Greetings from New England

[IQ's Human]

For the past several months I have been looking for a place to land after the passing of my 40 year old CAG, Ignatius Quinten (I.Q. because he had one) who flew into Spirit 4-11-23.
My heart is shattered by the loss of my lifelong companion who came to me at about 18 months old, wild caught and abused. Our relationship began when he was surrendered to the pet shop I worked in, and as luck would have it, I just happened to be in charge of the bird room. It took 3 months before we decided to take a chance on each other, but it really was love at first sight. I had been raising finches before this, and fostering larger birds....the fostering came to an end rather quickly after Ig came home. He was determined to be "the" one and only...and I am not ashamed to say I completely gave in to his wish.

After 38+ years with my beloved pound of grey feathers I find myself heart broken, but not yet ready to give up on these beautiful, amazing beings. I don't know if there will ever be another love for me, but I hope that my many years of being owned by an African grey can help others who come here in need of advice or comfort.

I'm thankful to have finally found a place to land, and I look forward to getting to know others in this online flock.
CJ (aka IQ's Human....always and in all ways)

 

[Aviphile]

I am so very sorry that you lost your lifelong companion.

 

[Mizzely]

Welcome I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of IQ! I hope being around others who understand how special these little souls are helps

 

[Emma&pico]

Hi and welcome to this lovely group
I am so sorry for your loss they take up a massive part of our life’s and leave a huge hole when they go
Do you have pictures of him to share with us if you don’t mind
He sounds like he landed on his feet finding you

 

[Deleted member 57370]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm glad you joined us

 

[Bicirik]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he was the most happy bird when he was with you.

 

[Icey]

Welcome to the Avenue.
So sorry to hear of your loss of IQ.

 

[Zara]

Welcome to Avian Avenue. I am very sorry for your loss

 

[IQ's Human]

Good morning everyone, and a heartfelt thank you for your kindness, sympathy and warm welcome.

I have been looking for a community for these several months, but most "bereavement" groups seem to have very few, if any, bird loss groups. So I am delighted that I have found a soft and supportive place to nest. Again, thank you all...

Emma&pico, yes, I have pictures to share and I'd like to think that I gave IQ the best possible life he could have after his very traumatic beginning. As a wild caught bird he had so many hurdles to overcome just from the fact that he was stolen from his home and his flock. I spent a lot of time trying to get info on Greys in the wild, (very pre-internet, mid 1980's) in hopes of understanding his experience and needs. Unfortunately, even today there is very little known about Greys in the wild, but somehow we managed with time and patience to build a long, happy, and mostly healthy life together. IQ had an unfortunate accident after we moved into our new house in 2021. A little over zealous landing on a carpet resulted in a foot/leg injury and even with the best of avian care (cold laser treatments, pain meds, Chinese herbals etc) it just knocked the stuffing out of him somehow.
Our last 2 years together, though difficult from the injury, were beautiful, loving, and if possible closer in heart.

Sorry for rambling on...but you know how we bird people are

Here is one of my favorite pictures of IQ (often called HRH - His Royal Highness) and my avatar is actually a mosaic memorial stone I had made for his resting place in the garden. It was done from a photo of him with his beloved purple sneaker.

Wishing you all a wonder-full day, and many soft snuggles and parrot puckers from your feathered companions.
Hugs, CJ

 

[IQ's Human]

A few more pics of IQ...

 

[Emma&pico]

Wow he’s gorgeous

amazing you got a wild caught parrot to have such amazing trust in you

 

[Clueless]

Totally understand here.

I rescued two wild caught amazons. One, my heart, passed away (MC). He sort of saved the one living (Secret) because I remain hopeful there is a wonderful bird under that eagle like exterior.

 

[IQ's Human]

Wow he’s gorgeous

amazing you got a wild caught parrot to have such amazing trust in you

Love, time, patience... And occasionally a large box of bandaids

 

[IQ's Human]

Totally understand here.

I rescued two wild caught amazons. One, my heart, passed away (MC). He sort of saved the one living (Secret) because I remain hopeful there is a wonderful bird under that eagle like exterior.

Sorry for the loss of MC, and high hopes that Secret finds the courage to stop hiding the "wonderful bird" hiding under those feathers...
What,if anything, do you know about Secret's history? Sometimes there is a clue that helps unlock their mysteries.

 

[MommyBird]

So I am delighted that I have found a soft and supportive place to nest. Again, thank you all...

we are that.
it certainly can be hard to find that group that understands, and such a help when you do.

 

[Clueless]

Sorry for the loss of MC, and high hopes that Secret finds the courage to stop hiding the "wonderful bird" hiding under those feathers...
What,if anything, do you know about Secret's history? Sometimes there is a clue that helps unlock their mysteries.

I have a picture dated 1978. I also know she was in a round cage for years. They didn't know any better.

 

[Tyrion]

So sorry for your loss

 

[IQ's Human]

I have a picture dated 1978. I also know she was in a round cage for years. They didn't know any better.

Wow, not a lot to go on there...what a shame. A round cage? Ugh. That would make any-birdy crazy.

Unfortunately, Amazons are not my forte` although I did foster a few. My hat is off to you though for taking on the great mystery of wild caught birds. Those poor guys and gals have had it rough from the beginning, and its been my experience that not many want to give these birds a chance. They are extremely demanding. So thank you, thank you, thank you for giving Secret (and MC) a second chance.

 

[Shezbug]

Welcome to the Avenue

 

[expressmailtome]

Welcome! I am sorry for your loss.