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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum THE LOUNGE Really upset :( Don’t want to move on!

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    • Kafrn
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        Hey guys, I’ve had a really bad couple of days dealing with this stuff thats going on with the farm… Well everything is good really. All moving forward. but its just not feeling so good in my head.

        We have 130 acres just out of Adelaide, (about an hour from where I live now) . We have been heavily into osriches since I was about 12 (15 years!), breeding them on the farm… We used to have about 1200 a year plus breeders, but then the market fell through because of a disease that went through all the plants here, and the market just died. We had about 100 birds left when this happened. And because we were living at the farm (the happiest days of my life!), we just kept feeding them and looking after them as pets. Well, its another 5 years down the track now. I moved out with Carl about 2 years ago, and mum and dad moved to the city again to be closer to mums work. So I go up to the farm all weekend every weekend to look after the ostriches and the sheep etc… It is tiring because it feels like I am working 7 days a week doing this, but I just love it.

        we only have 2 birds left now. A heap of other ostriches went to a friends farm in VIC  2 years ago but I kept Elle and Lilly (peanut) because I have raised these 2 since they hatched at the farm and they are my pets.

        Elle is an albino. The only known one still alive in the world. 5 were born at our farm, but only elle survived (they were sickly chicks) She was pure white until she was 18 months old, and then she got her adult feathers and now she is a beautiful sandy colour with traces of white.

        I have had ostrices since I was 12. My friends call me the ostrich girl.  They have always been around and I love them to pieces. Carl thinks I am mad because I get in the mud and cuddle with them.

        But I found out a few weeks ago that things are changing at the farm. Part of the property is being subdivided for a housing estate, and dad and his friend have bought another plane and set up a runway, and are going to run sky diving classes there. Ostriches are quite skittish when they see planes / balloons / kites etc, and run into fences and hurt themselves, so dad has suggested that perhaps we could find someone in the area whos farm they can live at, and where they will be well looked after. So I thought that was a fair idea, as long as I could visit them all the time.

        So we live next to monarto Zoo, and they have ostriches. They jumped up and down when they heard one was an albino, really excited, but then when we went to see them they had a group of males in together and wanted to put my girls in with them cold turkey. I couldnt believe it. maybe they havent bonded ostriches before but in that situation my girls would meet certain death. males are very VERY territorial.

        So then we tried another animal park down the road. they have some BEAUTIFUL african females, very friendly and absolutely beautiful birds. but they couldnt have any more because they told me their pen wasnt big enough. I dont know why, that african had about 2 acres. But they dont have room

        so our last resort was  the ‘farm barn” which is 2 towns away.    they have emus, llamas, alpaccas, kangaroos etc, all in together and they are open to the public and people and their kids go in and feed them, and pat them. Ive been there before, and its pretty good. I rang the guy to see if they would be interested to have any ostriches, and he was very excited. He is coming to look at them tomorrow.

        I am getting cold feet now. I dont knwo what to do. What if they get tangled in a fence? Will this man always be there for them? What if they dont get along with the emus? Will he just get rid of them? What if something happens and he doesnt tell me and I go up there one day and dont know where they are?! I couldnt handle not knowing how my girls are doing.  I can always change my mind and keep them …. but I thought they would like the extra attention they will get from all the families there… I hope they will like it anyway. I dont know whether I should change my mind or not. Ive always had ostriches! They have been such a HUGE part of my life! I feel like I am nothing without my ostriches

        Sorry, Im just really confused at the moment. just needed to vent.

         


      • Kafrn
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           Darci with Elle and lilly (peanut)

           

           Darci with Elle Toby and Coco

           

           

          Looking after the ostrich chicks when I was about 12


        • RabbitPam
          Moderator
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            Hi,
            Your post is very moving, and I am sure you will work something out.
            I have a few suggestions that popped to mind so here goes:
            First, I actually like the idea of the zoo the best, but with a few conditions. The third option can have the same conditions, but I am not sure families will be the better place for them since people can be pretty dumb when they handle animals, especially with food.

            The conditions could be (in writing, ie a contract):

            1) The females MUST be kept separated from the males at all times until properly bonded.

