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Should older people adopt parrots in need?

cathybill7

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Hi, I'm Cathy and I'm knew here. I wanted to ask about a decision I am trying to make. I am 54 years old at the end of May. I recently have come across a 10 yr old Blue and Gold Macaw in need of a home. I already have three smaller parrots and I really would like to give him the kind of home he needs. I live in the country so noise is not an issue. I have an indoor aviary I built for my smaller birds and would have room for him in my home. MY concern is knowing his lifespan, he will outlive me. I have a daughter in law in forestry who agreed she would take him when I can no longer care for him, but I worry their lives could change. Is it reasonable to consider taking this beautiful boy or should I just forget it?
 

Just-passn-thru

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Absolutely, you seem like a good fit for him. Enjoy your time together and plan for his future care. I'm older than you and have young parrots. I am looking into their care when I no longer can provide. My biggest concern is being bounced around from home to home. I would want them to have a equal or better life than what I have provided.



 

Cynthia & Percy

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welcome
 

Greencheek Lee

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Yes! You could have up to 40 more years in front of you. Even if you were 20 there is no guarantee of what will happen. Enjoy your life and make the preparations you can.
 

cassiesdad

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Welcome to the Avenue.

We have the same concerns about our U2, Milton. I always tell people that he's 21 years old...and we're not. Being very healthy, he could very well out live us. We adopted Milty a little over 6 years ago, when he was 15 and I was 55. (sounds a little like you and the Mac you're considering)
When we adopted Milty, we signed the legal papers with the rescue saying that if we cannot care for him, they can legally take him back. Now, we have a couple who will take Milt if and when we cannot care for him (again, a lot like your case with your daughter in law)

Now the couple might change their mind in the future...as we know, no person can predict the future, and if they change their mind, we can always find someone else who would gladly take him in.

In my opinion...open your home and heart up and bring the Mac home...
 

Laurie

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I agree with the others. While your lifespans don't necessarily line up in an exact way there is no predicting that far ahead.

Planning for the worst is key, then live you life hoping for the best :)
 

cnyguy

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Certainly, if you're willing and able to provide a good home for a parrot, advanced age shouldn't be a barrier to adopting. Last year, at the age of 60, I was asked to take in a 12-year-old African Grey, and was happy to do so. If she and/or Ralph the QP should outlive me, there are people standing by to take them in. Their lives would change, but I'm confident that they could adapt, just as they did when moving in with me.
 

JLcribber

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You are the perfect candidate. You won't live long enough but you've got plenty of time to plan and execute plans for the future. :hug8:
 

Clueless

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Go for it!
 

tfnoonan

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I am retired as is my wife and have two cockatoos white (umbrella) that I rescued from a dog pound about 2 years ago of unknown age, but I don't think it is more 5 years and a greater sulphur crested cockatoo that I got from a vet around 25 or so years ago and a cockatiel that I bred and is beyond his life span. All are in my living room as they need company. We have talked to relatives that will take them, separately and a backup relative if anyone backs out. After that, I cannot control but they know their needs and I trust them to do the best for them. Go with your opinion on what is best, that is all you can do, except live long, play and love it.
 

Pipsqueak

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I always say that I will get my dream bird a cockatoo when the kids move out, the bird will have to be in his late 50's or in his 60's like me then :)

Yes, go for the bird!
 

sunnysmom

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Welcome! I agree with everyone else- yes you should do it. None of us know what may happen to either our birds or us. As long as we take steps to plan for our birds' care if something should happen to us, there's no reason not to.
 

Kimberla

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I say absolutely!! We have no way of knowing what tomorrow holds for us. Someone 20 years old could take on a bird and have an unfortunate incident and leave that bird without a home. Age isn't always the determining factor. If you want to be the parront of this sweetheart, do it!! Sounds like you could provide him with a loving home and the care he deserves.
 

Nikomania

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I actually struggled with this question when I brought in my first fid at the tender young age of 56. And now I have 10!
You will be providing many years of joy and love to your bird. The reality is that many birds have multiple owners over the course of their lifetimes. Planning where they will go once you're no longer here is a must.
 

Tyrion

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I think it is fine I got my first big parrot at the age of 44 and he was a baby so Im sure he will out live me but I have made arrangements for him once I am gone and thats the best I can do for him ..I love and provide the best home I can for him and my two others now and for hopefully the next 40 yrs ..I think you will do wonderfully for this bird and your age shouldnt be an issue :)
 

theocnoob

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i got george when he was four months and I was 26. He's a senegal so four decades or so is the avg lifespan. That means he'll still be around when I'm 60. In theory I will outlive him but I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and that would be the end of me.

You clearly care about your birds and you care about this other bird enough that you want to provide a home. You should go ahead and do so. You have already found someone to take him should he outlive you (which he most likely will) so why not go for it? People who are 30 adopt birds that will live to be 80 all the time and nobody bats an eye. In reality, it could be said that most larger parrots in most homes will outlive their humans.

You seem like you have good intentions and a good heart and that matters more than your age.
 

tka

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I'm in my early thirties. I could get hit by a car tomorrow. A friend of a friend died in the attack on Manchester. I've buried people younger than me who died from cancer or ended their own lives. We can make a guess about how long we'll live, but ultimately it's so unpredictable.

As long as you've made arrangements for the bird should you no longer be able to provide a home, and set the bird up so he will be able to easily find a new home (eating a wide range of foods, knows some basic training, is well socialised etc) should he have to, I think you're doing well.
 
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