The term 'free bird' is one that I really don't care for.
As a matter of fact, whenever I have gotten a 'free bird'
I usually end up spending more on that bird than
I would have if I went and got a chick, handfed it myself (I AM experienced),
took it to the vet for a well bird
check up AND took care of its mental stimulation
as well as its proper housing and nutrition.
Case in point...
A couple of years ago, a friend gave a bird to us to set up with another
bird we had for breeding purposes. Since it was from a
friend, we didn't think we needed to quarantine the bird and we let the bird
hang out with the rest of our birds to bond with his potential mate.
We noticed that his feathers were knida funky but
attributed that to a molt. About 3 days later
we noticed this birds beak was turning colors..sorta like it was bruising
but there was no reason for it. He also was acting lethargic and was
throwing up. Off to the vet we raced. First thing I thought about was
Beak and Feather Disease.
Our vet agreed and the testing started immediately.
WOOHOO! 500 dollars the first trip to the vet. Our vet asked us if we had
quarantined this bird. Imagine my shame when I
said, "No, it was from a friends house and so we didn't think we had a reason too." He then told us
that our actions could cost us our whole flock. Beak and Feather Disease is
a very nasty disease and not only would this bird have to be put down, but
all of our birds were in danger from the same fate.
The waiting for test results commenced. The vet sent us home with some
antibiotics because the bird did have a bacterial infection as well..we
didn't know what kind tho. A week went by, then two. This bird was still
sick and we had taken him back to the vet for hydrating, more antibiotics
etc. YEA! There is another 200. Three weeks later we got the test results
which was negative for B&FD. However, this bird had a
very very rare bacteria..a bacteria that birds should not have. It was a strain of
gonorrhea. The antibiotics we had wouldn't kick it, so they switched it cost
us another 100...YIPPEE!!
So you see my friends, there is no such thing as a "free bird". If you
aren't prepared to drop 500 on a bird. Then maybe you don't need a
"free bird". A vet visit should be first and foremost for any new bird entering
your home. This can range from 75 to (insert dollar amount here). I have
rescued several birds and not all of them Quakers. On each case, a minimum
of 100 is spent on vet visits. I owe this to my own flock as well as my
family (danger of Psittacosis). This email is not to scare anyone away from
rescuing. Rescuing is a very rewarding experience. It warms the heart to
know that you have helped a bird in need. It makes the soul sing to know
that this new addition to your family will be cared for, loved and nurtured
by you and your family. This email is just to show that there is no such thing as a FREE BIRD.
As for the bird that I used as an example? He didn't bond very well to our
bird, so we gave him to another breeder who loves him. He has yet to become
a breeder. He found his true love in the person we gave him too. :))))
Ang N Dame at the zooo!

Copyright permission granted with author's name inclusion 2/3/2002

Background courtesy of The Background Boutique.