What are your plans?

[sammiesmom]

Have any or all of you decided what to do with your bird when you pass away? I'm 58 so it's a good bet that Sammie will outlive me. I kind of stress over this on her behalf--having to go to a strange home to live and how hard it will be on her.:(

[Shirley]

Yes, I've thought of this... I'm 53.

I've written it down and sent it to my kids and brother and a couple others so they'll know who/what/etc if me and/or Steve are either in an accident and laid up for a period of time, or move on from this life...

And our kids is not the choice... although Troy might take Tucker 'tiel if he can.

None of our birds will be "up for sale".

And they won't necessarily stay in their home state, either.

Make plans now just as you would for your human kids. You don't have to be old for something to happen to you... unfortunately.

[sammiesmom]

This is going to sound horrible but I thought if I got really ill and knew I was going to die, I would have Sammie put down just so she wouldn't go through the trauma. I just don't want her to suffer in any way.


My oldest daughter loves birds and especially Sammie so she would be my only option to leave Sammie to but she lives in AZ so if I died suddenly, I'm not sure how she would get the bird home.

My FIL just passed and of course, it makes you start thinking about your own death.

[Shirley]

I'm not sure you'd find a vet willing to do that for you... would you? and are you sure you'd want that? think of it like your daughter... you find the best home possible, and trust that they'd do the same if anything happens to you... I can't imagine what Holly would say to me today if she knew that was my plan for her...

That's not judgment on you at all -- I've heard this from other bird people who love their birds very much, very good bird people. I just would instead rather find the absolute best home possible in advance, and trust they'd do the same in advance for theirs and mine. That's why our birds would not be "up for sale". As for distance -- the money left behind would cover their travel expenses... or the people they are going to would cover their travel expenses... but regardless, they'd be flying or taken to their new homes, some of which are hundreds of miles from here. In the meantime, they'd be taken care of just fine locally until they could travel.

We also have two large reef tanks to consider... they can't go more than a couple days without care, and not more than a few hrs without power... so we have to have plans for them, too.

[Jean]

This is a very important issue among parrot owners especially those of us above the 50 mark. Elvie will out live my husband and I also. It is scary to think about how well they will adjust and how much emotional damage they will suffer when we die. I think, all the socialization we can give them interacting with others is always a plus.

I know we all need to find someone we can trust to love and care for them. It's in our birds best interest to know someone or appoint a directive to take them in event of an emergency. We should all keep a log or diary of their likes and dislikes, log any illnesses, medications, and what the medication is for, along with the name and address of their avian vet.

I am unsure where Elvie will go either. I do have a back up plan and that is all. I hope sometime I can find the right person that would love to live their life with Elvie as their companion when I will no longer be here.

Yes, this is an important decision we all need to take care of. A will for your pet is definitely very important along with an emergency plan with someone or your avian vet.

[Brandy]

I dont have anything in writing,,but Milabeana and I should grow old together, Im only 23 so I have a few good years left ahead of me (I hope)

but IF something were to happen, Milly would be going to live with a very good friend of mine who has tons of experience with birds,

My Mom has 2 greys,,,and they will outlive Mom and Bob, since their oldest is only 1.5 and Mom and Bob are in their 50's,,so they put it in their will that I get both birds, i will fly to Ontario if need be and pick them up myself, but hopefully Mom and Bob will be living home again by then, they plan on moving back soon *crossing fingers*

so then i would have 3 greys, :D

[Islandzoo]

No Offence sammiesmom, but I wouldn't dream of having my animals pts if I were dying, I think that is a terrible unforgivable thing to do.
I would hope that they went to someone who could give them the love and attention they deserve. it's not something I think about, I guess I need to find out the options! Non of my friends are into these kinds of animals, I would probably search out a santuary where I knew they'd be well cared for, or find someone who would be willing to find them decent homes.
JMO

[Jim]

Another good discussion.

I'm not 100% sure but I'm leaning towards the sanctuary thing. I'm not sure that another person, at least that I know of, would be willing to allow my birds the freedoms they enjoy today in our care.

---

Hello Dianne

I commend you for your honesty on this, also all the posters for the polite comments to what could be a very touchy subject.

