New and really need help!

[kdway]

My husband and I have a 5 year old green wing macaw. His name is Pookie and we love him to death. Sadly we are moving to Hawaii and we can't take him with us. We have been trying for 4 months to find him a good home. At first we were going to sell him but everyone that was interested just didn't feel right. They either didn't know about macaws or birds for that matter or they just seemed like "flippers" (buy him from us and sell him for more later). Anyway, we are desperately trying to find him a loving home. We aren't going to sell him but we are going to give him to a home that we feel is right for him. The problem is, I have no idea where to start! I mean, if I advertise in the paper that we have a green wing free to a loving home I know we'll get all kinds of people calling that are just wanting to sell him. We live 20 minutes from Richmond, VA. and 20 minutes from Charlottesville, VA.

Does anyone have any advice for what we should be doing to find him a good home? Time is of the essence. Thank you so much for letting a newbie vent!

[george]

Aww, thats really sad! I'd have him if I wasn't in England! Hehe! Have you thought of zoo's or bird parks? I know some places are pretty grotty but some I know of are fantastic (obviously not much good to you... England again!!). There'd almost certainly be other bird friends for him and he'd get tons of attention and he'd be cared for by knowledgeable people. And, of course, you can visit him! I realise a lot of people wouldn't want to take their pets to a zoo but it might be worth looking into?! Failing that, I'm sure someone else on here would be able to help you out.

Whatever happens, good luck!!

[Berserka]

I'll see if any of my American contact can help you out, I will be in touch - how quickly do you need to rehome him?
Is it a quarantine reason you can't take him with you?

[Berserka]

Buuzbee from here & Conure Crazy made this great suggestion:
I think I'd start off by talking to my vet. They would have a great client list, know whos going to fit well with the bird, who would love another etc. So thats my starting advice, since they dont want to advertise (i dont blame them).