Rehoming my birds - Dawlish in Devon

[starzie]

Well this hasn't been an easy decision to come to and it's one that I reach with a heavy heart and a lot of sadness, but I think it's the right thing to do.

In September I'll be going to university, which means I can't keep my birds, which means I'll need to find new homes for them. I currently have four budgies and five zebra finches, and although I desperately want to keep them all, I know it's not fair on them to leave them with my mum, who knows next to nothing about caring for birds and cannot give them the time and attention they deserve. They are currently indoor birds, but I realise if they were to live outdoors I would need to let them go fairly soon in order to allow them to acclimatise properly.

Ideally I can find someone local who is able to take them on as I would like to be able to visit them and see how they're getting on (I'm in Dawlish, Devon). They are completely free to a good, loving home and all are healthy, with the exception of Whiskers. Whiskers has a few tumours and I have started treatment, but I am happy to pay for any continuing treatment myself so whoever takes them on would not need to worry about that. It would be nice if someone could take them all together, but I realise that may be asking too much so I only ask that the budgies are kept together and the finches kept together.

If anyone would be willing to have them or knows someone who would be, then please let me know, either reply to this message or PM me. I have a couple of options at the moment but nothing is set in stone and is liable to change. I really don't want to let them go but they come first and it's what's best for them, even if it breaks my heart and it would be a massive weight off my mind for them to go to someone who knows what they're doing and isn't taking them on on an impulse.

Hopefully someone can help me and my babies.

[budgiefriend]

Oh, Starzie, I know this is a tough decision, but one made with the greatest love. It would be wonderful for you to find a home for all the budgies and finches near you so you could visit. It would be even more wonderful, if the new home belongs to someone on the forum so we can keep up-to-date on everyone. Good luck!

[Hezz]

Oh, Starzie! I really wish I could help you out! Impossible, but I dearly hope you are able to find someone on here who will look after them in the manner they have become accustomed to. It is obvious you have the birds' best interest at heart, and I wish you all the best in your quest.

[Marianne Marlow]

Starzie I don't envy your decision. I hope that you can find someone close by.

I'll change the title to reflect where you are to see if that helps.

[Bonesy]

I would dearly love to offer the budgies a loving home however I can't have four. One, maybe two at most. Big hugs, I know this is a tough decision but a very adult one too. Best of luck.
Soph.

[starzie]

Thanks anyway Soph, I just don't think I could split them up after so long together. And thanks for your support everyone, I feel terrible to have to do it but unfortunately my circumstances changed about six months ago in a way I never expected and it's just not fair on the birds to leave them here while I try and get my life back on track.

Giving them away is something I've been considering for a few months now but in my heart of hearts I think I knew this was really the only option. It is horribly sad to even think about letting them go, but at least if I am able to see them when I am at home it would make it easier, to know they are happy and not gone forever. As you say Budgiefriend, it would be lovely if they could go to someone on the forum as I know there are so many people on here who would be able to understand their needs and give them the love and attention they deserve.

[Deleted]

Have you thought about having them fostered temporarily rather then giving them up for good?
You could pay for their up keep and vets bills while still being able to have them returned to you when you were ready.
Just a thought but I know I would find it really hard to give up my animals totally...fostering is better. x

[starzie]

I did think about that h20, but I would be away for the best part of 3 years and I wouldn't want to stress them out by moving them back and forth between my current home and a foster. Also I probably wouldn't be able to afford their upkeep when I'm a student. I would like to think I may be able to have them back once I've graduated, but my priority is what's best for them rather than what's best for me - it all depends on where they end up I suppose, and how happy they are there. Which is why I'd like them to stay local, so I can visit them and see them and not have to let go of them forever.

If anyone does know of anyone in Devon who might be able to take them on, please please ask them and point them in my direction! Also, any private collections or organisations who know what they're doing, please let me know, it would be such a great help.

[Deleted]

Have you had any luck?

[starzie]

Quite possibly

My old neighbour used to keep budgies and finches and as it turns out, he still keeps birds at home and tends to an aviary in a nearby convalescent (sp?) home just down the road. He thinks they might be able to take the birds on there, the only downside is that they would need to be there by the end of the month so a lot earlier than I wanted to let them go, but seeing as they are so close I should be able to visit them regularly.

I'll be meeting with him in a few weeks to discuss the details, but fingers crossed that's where they'll be

[Hezz]

Good luck Starzie.

[stace]

Apr 11, 2012 21:23:52 GMT starzie said:

Quite possibly

My old neighbour used to keep budgies and finches and as it turns out, he still keeps birds at home and tends to an aviary in a nearby convalescent (sp?) home just down the road. He thinks they might be able to take the birds on there, the only downside is that they would need to be there by the end of the month so a lot earlier than I wanted to let them go, but seeing as they are so close I should be able to visit them regularly.

I'll be meeting with him in a few weeks to discuss the details, but fingers crossed that's where they'll be

That could be ideal. Hope it all works out for you and your birds. Must be so hard.

[starzie]

Well I have an update, the birds moved out today and are in their new home together. They look so lovely in the aviary and I know I've made the right choice, but it's so quiet here now :/ it's going to be so strange in the morning.

I'll try and visit them in few days once they've settled in and get some photos, they really do look adorable sitting on the branches and having a good old look around. And although the day started off nice and sunny they will have enjoyed a fair bit of rain by now - I bet they have no idea what it is! Can't wait to go and see them

[BudgiesBuddy]

It's great that you found a good home for them.

[Hezz]

I do hope they are happy, and for your peace of mind, that you are happy where they are. You have done well.