I have just been involved in a big discussion with my brother and his partner about the possibility of adopting a cockatiel who badly needs a new home. One of their friend's has a male normal grey cockatiel aged 2 years who she doesn't want anymore. I was approached about this bird a few weeks back when the owner fortunately realised that she was not able to provide the care the bird needs, and after seeing this bird for themselves, my brother and partner realised that this bird really needs to be re-homed as soon as possible. My only concern at the time, despite wanting to take this bird in immediately was the bird fanciers lung problem that I suffer from which potentially is a serious health risk if I continue to keep birds. Also at the time, there was also mention of a man who lives closer to them (they live 3+ hours car drive away from me) who keeps cockatiels outside in his aviary who may have taken the bird in although I did explain that the bird would likely not settle in an aviary environment after being a house bird and if it did, it would certainly have to have a long acclimatisation period to adjust in a social sense in addition to the obvious climatic acclimation. Certainly not a good time of year at present for sure. I have thought about this bird much over the last few weeks and tonight the strangest thing happened. I was sitting here browsing the forum when I started thinking about this bird again. Seconds later my mobile phone buzzed with a message from my brother's partner asking if I had a spare bird cage at home. I text back but didn't hear anything more about it. Curiosity got the better of me so I phoned leaving a voicemail message for them to get back to me. I was enjoying Renee's video of Wally taking a bath and reminiscing about my past cockatiels who have sadly passed on, when they called back and told me that they were so concerned about the bird that they were taking measures to take it in themselves in order to re-home him asap. Apparently, the owner was just going to take the bird to the man with the aviary and let it fend for itself without taking into consideration a transitional period of adjustment. I've been told that the unsurprisingly untame bird is housed in a rather small cage in the kitchen , (owner very likely unaware of the danger of teflon poisoning etc.) is never let out, and is pretty much ignored as far as social interaction is concerned. Cage hygeine is also an issue. On asking about the bird's general health and appearance, I was told that is just 'looks sad' . We all came to an agreement there and then that this birds health and welfare is priority and so it is coming home to me for a new start. My brother will drive down to me either Wednesday night or Thursday of this week. I really hope it is not too late for this bird and will do my best to give him the life he deserves. I feel so sad just thinking about him.

Updates to follow.

Lindi

WOW, Lindi, that's TERRIFIC...especially for the 'tiel!! I KNOW he will have a GREAT home with you!

As you know, I don't believe in "accidents!" You and this bird were definitely meant to be together!

Please keep us updated!!

Does the little guy already have a name?

Wishing you both just all the VERY BEST!!

Love and Hugs

Shi

Thanks Shi

I know there are going to be issues with this bird having had such a solitary existence in his last home, but I will do my best in providing the care and attention he badly needs. I was told that he is also very quiet and we all know that cockatiels are not quiet so that is a very good indication of how unhappy and unloved he is feeling. I forgot to ask if he has a name, but a name is irrelevant I guess when his basic needs have to come first, but I will be re-naming him anyway. New life, new name!

Lindi

Poor little bird. I feel so sorry for him. I'm glad you're taking him. It will take time I'm sure, but I bet he comes around eventually. Look forward to updates and pictures.

Thanks Renee

I also look forward to sharing him with you all, his extended new family.

Lindi

**I forgot to ask if he has a name, but a name is irrelevant I guess when his basic needs have to come first,

***but I will be re-naming him anyway. New life, new name!


**I AGREE!!

***Thought you would! I'm glad!!

Love and Hugs to you BOTH

Shi

Lindi,

It certainly sounds like this was meant to be. That poor bird. Not only must he look sad, he must feel very sad too. I'm not surprised to hear that you've decided to take him in. You're so softhearted and caring. After all, look at Horace. I don't think there's many "regular" people who would want or go to the trouble to care for such a disabled cat.

I know he (the bird) probably won't know it at first, but I'm sure after awhile, he's going to think he's died and went to heaven being with you.

Please, just be careful for yourself. Would hate to see you have health problems over it.

Good luck with him and let us know how it works out.

Linda

Hi Lindi.... Oh that is so nice of you.....poor little guy, I am sure he will be doing fine after he is with you and your care.....
I am sure you will be keeping us updated and pictures too..

