Chip and Charlie

aooratrix · 8/25/21

I know I’ll catch hell for this, but…

After a lot of soul searching, I made the decision to rehome 3 of my macaws, Harry, Daff, and Annie. I realized that my birds will have several homes in their lifetimes, and I wanted some control over their futures. I have known this intellectually but my health made it REAL. If I died, my family would’ve had no idea what to do, even after us talking about it repeatedly. And my health has been deteriorating, so it was on my mind a lot. It has been getting harder and harder to care for them.

I have downsized some and made a dream come true with 2 queens. Less mess,fewer nuts (cost), etc. Also, God willing, they won’t outlive me.

Nobody here really knows about the extent of my health issues, but they’re serious enough to lead me to this. Nobody will ever know how hard this was for me and continues to be. All of us with large birds will face this some day. I hope your time will be less painful than mine.

I’ve been afraid to share this because of some members, but I belong to this community, so here it is.

Mizzely · 8/25/21

Aww they are gorgeous! I think knowing and having some control over the future of the birds you had makes a lot of sense and I doubt many of us have thought about it that way. Doesn't make it any easier of course even when, or especially when, we are doing it in their best interest :hug8:

Hankmacaw · 8/25/21

Aww Matthew, I feel terrible for you. Really terrible. I have faith that you have found them great homes, but you will miss them.

As you well know Annie was my favorite and I will miss seeing her here.

I will not face this gut wrenching decision - Hank is gone, Jasper is gone and Kitty is going pretty quickly now.

expressmailtome · 8/25/21

I am sorry about your health. No one will ever be able to pick the perfect home for your birds the way that you could/did.

faislaq · 8/25/21

I'm so sorry you had to rehome them. What a difficult decision. :sadhug2:

The new guys are beautiful.

How old are they?

flyzipper · 8/25/21

When we adopt our birds we're making a promise to do what's best for them, and that sometimes leads the dogmatic mob to mindlessly chant, "forever home".

By proactively taking control of their future welfare, you're simultaneously doing what's best for your birds and yourself.

Fear no judgement from those who understand that real life can't be navigated with dogma.

Hoping for the best, for you and your flock.

Clueless · 8/25/21

Matthew,

I've known you for years through this forum. If you felt it necessary then obviously it was. You love feathered dudes so yes, you looked for the best for them.

You're part of the family here on this forum, so hang in there.

Sparkles99 · 8/25/21

I'm sorry you're anticipating the wrath of the internet & have health problems.

I didn't know your birds' names, but liked the aviary pictures, especially of the them doing things in it.

Those are my favourite species of conure. They always have been. And, IMO, conures resemble macaws, so it's kind of like you still have two.

Nikomania · 8/25/21

I know this was extremely heart-wrenching for you, but also know you have will have found amazing homes for your babies.. I, too, agonize over what will become of my beloved birds once I'm gone. Am in the process of creating a trust for them, but I'm having great difficulties designating an administrator for the trust.

I sincerely hope your health will change for the better, Matthew.

zoo mom · 8/26/21

The important thing is that you do what is best for your health and for the birds. Sorry you having health issues. Hopefully you get some improvement.

Sodapop&Co. · 8/26/21

So sorry for your problems and that it led to having to rehome the three.

Chip and Charlie are stunning!

aooratrix · 8/27/21

Thanks, everyone!

finchly · 8/27/21

Ohhh I’m so sorry, but glad you got those beautiful dream birds.

I’m right there with you, health wise. Some of mine are gone and some will ship when the weather cools a bit. After I visit with 2 more specialists the flock might be reduced again.

You have a good attitude. I’m overcome with guilt.

macawpower58 · 8/28/21

I was a little shocked by this thread. But truthfully, you're one of ones on this forum that puts your bird's health and happiness above all else. I know you wouldn't have rehomed lightly. I can only imagine the pain it cost you.

And congrats on your new birds, they are truly stunning.

Dania · 8/30/21

I'm sorry you have health issues :hug2:

Pat H · 8/31/21

We, who are owned by birds, know how very special they are! Gods gift to hold precious...

And, knowing in our hearts that we want the very best for them, it's the difficult decisions that we MUST face... for all of us will come to that one day or another...

Also, thanks for the reality nudge... for we haven't made any progress toward future planning either... None of my sisters are interested in birds.

The closest I could think of as a placement, would be the bird rescue in Rockford. She seems to take care of her birds [vet care and diet].
Don't know if the bird store in Rockford sold us our precious Umbrella because she had known me for a few years... or if they were just trying to make a sale to rehome her. They did make a phone call to the owners to see if it was OK w/ them for us to get her. Am SO GLAD we did!

But she is only about 20yr old now, so she will outlive us.... That is a reality!

TikiMyn · 8/31/21

I am sorry you had to part with them, but making decisions in their best favour is a strength, not a weakness. It might have been selfish to keep them and not know what would become of them. I hope you can get some updates on them. Sometimes we are just a stepping stone for them, and they are not meant to stay with us. You taught them a lot things that I am sure will aid them further in their lives

Kassiani · 8/31/21

I’m so sorry to hear about your health issues! I hope your doctors can provide you with some relief.

Absolutely no judgment here. You have made the best decision for them and for you and your family. And your goldens are beautiful!!

April · 9/14/21

Oh Matthew I'm so sorry to hear about your health issues and having to rehome some of your beloved Fabies. I always looked forward to seeing your posts because you love and spoil your babies so much. I know you wouldnt do this lightly and I'm terribly sorry that you had to do so. Your new babies are absolutely adorable! I hope you have many happy years with them,cant wait to see more pics and posts about them :heart:

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April · 10/11/21

@aooratrix any updates on Chip and Charlie? I'd love to see more pics :heart:

Chip and Charlie

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