| Two years ago, you simply could not resist those | | | | 4. Can you afford to take the parrot to a |
| two brightly colored parrots in the pet store window. | | | | veterinarian when necessary? Your parrots have a |
| What a mistake! Now you want a new home for | | | | long life expectancy, and will need occasional visits to |
| your parrots, and are thinking of selling them. If you | | | | a veterinarian. |
| place a short ad in the local newspaper, how will it | | | | 5. For other important questions, you should contact |
| read? | | | | a parrot adoption group and get advice. |
| 1. Virginia parrots for sale | | | | Delivering an Adopted Parrot |
| 2. Quaker parrots for sale | | | | Once you have found good parrot adoption homes, |
| There are many ways to advertise, even with as | | | | you will want to do your best to make the transition |
| few words as that, but do you really need to "sell" | | | | smooth. Take your parrot's cage (It's his home, and |
| your parrots? Might you find a better home through | | | | you won't need it.), his toys, perches, and the food |
| parrot adoption? | | | | to which he's accustomed. Take time to get the |
| What Is Parrot Adoption? | | | | parrot settled before you leave him. Be available to |
| Parrot adoption is very much like baby adoption. | | | | visit now and then during the first week, if asked. |
| Those who have parrots they cannot care for offer | | | | The Other Side of Parrot Adoption |
| them to people who want a parrot. The adoptive | | | | The flip side of parrot adoption is the adoptive family. |
| parrot owners may not be able to afford the initial | | | | Parrot adoption can be preferable to purchasing a |
| outlay, or they may simply want to give a good | | | | baby parrot from parrot breeders or a pet store. |
| home to a parrot that must be relocated. | | | | Your parrot will be far less expensive, in most cases. |
| Parrot adoption does not always mean "free" parrots. | | | | It will likely have a cage and accessories, as well, |
| The term is also used for inexpensive parrots | | | | which will save money and time for you. Parrot |
| purchased from former owners. | | | | adoption lets you skip the toddler and adolescent |
| Finding Interested Homes | | | | stages, and your bird will likely have a vocabulary, |
| Parrot adoption requires good homes, of course, but | | | | with knowledge of how to add to it. In some cases, |
| how do you find them? One way to begin is to place | | | | an adopted parrot will know some tricks. It will be |
| a newspaper ad, as you would if you were selling. | | | | accustomed to human handling and - hopefully - |
| You might write: "Parrots for adoption" or "Quaker | | | | enjoy it. |
| parrots for adoption to good homes" or "Adopt a | | | | The Downside of Parrot Adoption |
| parrot". | | | | The upside outweighs the downside of parrot |
| If you are unsuccessful with ads, try contacting a | | | | adoption, but there are things you should know. |
| parrot rescue foundation or parrot adoption | | | | 1. How does the parrot behave? Parrot adoption is |
| organization. They may be able to put you in contact | | | | often initiated by an owner who does not want to |
| with someone wanting parrots like yours. They may | | | | deal with behavioral problems. The parrot may have |
| have someone on their waiting lists. | | | | become aggressive: biting and screeching. You will |
| Evaluating Prospective Homes | | | | want to observe the parrot in its home before |
| "But it's just a parrot!" you squawk. Not really. It is a | | | | agreeing to adopt it. |
| creature that will live many years. During those years, | | | | 2. Has the parrot ever been injured or struck with |
| it will need health, safety, love, and happiness. You | | | | anything? You will have a lot of work to overcome |
| will want to try your best to provide those by asking | | | | this problem and get the parrot to bond with you. |
| a few questions of prospective owners - getting to | | | | 3. Is the parrot healthy - and can you talk to his |
| know them a little. You will want to try, also, to | | | | veterinarian? If the parrot has never been taken to a |
| ensure your parrot will not have to move soon again. | | | | veterinarian, there may be hidden health concerns. If |
| For proper parrot adoption, begin with these | | | | he has been taken, the veterinarian will be able to tell |
| questions. | | | | you about potential problems. Any prospective parrot |
| 1. Why do you want a parrot? One wrong answer is, | | | | adoption should include consideration of health |
| "My child has been begging for one, and I think it | | | | information. |
| would be cool to have a talking pet." | | | | Finalizing Parrot Adoption |
| 2. Does anyone ever smoke in your home? Smoking | | | | When you adopt a parrot, you adopt a long-term |
| can kill a parrot very rapidly, and you want assurance | | | | commitment. It will be your responsibility to care for |
| that yours will go to smoke-free homes. | | | | the bird throughout its lifetime. It will give you |
| 3. What other pets do you own? Parrots have | | | | affection, and will expect the same from you. Before |
| natural predators, and will not be safe or healthy if | | | | you enter into parrot adoption, think it through |
| they share a home with one of them. | | | | carefully. Then enjoy your parrot fully. |