Hi Lindi,

How very kind of you to take in this poor bird. I do hope that he comes around in a better environment at your place. Where will you keep him and because of your lung problems? Maybe after a period of adjustment and quarantine, he can be housed with Angus and Jerry.

Thanks Carol and Brad

The bird will just have to stay in my bedroom where the budgies are also kept. I know this is not ideal, but with cats in the house, it is the safest option and only option at the moment. The bird's health has to come before mine at the moment, but I will work something out to try and reduce exposure. It is a worry, and it wasn't that long ago that I thought I would have to re-home my budgies, but I just can't leave this poor bird where it is. The quarantine issue is also a worry, but I have no-where else to keep the bird safe. We do have a study room, but the door won't close properly and the cats would get in. This room is also not used much and it wouldn't be fair to keep the bird in there either. I've still got a lot of serious thinking to do about this.

Lindi, I am so happy you are taking this little guy into your heart and home. I know he will be given the best of care and love with you.

If I could make a suggestion. Our tiel, Dean, came to us under similar circumstances, at least from the standpoint of not having a great deal of interaction with people. He was taken very good care of, with his cage changed daily and fresh food and water but his owners went on trips to the beach and other places and he was left at home by himself with their son coming by daily to care for him. They realized he needed more companionship and that is how we got him. Anyhow, what I wanted to suggest is that at least for the beginning, I would have his wings clipped. You know already that tiels are pretty flighty and can have panic attacks easily. While he is still getting used to you and your home, he will probably be safer being grounded. Also, while Dean is several years older than your new baby, he has improved a lot in his interactions with us by my letting him out of the cage and allowing him to just wander around and check things out each day. Yours is young enough that I think you can correct any shyness he has right now.

Our Dean was given a lot of attention for at least a year or so after his prior owners got him and before they started traveling so much and learned the wolf whistle, the UNC fight song and how to say a few things. He still frequently tells me he is a pretty boy.

Mmmmm.............. Lindi, I understand your feelings for this little guy and I'm happy for him that you are going to get him out of his solitude and neglect. But do you intend to keep him permanently in spite of your lung problem? Is it reasonable? What will you be doing to protect yourself? Are you planning to find him a home later on when he will have recovered his spirits? You need to be healthy yourself to help the suffering creatures. Think about it and take care. Gladys

Lindi I'm so glad the 'tiel will be with you where it will recieve the love & attention it deserves.

I too am concerned with your health, cockies do have a lot of dander as you well know and sharing your bedroom... could you put a different lock on the study door to keep the cats out and just spend more time in there with the 'teil ? Just a thought.

I look forward to pictures and updates.

Thanks everyone for your comments and concerns. I have a few things to add and will respond to your questions soon. It's late here now and I need to get some sleep in order to get up early for work. I still have a LOT of thinking and planning to do just now regarding the bird, it's location in the house, cage, health stuff etc. but I am sure I will work something out so that everyone is happy. Considering that I may have the bird here in just 2 days time, I may have to make some temporary arrangements in the meantime.

Hi Lindi... really like your signature line... and the parakeets are so adorable.. my tweedie was green. All the pictures really look nice... that was very nice of Brad to help you....

Cannot wait to see a picture of the cockatiel

Thanks Carol! The signature line is all Brad's work! Glad you like it. I absolutely love it!! I could never have done anything like this!! Thanks again Brad!

You're very welcome, Lindi

Well, my new birdie has been traveling for the past few hours and will be here in about 20 minutes!! It is pretty close to midnight now and I need to go to bed soon, but will give you all an update tomorrow.

Can't wait to hear all about him Lindi

Get a good nights sleep

Lindi,

This is very exciting! I am always glad to hear when one of these neglected lil ones gets another chance at a good life.

I cannot wait to hear all about him.

Hi Lindi,

We're all anxiously awaiting news of your new feathered friend. You said you would have him on Wednesday and it's now Friday and we haven't gotten an update. Hope everything is going well and he's settling into his new home nicely.

Let us know how things are going when you are able.

Lindi, hope everything is going well with your new arrival.

