Going to visit a female U2..

[Mare]

Tomorrow, I have a doctors appt. in our closest city. I've been closet looking on Craigslist for a U2 and found someone looking for a home for her female, 12yrs. old and living near where my doctor's office is located. Her accolades are glorious..I shall see. She is up for offer at $600 but they are willing to barter. I've not a good feeling about the owners, I will take my grizzly bear spray, just in case!

Any advice on what to look for, besides the usual overall health things? Her photos are beautiful.

[Dragonlady2]

You have pretty good instincts Mare....follow what your gut tells you. What is the reason they are giving for rehoming her? How long have they had her?
If you do end up with her, put it in writing!

[Mare]

Helena, I asked in an email their reason for giving her up but got no response. Whoever posted the add wanted texting but I don't text,,so I phoned. The person who answered the phone was male and not friendly. I could hear a woman in the background that he relayed my inquiries too..it was kind of sketchy. Anyways, they said that there were a few interested parties and if the bird is gone before tomorrow they will let me know, if I don't hear from them I will go check her out tomorrow.

I don't know if I'm doing the right thing..I miss my big white intensely and know I can never replace him but feel the need to visit.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Scam alert- it sounds fishy already to me.

[Mare]

Jean-Pierre, I know it smells a bit fishy but I'm going to check it out anyways..maybe I might crack a bird smuggling ring :).

[Dragonlady2]

Well, you never know...a visit can't hurt. You can ask the questions then. If they aren't forthcoming, run like he**. You aren't going alone are you?

[Mare]

What does that mean, "if they aren't forthcoming"? Stolen bird..?..bird flippers..?..no matter what I will keep the bird's best interest in mind. ..mine, too. No, Helena, I'm taking no one with me..just me and my grizzly bear pepper spray :)

[Dragonlady2]

Better make sure that is a king-sized can of pepper spray. Be careful!

[Lady]

I hope you will be meeting them in a public place....like let's say the parking lot of the local sheriff department. It just seems to me if a man and a woman are going to be meeting with you and you may have a couple hundred dollars in cash on you, there is a chance for a scam. It would be hard to keep can of grizzly spray out and finger on the trigger while having your eyes and heart occupied with a U2 who might need to be rescued...

I hope they are on the up and up, but please be very careful!

[Mare]

I got a call from the owners and actually got to speak to the woman. She says they run a kind of rescue, they take in animals that need homes..sounds totally flakey. She said she had a young man come check out the bird and he was scared to death of her. She thought, because I'm an experienced 'too owner, that I might be a good fit. I asked her if she would consider accepting less money for the bird to go to a good home,,she said yes, she wants what's best for the bird.

She's had the bird for eight months and thought it was a male until she laid an egg and has a disabled son, in a wheel chair, that the bird likes to attack. I'm well aware of how these cockatoos work, I'm looking forward to meeting her!

I don't plan on taking much cash with me, this will be a visit, only.

[kendrafitz]

So excited for you Mare!

[Mare]

Thank you, Kendra! Well..SHE IS BEAUTIFUL! She's as big or bigger than Amigo and is obviously one of those odd females that have the dark, rather than rust color, eye. I was stoked to find a normal atmosphere when I got there. Her name is Shaggy, I didn't force myself upon her..the owner was holding her but Shaggy let me close to scratch her head. I offered $300 and the owner said she'll let her go for $350 but only because she felt that Shaggy would have a good home with me.

I left a $60 deposit and will pick her up on Saturday..that was my decision, I've got a lot of cage organizing to do in the mean time. Tim has surprised me by being so accepting of this whole new chapter..he even put the travel cage in the back seat of my car!

I will post photos of her when I get her home. The owner says that she will absolutely take her back if she doesn't work out. Honestly..I can't imagine any scenario worse than when we took on Amigo! Wish us luck :)

Vet check next week.

[luckyandjenn]

I got a call from the owners and actually got to speak to the woman. She says they run a kind of rescue, they take in animals that need homes..sounds totally flakey. She said she had a young man come check out the bird and he was scared to death of her. She thought, because I'm an experienced 'too owner, that I might be a good fit. I asked her if she would consider accepting less money for the bird to go to a good home,,she said yes, she wants what's best for the bird.

She's had the bird for eight months and thought it was a male until she laid an egg and has a disabled son, in a wheel chair, that the bird likes to attack. I'm well aware of how these cockatoos work, I'm looking forward to meeting her!

I don't plan on taking much cash with me, this will be a visit, only.

I say go for it be safe I was lucky to have my man with me when I went to meet lucky and that the previous owner was nice he's a craigslist bird his owner had a bunch of health issues and I'm happy lucky ended up with us keep us posted much love and good vibes to go with ya:magic:

[luckyandjenn]

I'd say go for it be safe esp cause your going by your self I had my man with me and it's a good thing I did lucky favors man because his previous owner had him 16 years and only delt with two females in his life before me lol . lucky was a Craigslist bird in fact all of my pets but four hens come from Craigslist lol please be safe and keep us posted

[luckyandjenn]

Omg sry fro both replies my phones being stupid

[Cedardave]

Congratulations...sometimes moving on is the best option

[kendrafitz]

Yayyy!!!! Can't wait to see pics. :)

[Mare]

Thanks, Jenn, it worked out well :). Dave..moving on was my only option. I will forever miss the one and only, Amigo..I've been missing the everyday challenge of the big white cockatoo, call me a glutton for punishment! :)

[Cedardave]

Not a glutton for punishment...just a big heart

[Mare]

Not a glutton for punishment...just a big heart

Yeah, well..that too :). Thanks!

