birds and you don't have the time then your babies will be just as bad off as they are. Besides this is your and Joe's time now and you should enjoy your new home and life. There will be a time later if you want and feel that you can take on more. Concentrate on giving the birds you have a wonderful life and know that at least 3 birds will go to bed happy and healthy tonight. Love, J

I understand where you're comming from Missi. I think the best thing for bird owners to do is just stay on the DL. When I was in FL, I visited a Caique breeder (long story) and she said that she recieves 20+ calls a day (she got like, 12 when I was there) about people needing someone to foster or adopt their birds. All she said to do was refer them to either a small rescue (keep your ears open for those sort of things) or a pet shop who could handle the situation. There are just too many [large] birds out there in dire need of homes, but we can't take them all...

Agreed.

It's hard to say no... almost impossible sometimes! But Missi, your health and your fids MUST come first. When you feel that you have the time, space and resources to foster (or perhaps adopt), you can always get your name out there again.

It's painful, I know: we ALL want to help animals (and heck, people!) in need. However, it's not selfish to step back and say, "I'm done... if only for the time being."

Bless your heart for wanting to do some much,

-e-

Morning Missi! I was thinking about your bird dilemma last night and I wonder if several of us got together we might could "sponser" a bird with a few bucks a month so that some deserving person could keep their bird until the ecomomy improves? What do you think?

some sort of bird sponsorship is an excellent idea! I've often thought that since birds live so long, and that people's life woes are for the most part temporary, why not foster with payment till you could get your bird back. I'm sure most people are heart broken to have to give up their bird. That way they can visit their bird, and help out with the expense. Of course that would still mean more time on the part of the foster parent. Could be a good avenue for a rescue to consider though.