Lindi and Brad - I too just love Lindi's signature pictures! Great work!

Linda

Hi folks,

Sorry for the delay in posting an update on my new birdie. The bird arrived around 00.20 Thursday morning naturally looking a little sleepy after the long journey in the car. I immediately noticed that it wasn't a normal grey as I had previously been informed, but what appears to be a cinnamon mutation. Maybe someone can help me out with the identification. I also believe this bird to be a hen and not a cock as a result of the colouring on the face, barring underneath the tail and the fact that I have had 2 hen tiels in the past, I am getting 'hen vibes' all round. It is a standard joke in my family that I seem to have the nack of aquiring hens...see.. even paddy turned out to be a hen! The only birds that I have had that have been cocks are the budgies, perhaps because they are usually easier to sex at a young age. I had Dillan and Basil before I got my current boys Angus and Jerry. I love hens, but I always worry about egg-laying problems that can cut their life short as happened with my dear tiel hen Parsley. On the positive side, hen teils can form very close bonds with their owners just like I had with Parsley and my very first and dearly missed tiel Rosie.

The next thing I noticed was that the owner hadn't bothered to clean the cage and was horrified to see sawdust in the tray, a pile of seed and an even larger pile of droppings in the middle below the swing that the bird prefers to sit on. I am still really shocked that someone would send their bird off to a new home without cleaning the cage first. As it was far too late at the time of the bird's arrival, I spent most of Thursday evening cleaning the cage the best I could including wiping down all the cage bars which were pretty grotty also. There were a few toys (2 large bells and 2 mirror type toys), but I replaced them all with the exception of the swing she likes. I had a very large online spending spree on Tuesday night to purchase 2 new large indoor aviary type cages. I felt compelled to treat Angus and Jerry to a cage make-over too, even though they do have an attractive looking mini indoor aviary already. I am just sick looking at it after housing various birds in it for 15+ years or so and want them to have a change too. I had hoped that they would have arrived by this weekend, but it looks like they will now be delivered sometime before Wednesday of next week I hope. I also spent a small fortune on new toys and other important cage accessories for all the birds. I have a real problem with the size and design of some of the cages marketed for members of the parrot family and feel that many are made to 'look good' in the owners home rather than considering the space a pet bird needs to be happy and healthy. I'm not into fancy designs that cut the living space of the birds and would much prefer a larger and more plain looking cage that allows the bird more freedom during cage time. I'd far rather spend money on an appropriately sized cage than some of the ridiculous prices that are charged for, in my opinion, unsuitable cages. I will probably have no room in my bedroom to live in, but I hope that my birds will be happy. I will work something out.

She looks and appears to be a healthy bird and has settled in fairly well. She is quite chirpy at times and doesn't appear to be too nervous of me either which is a good thing. When rearranging her cage with toys etc. I had expected her to be madly flapping around, but she seems to tolerate me reasonably well invading her space. She pecks away at my fingers sometimes, but not in a real nasty way. She also had one foot on my hand tonight and seemed ok with that. She is not tame, but I have a feeling that she will come round eventually. My next problem is what to call her. As you can see from some of my other past birds they were all named after a herb theme as I was a vegetarian at the time. I never had a theme when naming my pigeons and budgies so I am hoping for a few ideas from you guys if you have any ideas??

They are poor pics, but here she is:

What a cutie, she is, Lindi!! I know she will thrive with you!!

I LOVE to name things, but, my mind is a blank with your little one.

That means that someone else will definitely name her. Also, YOU may actually be the namer...just relax your mind and let her "tell" you what she wants to be called...one thing for sure...you will "know" when the name comes along!

Please keep us updated

All Love, Hugs and Scritches

Shi

Oh, she's a pretty little thing. I don't know a thing about the different colors of tiels. I only know what Wally is......... and only because I looked it up or I wouldn't know that either.
I think "Destiny" is a good name. Of course, you name her what you want. I'm also suprised about her not kicking up a fuss when you arranged her cage. Even Wally doesn't like new toys. He will just go beserk if he's in his cage and if he's out and put in a new toy........forget it. He won't even get back in his cage..........he's a silly boy........