upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

I know this is a morbid topic but it's something that I think about from time to time. As we know, birds can live for many, many years which is a good thing! Every once in a while I think about what would happen to Sherwin if something happened to me. I hear about people putting their birds in their Will and making arrangements. Honestly, my family would not know where to begin taking care of a bird nor would any of my friends. I would hate for him to wind up seized by Animal Control and put in a shelter!! Have any of you thought about this or am I the only worry wart?

This link might interest you:

http://www.phoenixlanding.org/the_future.htm

You know, that really is something that you have to think about. I am the godmother to Phoebe, my Aunt's cockatiel. I already told her that I would take him (yes, Phoebe is a him!!!! ha ha) if anything happened to her. She is in her 70's, so there is a very good chance that this will happen.

It really is a good idea to make arrangements with a friend or family member when any animals are involved, because you never really know if something will happen.

We don't have anyone lined up for Casper. But I know that my petsitter would take her and all the other ones. But I guess you should have it written somewhere. A will if possible.

Something that needs to be thought about. If you have someone that would take your bird great!! If not name someone to find someone to care for him. Also a list of foods, likes and dislikes would be helpful. Also some money to help the person care for him. Might not have to be in the will but a list naming the bird and where he is to go put in with the will might be sufficent. (At least in my state it is.)
If you give him to a rescue or the like, he will not get the human contact that he is use to. To me that would be a last resort.

ParrontPlus - I looked at the site and Phoenix Landing is only 2 hours from me! Definitely an option.

Darlene - I think the human contact part of it is what worries me the most. Because he is a rescue and has been given so much love and attention I would not want him to have to go back to a rescue....not that their bad, it just would not be good for him.

I was just curious as to what everyone else has done or what their plans are.

Well, that is important. Where we spoil them so much, they are used to that contact. I would hate to see a bird just sit there and never be held, especially after the attention that we all give our babies. I think Casper would just die of a broken heart if she didn't have someone to hold her all the time.

Lisa - isn't that the truth!! I give Sherwin kisses every day which my mom thinks is gross.....the reason why she would never get him if anything happened to me!

I wish we all lived closer. We could be each other's back up!!!

Noel,

You are definitely not the only worry wart!

I think it would be in the best interest of the birds if they were named in the will and have arrangements made where a portion of your estate would continue providing for them. I intend to change my will to so state, and I need to get on with it. There is no doubt in my mind, given my health state, they will outlive me barring any tragedy involving them. I'm with you about not going to a rescue except as a last resort. Oddly enough, I know there are lots of people in the world who would like to have a bird(s) but either have a situation where it is not possible at the time, or they just never thought about a bird as a pet. One of the medical assistants I spoke with yesterday evening about my next appointment found out I have birds, and she was so excited, and wished she could have one, but she also has a cat, and that just won't work safely. Anyhow, I do have family I could rely on in an emergency to look after them, and they are used to her and our grandchildren. I don't think they would work for permanent custody, but I'm sure she would be able to find new homes for them, and is aware of how they are treated here, and the affection we share. Bird people abound, and just don't know it

Another thing to think about, is to carry something with you stating that you have bird or other animal at home. In case of an accident someone to contact that can take care of the animal for the short term (if you're in hospital etc).

Darlene - that is one thing I have made sure to do in case of emergency or accident. I had that happen to me several years ago and learned from experience! I have friends who live down the street and they have a key as well as instructions on how to care for Sherwin and Nikki. Good advice!

Lisa - I feel the same way! If we all lived closer we'd have play dates for our birds!

You raise an intresting point. the fact the our little friends here can live up to 30 years I have to admit the possiblity my little guys might out live me. but I have no doubt in my mind they will be ok and well taken care of.

Noel, you are not the only one that has came/coming to terms with this
I have 4 parrots and 1 husband. My congo is a velco bird and we don't know how she would react, but I have been in the hospital I have called everyday and she knows it is me and will eat for my husband, I have had room mates that has told family members she believes that her room mate is nuts. Everyone that know me gets a big laugh out of this. We have a bird sitter and she is more than willing to help/take one bird, Up until yesterday one TAG was without a caretaker NOW she does. My health was great until the last 10 years but several strokes and a couple of heart attacks and then 6 years ago my husband got cancer. Within 1 week we will find out if I have to have open heart surgery. One month ago I would not have worried to much about all the caregivers and caretakers. But I know I will come thru this just like everything else FINE. But you are right this does have to be addressed. Peggy (parrotsmama1940

Wishing you WELL, Peggy. You're dealing with some scary stuff so know we're praying for you.

Paca

I never really thought for a minute that my bird would outlive me. I am not really old----at least I don't think so! and I am in good health, as well as my boyfriend that I live with, and the chances of something ever happening to both of us is very slim, so there is always the other to care for our woody. If something were to ever happen to both of us, I would think that my sister would be willing to take my bird-----she is a "bird person" she had a female tiel that died from egg binding, and now has a quaker.