Include Your Parrot in Your Will

So you adopted or rehomed (hopefully!) a parrot... or two or three or... Or even if you purchased one- chances are, even if they are a mature parrot, you will outlive them. Many parrot species have a lifespan of anywhere from 30 years for smaller species up to 80 years for larger ones.

Side note: yet another reason parrots are not meant to be in captivity!

What if something happens to you? Will your family keep the birds out of obligation, when they are not really bird people and be unable to give them the care they need? Would your family, with good intention but out of ignorance, put a craigslist ad on and give your companion to the most interested party? These are important things to consider. I would rather my birds be rehomed with a highly qualified, well screened, well funded and experienced bird person that I've never met than be in a trapped realtionship on both ends with a family member. Not that my family wouldn't love my birds and take good care of them, but they are not bird people and shouldn't have to be if they don't choose it.

Parrots are not like dogs. Or cats. As we all know they take alot of time, effort, energy, and money in comparison. They bite, they scream, they can be hormonoal, territorial, they poop everywhere, destroy things, etc. Keep this in mind. It's not feasible for the majority of people to take this on. It is very very important that you include your pets and especially your parrots, in your will. Even if you're younger, anything could happen at any time. You don't have to see a lawyer. Just something simple out, sign it, and get in writing some directives about what you want for your parrots in the event you outlive them.

Things to consider-

-Do you have an experienced bird family member or friend who would be willing to adopt them in the event of a death? (You should definitely ask them to make sure!)- If so, you're a luck lucky duck!

-Did you adopt your bird from a rescue? Many rescues have written in your adoption contract that the bird must go back to them in the event of you being unable to keep him/her. I have this written in my will regarding Gracie and a provision that if her rescue can't take her, they be permitted (if willing) to place her appropriately while my family fostered her.

-Even if you didn't adopt from a rescue, you can check with your local rescue to see if they're generally willing to help place parrots while a family or friend fosters temporarily.

-Seriously consider making some financial provisions, if possible, for anyone taking in your birds. You could say that a percentage of proceeds from your estate go to the person taking in your brids. Or you can designate that in leiu of flowers at your funeral or memorial, that money should be donated to that person or rescue. Remember that's a LIFETIME of additional mouths they have to feed.

-The same goes for rescues who agree to assist- it would be awesome to designate donations to them for their assistane and willingness to help.

Don't leave your parrots (and your family and friends!) high in dry in the case of a tragedy. Even if you don't have a will, just write out directives for your parrots. DO IT!