Can I ask where abouts in Melbourne this nursing home is?
I suggest you talk with management to find out who owns the birds, who is responsible for their care etc. the only thing is you want to be very cautious about this as it may end up that they just decide the birds have to go ASAP. This happened in another nursing home I know of, they let residents bring their pets to make the transition easier for the people and once there was a concern raised for the way the cat had to stay out in the courtyard in all types of weather the managements solution was to tell the family of the resident who owned the cat that it had to go.
If I was you I would try to find out as much as possible about how the birds came to be at the home, who they belong to, who is responsible to look after them, why they are there, then maybe raise the issue of the size of the cages and other appropriate care requirements. I would also possibly offer to help fundraise or purchase the cage you think the bird would be better off in. I am happy to give you names of some places in Melbourne where you can get really decent size cages for fairly cheap prices if it gets to that point.
Hi Shezbug,
It's in Sunshine.
I've done the letter. I'm sending it to the CEO of the 'chain' of homes along with the relevant section of the Code of Practice. It will be posted this weekend.
I completely understand your concerns - I'm aware that removal could be a possibility. That's why I've kept the letter pretty low key, non threatening/demanding and pointing out that the Galah's housing is urgent, but that I don't want the residents to lose their pets.
I have offered to chat with her or another appropriate member of staff to resolve the issue. I will pay for a cage if I have to. I will rehome him/her at my place if I have to.
I just feel that the whole organisation should be aware of these things before they take them on. It's a tough call I know with many things that could go wrong.
I'm really stressing out about it all and I hope I'm not doing the wrong thing by anyone, but I can't stand by and watch an animal suffer purely because of lack of knowledge (most likely) or time constraints.
And I hope they do speak to me before they decide anything - although I dread speaking to them as I'm a better writer than chatter.
And I might have to take up your offer of the places in Melbourne that might offer housing to suit.
I'll keep you posted.