Hi Im donna

I have been thinking about adding to our animal family with a parrot for some while now.  I have never owned a parrot but have had budgie and my husband had a cockatiel some years back, so altho we have owned birds there is still so much to learn. We think an african grey is the right parrot for us.

I didnt realise there were such things as parrot rescue, I knew that obvioulsy cats, dogs and small furries had rescue centres but was unaware that there were so many birds needing to be rehomed, so after seeing this we have decided we would rather re home a parrot than buy one.

i work part time as a teaching assistant and have 3 children 16, 11 and  7. we have a border collie, rottweiler, pond fish, tropical fish, rabbit and a hamster, we have a mini zoo in the making lol

I will be applying to foster a bird but will be doing a bit more research first and will no doubt being spending lots of time on here doing so.

Welcome aboard Donna and family!!!
A great way to introduce yourself to the world of parrots is to become a safe house, we are always in need of these. Then if you found a bird that really fitted in well with you and yours you could apply to give it a long term foster home! (does not always mean you would get it though...but if the rehoming team think you would suit the bird ...you probably will)

Hi Donna, welcome to BirdLine.  It's a great on here, you learn about so many things and can ask whatever you want.  Somebody with loads of experience will always have an answer.

Sue

Posted By laura on 22-08-2010 07:20 AM
Hi Donna
I too am a teaching assistant and live in farnham! I safe house and foster. I thought I was on my own in this area!!! Good to have you on board. What school do you work in?

Laura

Oh fab was wondering of there was anyone near me. I work at a school in farnborough , you?

Hi and welcome.  Like you we have lots of animals but had little or no experience of parrots but always had an interest and we seriously thought about getting one.  I have been a member of birdline for over a year just following the forums, learning about parrots etc before plucking up courage to offer to become a safehouse. In Feb 2010 after a friendly visit from an ACO for a chat, house check and to complete some paperwork I was accepted.  Within the week I had two conures come to stay and all went so well with that I jumped at the chance when asked if I would be interested in safehousing two african greys (my favourites) at the same time.  My rescue manager Ann kept in regular contact so I knew I wasnt alone if I needed help.  All 4 stayed with us until early July until they went to new homes.  It was a bit sad when they went - the house felt different.

We have since been away on holiday and only got back this week.  I have already spoken to Ann my Rescue Manager who has said she will be pleased to use us as a safehouse again.  I wonder what bird/s will be lodging with us soon - it is exciting.  Safehousing is to be recommended if only to gain experience of the different species and to decide whether a parrot is right for you and your family long term.

The forums are full of first class information and support.  Membership of £20 per year is a bargain.

Good luck.

Posted By Oodie on 22-08-2010 10:12 AM
Hi & welcome

your Rotty (I can't spell the full name) looks beautiful! I "window lick" the rehoming section all the time.

Ian

hi

she is beautiful and she knows it too. although she sounds a right beast when anyone knocks the door but after 5 mins of someone being in the house she is back to her old self lazing around again lol

The collie (kiah)just barks because the rottweiler(fisk) islol, kiah is going blind and deaf, she is 12 now and as soon as she realises the other one is barking i think she just thinks ooh its time to bark now and just does it as she quite often will go in the opposite direction and bark  lol