so lonely since Regis passed 2 months ago.....

[fiberqween]

I wasn't expecting this ...my "Reege" passed on May 15th,2023 after a long life with me of 31 years, moving 4 times and through many happy years of raising him (never did a blood test, but a workman told me when he was doing some repair jobs around the house that if a bird is banded on the left foot he is a "she".anyone comment on that?..I was so excited about getting Regis and he was leary of me at first, but slowly came around and since that day always made me laugh or put a smile on my face EVERY day since coming home from a pet store in 1991...I was so entranced with him that I wrote Sally Blanchard and she replied and asked me if she could publish my article in the Pet Bird Report and naturally I said yes...check it out if you can...It's called Diamonds are a girl's best friend? no I don't think so...by Lorraine Shicko...My name is Lorraine...
Loosing Regis was the hardest thing that I have ever experienced in my life...I'm thinking ...(just thinking of getting another animal...initially thought that never would I get another African Grey...maybe a dog...but lately I have been thinking of another bird and wanted to get some info as to where I would look or whether I hsould even think about a parrot at this late stage in my life....I am healthy, but not for another 25 years or so and an AG might outlive me...any thoughts?
TYVM!
L~

 

[MommyBird]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. That is a long time of companionship and knowing each other so well. And it's so hard to miss that one who has always 'had your back'.
There are a lot of birds at Parrot rescues that are older birds that have outlived their owners. Or just need a new start.
You could adopt or maybe just ask about fostering.
If you need help locating a place in your state, just ask.

 

[owlsthetic]

Hi Lorraine, welcome!

I'm so sorry for your loss of Reege. It sounds like he was much loved

but a workman told me when he was doing some repair jobs around the house that if a bird is banded on the left foot he is a "she".anyone comment on that?

I don't think leg bands being on a particular leg necssarily indicates sex. My bird was banded on the left leg and he is an DNAed male. I think it's because he was banded before the breeder even tested for DNA I think there are some breeders don't even DNA at all too.

I'm thinking ...(just thinking of getting another animal...initially thought that never would I get another African Grey...maybe a dog...but lately I have been thinking of another bird and wanted to get some info as to where I would look or whether I hsould even think about a parrot at this late stage in my life....I am healthy, but not for another 25 years or so and an AG might outlive me...any thoughts?
TYVM!
L~

If you're worried about care at later stages of your life maybe you can look into fostering or volunteering at an rescue? Or maybe adopting an older rescue might be an option as well. That's personally something I've been thinking I might like to do after my current birds pass and I get older myself

 

[IQ's Human]

Greetings Fiberqween.
My heart breaks for you and the loneliness you are living with. Like you I lost beloved Congo Grey, who had been my lifelong companion for 38+ of his 40 years. Ignatius Quinton (IQ because he had one) was a wild caught bird who came to me from at least one home, abused and slow to trust.
I remember our first day together, and I'm not sure which of us was more unsure of what the future would hold, but as we got to know each other it slowly became a relationship that to this day was a marvel to anyone who saw it. So I understand all too well your loneliness... I still find the silence deafening after 4 months.
You have my most heartfelt sympathy, and please feel free to reach out...

 

[Tyrion]

So sorry for your loss

 

[sunnysmom]

I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with your bird. I would strongly encourage you do adopt a bird from a rescue. There are so many birds out there in need of good homes. And many people don't want to adopt the older birds (just like with dogs and cats).

 

[haze]

Becoming a foster partner with a local rescue may be a good option for you, or just volunteering at a rescue directly. Not sure where you live but most large cities have a parrot rescue and they are are always needing people to come in and socialize with the birds!

 

[WillowQ]

I’m sorry for your loss. My beloved Lucy Quaker passed on three years ago. She was my best friend for 20+ years and I think of her every day.
I agree that adopting a rescue bird may be a great way to stick with African greys. I was a foster kid and I can assure you that giving a home to a “used” bird is so appreciated. My Willow came to me at seven years and while he doesn’t converse and boss like Lucy, he is so loving and wants to cuddle for a half hour every day. He’s such a love bug. And Willow turned out to be the perfect name for a sweet bashful little blue guy.

 

[fiberqween]

I never thought of rescuing a bird...didn't even know that rescues for birds were out there....anyone know where I would start?

 

[WillowQ]

You can search on pet finder and I think area rescues will pop up. Also look on Craigslist under community and pets as people do advertise birds there. And my humane society very rarely has birds.

 

[Zara]

Welcome to Avian Avenue Lorraine.

I'm very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and Regis had quite the special relationship.

I never thought of rescuing a bird...didn't even know that rescues for birds were out there....anyone know where I would start?

If you post your vague area here, members may know good shelters to recommend.
You can run a google search, but remember that unfortunately not all rescues are the same, so it's ideal to talk to folks who can recommend good places.

 

[expressmailtome]

Welcome! I am sorry for your loss.

 

[sunnysmom]

I never thought of rescuing a bird...didn't even know that rescues for birds were out there....anyone know where I would start?

You can try petfinder.com. A lot of rescues list there birds there. Or if you want to tell us where you're located, we can perhaps suggest some rescues near you. Also, if you're on facebook, there are often local groups who list birds that need to be rehomed.