[Lady]

:th_yah: How exciting~ So glad things turned out well! I too can't wait to see some pics :happy-feet:.

[PlaxMacaws]

Congrats Mare! I hope all goes well when you pick up Shaggy tomorrow and I'm anxious to see the pics :D

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I can just imagine the panic in that household when they realised it was the famous Mare off PP coming to look at their fictional U2: "Better find one quick or we're in deep birdy doodoo"
Seriously though, glad it was cool and looking forward to pics of Casa Mare's newest resident.

[Mare]

I haven't done it, yet..I had a panic attack in the middle of the night before I was going to get her and couldn't sleep worried about if I was doing the right thing for not only the bird but myself.

My kids were rather negative on the thought of me bringing home another U2, they said,"Mom, you can now travel and not worry about the big bird at home that no one can easily deal with". That's a good point but...

I know I can never replace Amigo although, I know if I brought home another U2, especially one with the size, strenghth and the chutzpah of Amigo, I might try again to free fly one...I'm not sure if I have the will, energy or gumption to try again, though. I DO know..most don't do captivity well.

The woman who has Shaggy, is going to keep the deposit and if someone comes along before I make a final decision she'll go ahead and sell her. I'll let you know how it goes..

[Macaw Lover]

Take a deep breath, or two or three then sit with paper and pen and write all the pro's and con's and while you look over that list a few times your heart will choose which way you will go with and if it turns out the time is not right, then don't do it just now. Maybe later would be best but only you will know that answer. Just take your time in this decision.

[PlaxMacaws]

I haven't done it, yet..I had a panic attack in the middle of the night before I was going to get her and couldn't sleep worried about if I was doing the right thing for not only the bird but myself.

My kids were rather negative on the thought of me bringing home another U2, they said,"Mom, you can now travel and not worry about the big bird at home that no one can easily deal with". That's a good point but...

I know I can never replace Amigo although, I know if I brought home another U2, especially one with the size, strenghth and the chutzpah of Amigo, I might try again to free fly one...I'm not sure if I have the will, energy or gumption to try again, though. I DO know..most don't do captivity well.

The woman who has Shaggy, is going to keep the deposit and if someone comes along before I make a final decision she'll go ahead and sell her. I'll let you know how it goes..Is it possible for you to spend a bit more time with Shaggy to help push you toward a final decision?

[Mare]

Possibly, Tony. If I brought Shaggy home and spent time, it might work. The owner was ok but..I'm not sure about her. Have you ever met people like that?..they are genuine at first meet and become your life long friends,,or are iffy. These folks are ok but are iffy. I don't want to take the chance at the moment. Although, that may be the biggest reason TOO take a chance. I'm the most indecisive person you will ever meet! :). I may end up with this bird after all..we'll see.

[PlaxMacaws]

Possibly, Tony. If I brought Shaggy home and spent time, it might work. The owner was ok but..I'm not sure about her. Have you ever met people like that?..they are genuine at first meet and become your life long friends,,or are iffy. These folks are ok but are iffy. I don't want to take the chance at the moment. Although, that may be the biggest reason TOO take a chance. I'm the most indecisive person you will ever meet! . I may end up with this bird after all..we'll see.Yes. I've met many folks who seem wonderful at first and then veer into flakiness (or seemingly so). All you can do is carefully think it over and perhaps try :(

[Lady]

So what are the accolades of Shaggy??? Will you be traveling any time soon? The lady has had Shaggy for 8 months and what has she accomplished with her or does she just house the birds she rescues? Did she tell you why she thinks Shaggy attacks her son?

Well I'm sure you will make the right decision regardless of what happens. I think you need to trust your instincts. If your instincts are confusing then sit back and wait until you make a decision based upon what your heart tells you.

Perhaps you could do all the above, that is.... make a list of why and why not, then think on it. Spend some time around Shaggy and see how she feels about you. We always say we will know if things feel right, if they don't feel right at the moment then maybe it's not.

[Cedardave]

Ya know Mare...I know exactly what your talking about.Panic attacks...got em.Is this the right choice? Always second guess myself.Amigo will never be replaced as he is un replaceable...unique and of his own groove.Shaggy will be differant...and also similar.Sometimes you just have to do what feels right....sometimes you have to do what your not sure of.While you can spend the next days,weeks etc torturing yourself over this,and still not have a forsure answer...ask yourself this.
Do you enjoy the challenge of a too?
Currently this bird resides where she does...can you offer better?
If you answer yes to either....you may already know your answer.
To anyone reading this,speculating on me pushing Shaggy into Mares world...thats not who I am.....In spite of any doubts,one way or the other...Mare is a big girl...she already knows the answer to her question.
My 2 cents worth

[Dragonlady2]

Absolutely agree with you Dave....Mare already knows the answer to her question.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Aye, don't fuss too much over the current owner, you won't be bringing her home with Shaggy.

[Mare]

I DO enjoy the challenge of a 'too and know I can offer better. My friend who dropped Amigo on me in the first place, is happening to be here visiting us. I'm going to see if Shaggy is still in need of a home ..if so, we are going to visit.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Suspense and drama - this thread is ace! :)

[Mare]

Shaggy is still in town. My friend, Carol, is also still in town. We are going to visit Shaggy on Sunday and I'm bringing this big bird home for a trial visit! It's a date!

[Cedardave]

Good for you Mare.You will never know unless you try..one way or another...this will help you decide what's right for you