We have a wonderful place here that allows all of us to share openly and honestly.
What a great group this is.:wub:

[Shirley]

For two years, one year of which was given to serious thought, I thought no one could possibly give Shelby what she needs, understand her, tolerate her ways and actions as well as we had been doing ... I knew Ginny could, and she certainly wanted to, but she had circumstances that couldn't allow it to happen -- travel, camping with Taco and Bacardi, but the plus side was her sons both love their birds, Mark is as devoted to their birds as Steve is... but it wasn't to be... then there was Dr. Cook! And Shelby has a more complete home now than she had here! Freedom is the foundation of her life now, and unconditional love as always, and not only freedom to fly and move about the house, but freedom to flock call, vocalize whenever she feels like it, it's perfect. And she gets loads of cuddles from both Dr. C and her husband, who is totally devoted to Shelby. Well, I didn't die for this to come about, but my point is... there's always an answer out there...and no better time than now to start opening our eyes for it so it's in place when the time comes.

One important factor to me is that the entire household be devoted to my birds, not just one person in the household. That would give me the added peace of mind that they are going there to stay - to their new "home".

[amazing greys]

I agree, there are other alternatives out there and need to be prepared in that sort of circumstances. There is always a bird club or someone out there that you could contact to help find a loving home before hand if you should perish. Just because we say we don't know anyone well enough to provide a home for our birds, does not mean there isn't one out there!! That would give you time to meet people and find that special person for placement.

Jim, a sanctuary is a good place, and as long as we have researched that could be a possibility, but considering how overloaded they usually are, there could be a bird out there who is in much better need of placement there. I say there is always someone out there that we know that would know how passionate we are towards our birds and honor that. Jim, you know several people who free flight their birds, so I know you shouldn't have a problem there.....and if ever I had my dream of starting a Sanctuary, you would be most welcome to send your boys there, but I would honor you and have them a part of the family instead of being in the Sanctuary part ;)

I always say.....to leave extra room.....just in case. You never know if God forbid the worst happens with a friend, I would be ready to honor their memory by stepping up to the plate and providing their birds needs immediately.

[Shirley]

Thanks, Barb! ;)

[parrotgirl]

I haven't made any plans, but my kids have it all sorted, nice to know they are thinking of my demise,

In all seriousness, If the kids were unable to take them, then I have everthing written down in a Diary, his likes, dislikes, what I want for him etc, etc, Haven't really thought about anyone other than Jemma having Bucc, and Luke the little guys, but will have to give it some serious thought, it might not be possible for the kids to have them. Maybe a sanctuary, but it would have to be really great.

[Flock Mom]

I have given this some serious thought also. I am 45 and it is highly probable that my babies will out live me. My husband is a few years younger, but it is likely they will out live him too.
My daughter is not a "bird person" and would rather not have anything to do with them so she is out of the question. I only have a brother left as far as family goes and he is too "free spirited" to keep my birds. My friends...well...they like to hear about them, but they all say they wouldn't have one in their home, so I have been keeping a diary like log of their likes/dislikes/personalities and so forth for whom ever may be caring for our precious babies after we are gone. In our will we have a specific amount of money set aside for whom ever is caring for our birds after our passing.
I don't like to think of this, but as a responsible bird owner I also know this is part of it and I will take care of it as I do them...in the most loving, caring, compassionate way possible.

[Shirley]

I don't see "family members or friends" as those that would be the likely people to "inherit" our pets or even to find the right homes for them... they might be, but then they just might not be at all the best person at all in the pet's best interest. I'd rather they go to a stranger who loves them dearly than a family member or friend who likes me, but doesn't really like the pet in question. I wouldn't want someone to take them just because they felt they "should" for my sake, but rather someone I knew because I knew of their love of birds and knew they would love the birds/fish/corals/dog/cats, etc.

The boys will take the dog/cats (we should outlive the dog/cats!) ... and the reef tanks, too, so long as they are living where they can keep such. Their hearts are totally in the right place for those.

[sammiesmom]

I appreciate the input. I just never wanted my Sammie to be stressed or depressed.


A sanctuary. Another question: How do our domesticated birds respond if they are put in with other birds? Do they like it better? Is it an open area with netting? I've never been to one.

Sammie has never been around other birds other than my daughter's parakeet. She talked to him but basically ignored him for most of the time.

[amazing greys]

I understand not wanting to stress or depress our birds, but they WILL adjust fine after they are settled in. It may take some time getting adjusted to someone else and their home, but they will do just fine. ;) When you leave info reguarding particulars about what he eats, sleeps, or whatever, that is helping them adjust to what they were used to. And whatever they do differently, they will adapt.


Think of all those abused birds out there that are rescued out of horrible conditions, most eventually open up and accept love again even after such an incident. Furthermore your well adjusted loved bird, would do probably even better considering their background.

Sanctuaries I picture as one big bird room for specific species. They have cages and are also let out in (wired) flights to get fresh air and sunshine. I would imagine they work with a particular bird if it has issues such as a handicap or doesn't get along with other birds. I'm sure they think of everything and see quite a diversity of birds coming in that they would know how to deal with them. On the other hand, I wouldn't just recommend a sanctuary unless you have exhausted all efforts in trying to find an adequate home just in case. They need to have room for birds with special needs and such, so would be a last option IMO.

Here is a link to The Gabriel Foundation (http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/Home/), they are incredibly awesome at what they provide there, a place I would personally love to visit.

[Jean]

I appreciate the input. I just never wanted my Sammie to be stressed or depressed.


A sanctuary. Another question: How do our domesticated birds respond if they are put in with other birds? Do they like it better? Is it an open area with netting? I've never been to one.

Sammie has never been around other birds other than my daughter's parakeet. She talked to him but basically ignored him for most of the time.

Elvie like Sammy is our only bird so I can understand being concerned for their welfare as we would an only child. I often wonder do I over worry about how he will be when I'm gone? I do know it is my responsibility to teach and socialize him to accept others with a more positive outlook when the time comes I can't be here for him.

I have always made it a point to socialize Elvie with others. We've often taken
him to a vets for part or most of a day where he gets interaction with different employees in a different surrounding. It only costs about 10.00 -15.00 a day. that has assured him how to interact and trust others.

Once you can constructively plan and execute a project that offers all the positive interaction you can give Sammy you will be more assured he will be better prepared to accept being around others which will help him adjust to different situations and handlers later in life. Sooner or later we all share these concerns. The wonderful part of this board is we can offer ideas to help one another. That is what it's all about. :highfive:

[parrotgirl]

I have looked at loads of sanctuary sites, but never looking at them from the point of view of homing Bucc after I am gone. I'm not sure where I would want Bucc to go to if needed, but it would have to be somewhere really special like the Gabriel Foundation. That is a really awesome place.

[sammiesmom]

I'm really glad I posted on this because it's been bothering me. I'm looking at her on her perch and there is no way I could ever have her put down.


So, because of all of you, I'm setting into action to keep a journal on her and leave money for her care with my daughter.:thanx:

[Shirley]

http://shirleymorgan.com/misc/BF/em/Awesome-Orchid.gif

We're glad you brought it up! It's something we all need to think about and plan for - regardless of our ages. :wub:

[Jean]

That is awesome!:grouphug:


I'm so glad you brought the discussion up and we could all help one another with some excellent ideas.

I have one more idea I would like to add. I've taken out a separate life insurance policy and put it into a trust to help with Elvie's needs or unexpected emergencies after I am gone.

[Jim]

Best thing I have read today!:) Glad you have sorted it out - that has to be a relief.

I am very happy for you.:wub:

[Griminsdj]

I am glad you have found your answer Sammiesmom:)


This thread has really got me thinking..

Barring any unforeseen accidents I should outlive everybody. I'm 30 and my Dan is almost 15 years older than me. Even if my 'teils and lovie live to a ripe old age, I would hope I was still around and still in good shape. But if an accident did occur, Dan isn't a bird person...and I would need to plan for that. My first thought is my parents (in their mid 60s now and healthy) would take the cockatiels and lovebird, they adored my first lutino cockatiel Stanley. They just wouldnt' take anything larger.

[Ginny]

I am sorry I am real late getting in on this.


First I want to say I am so glad you changed your mind and have worked things out in your mind so you will feel good about what will happen to your birds.

Then on another note. As for Bacardi.....She is in LOVE with my youngest son and he would just die if he didn't spend the rest of his live with her. She is our bird but she just loves my son. If something should happen to me like right now I would probably have Shirley take care of her until my son was more settled in. She is a back up if for some reason my son can't take care of Bacardi. As for Taco she will probably go to Steve (my oldest boy). Taco just loves my husband would do well with either of the boys. So if one couldn't take her the other one would.

Now on the other hand.....about Taco. She was just a baby still being hand fed when the people that had her before me got her. They had her for about 14 years and she was their baby. The man lost both of his legs in the war and then right before we got Taco the wife fell and broke her hip. She knew it was going to be a long recovery and she would not be able to clean the cage and take care of her like she needed to. She contacted our bird club to see if they knew any one that would give her a good home. The lady had put an add in the paper and didn't like any of the people that came to look for her....Well another lady from the club had call them before we got the news and they gave Taco to this other lady as a trial and after talking to us and seeing the home we could give her decided to give her to us instead. They other lady has a BUNCH of animals from chickens to pigs and she didn't feel Taco would get the time she needed. Shirley and her husband were here when we got the call so they went with us to get her and the cage. Taco just came in the house and made herself at home and has done WONDERFUL. I think it was more of an adjustment to us then her. She has fallen in love with my husband and seems to like it here a lot.

I know all birds are different and some don't adjust as well as others. I am not sure Bacardi would do as well with a stranger but I know Mike will take her and they are in LOVE so that is great. But I couldn't end their life short. But that is just me.

So that is my :cents: and just to let you know that they can go to another family and be just as happy. You just never know when someone will come in our path that you will feel great about leaving your birds to. :wub:

I think that eveyone has been real nice and polite with this subject and it is great to be with such great people that we can talk about anything and get other opnions and make good choices, even if Everyone doesn't agree.

[Shirley]

:grouphug2 Ginny, we're honored! and you're going to live forever... b/c some of our birds are going to become Florideans with you! You know Bacardi would be LOVED like all the rest here... and Steve would be IN LOVE with her until Mike could take her... And she'd have the most loving vet care in the world, too! :wub:

Yes, we were there when the call came for them to take Taco... it was a heartwarming and touching scene to see an elderly couple allow their "child" to be adopted, and Taco was by far the most beautifully feathered macaw I'd ever seen -- ever! And she took to her new family immediately, so far as I could tell! And before long, was going on camping trips with them and sharing her life with them as though she'd always been there. My son Troy was with us on our 2nd trip there, and Taco did real well with him, too.

Thanks so much for your input, Ginny!

And thanks for a wonderful thread, Sammiesmom! :heart: It's benefited everyone.

[Griminsdj]

Thanks to the link to the Gabriel Foundation Barb! I saved it to my favorites, if you shop through Amazon.com through the link on their site, they recieve a donation for it:thumbup: What a cool way to help out the foundation while you shop! It also led me to buy a DVD I just had to see, Where the Wild Greys Are: A Day in the Life of Africa's Grey Parrots by Diana May, Valerie Hovetter & James Gilardi.

[parrotgirl]

Oh that sounds wonderful, I'll have to keep an eye out for that one. Let us know what you think about it after you've watched it. Sounds great though :D

[sammiesmom]

If you purchase books through the Alex Foundation site, a percentage of the proceeds go to support that cause. What great ways to help.:agree:


Something interesting: I'm always having dreams about Sammie and in them, I'm trying to protect her. Since we've had this discussion, I've stopped having them. Maybe it was on my mind more than I realized. And, my FIL recently passed so it makes you start thinking about your own mortality.:shrug2: Either way, I feel much better and thank all of you for your tolerance of some of my stupid ideas.:doh:

[Shirley]

I'm glad the dreams stopped. :) My mom passed away (cancer) when I was only 28 :( ... I think about my mortality way too much... like sometimes every day. I wish I didn't. I was 29 when Troy (first son) was born... he's 24... that's a long time to think about one's mortality...

[Jean]

I am so glad you feel better and can see a clearer vision. :tighthug: Loosing someone can trigger an array of thoughts and unexpected emotions. I am glad all the suggestions could help. This thread has been good and may likely help others that are unsure of their birds future.

Like Shirley mentioned, it is often two easy to think of our own mortality. I lost my dad to a (thromboses stroke) when I was 19 :( and still think of his loss way two often. Yes, I agree, that's a long time to think of ones mortality.

[Shirley]

Jean, I'd forgotten about that... it's really tough, isn't it! :tighthug:

[Jim]

Hey... I have stupid ideas all the time...:eek: that's the only way I can sort out and recognize the good ones.:funny:

Glad you've stopped having the dreams.:highfive:

[parrotgirl]

I was 25 when I lost my Mum and it does make you stop and think about your own mortality. I'm so glad the dreams have stopped.


As for stupid Ideas I'm always having them. lol