            2) You will be a weekend consultant for 6 months to train the staff in bonding ostriches since you have vastly greater experience in this area. You will give them weekly guidelines and demonstrate how to proceed. They have the advantage of really appreciating that they will have a rare animal, and it’s in their best interest to protect her completely. No fee involved, but they must meet your standards or return her.

            3) There is a mutual agreed upon time, 3 months, where she may be returned at any time if they do not care for her according to your standards. You can write them out if you want to, or just state that. You will also be free to spot visit at any unexpected time.

            4) You always have visitation rights, and they will inform you of any relocation.

            That’s just a list of ideas but you get the picture.


          • jerseygirl
            Moderator
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              Great ideas Pam! I too think if you can negotiate with Monarto – that would be good place for them to go. It’s likely to remain there, hopefully be secure financially and be covered with vet care. If you are gifting Peanut and Elle to them surely they would be open to your terms. They would also be interested in keeping a positive profile for the zoo so wouldn’t want disgruntled former carer making noise if care of the 2 is substandard. ;o) Hope you get a resolution soon. 

              I’ve not been to Monarto (Yet). I wondered if they have a smaller part where Elle and Peanut could be kept since they were hand raised? Like a petting zoo part (maybe without the petting).  Or do they need more room? Does that make sense?


            • Kafrn
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                It is a wonderful idea, and I know that they would be looked after very well, but when we were talking to the curator about the possibility of them moving to monarto he was very keen. Especially since Elle is albino! And they were talking about moving them in with the males. Then the assistant (Hoity Toity) curator butted in and said “I feel that the zoo do not need any more ostrich. We are having enough issues with them already”
                I would LOVE to negotiate with monarto! but they just dont want to deal with bonding them! And the adelaide Zoo was willing also, but they unfortunately employ the same assistant curator! And he said no! Maybe I should negotiate with a zoo in victoria or something… I dont know


              • jerseygirl
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                  poo-poo assistant curator! Ah…that feels better!
                  Wouldn’t Adelaide zoo be too stressful them with the metro noise, planes and confines?
                  What about putting out an “Expressions of interest” ad to see if anyone is interested in keeping them as pets – like on a hobby farm?


                • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                    Awww I can imagine how upsetting this must be Pam and Jers had some great suggestions. I do hope everything works out!! Keep us posted!!


                  • KytKattin
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                      What cool creatures! You are so lucky to have been able to be around them. I am saddened to hear that you must find a new home for them. How long do they live? Perhaps you could contact someplace such as the San Diego Wild Animal Park in California. I know it is extremely far away, but they have top of the line vet care, and plenty of space (though in saying that I don’t know if they would accept your birds). In any event, you have some actually good suggestions by other peoples on here, and I hope everything works out. Though I do have to say one thing; GET IT IN WRITING!!! I would hate for them to be given to someone and then flipped because of Elle being so rare.


                    • Beka27
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                        KokaneeandKahlua will take them… just drop them off. (LOL!)

                        Wow, it’s wonderful you’re trying to find a good place for them, I can imagine it’s hard to keep going back and looking after them. Keep usposted on what you decide to do. I don’t really know anything about ostrichs.


                      • RabbitPam
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                          Disregard the Assistant Curator’s recommendation and write to the Director of the zoo stating how sorry you were to learn of their interest but change of heart about taking you most rare ostrich. The AC is probably the one who has to shovel all the s***. As someone in the Curatorial line of work, the AC has input but is not empowered to make a final decision and can be overridden. That’s why he’s still an AC. My only concern is if the care fell to him and he was lousy at it. Don’t drop the ball with them yet. But after that, definitely have it all in writing.


                        • Lintini
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                            I’ll adopt them for you! I got a nice big backyard! Hehe. They are sooo cool! I know you will find a great home for them though! It just takes time, and you love them so much you will find them a wonderful place to live.


                          • Kafrn
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                              Thanks for the support everyone your ideas have made me feel so much better about the situation!!! Rabbit Pam, you are so right, the AC really doesnt make the final decisioin, so this afternoon I am going to do what you said and write them a letter to convince them to take them at Monarto. Adelaide Zoo is noisy, and dont have room now that they knocked down half the zoo for the pandas.
                              We are still meeting with this guy this afternoon from the farm barn. (Because we already made the appointment) He is taking us back to where the birds wouldl be to show us his yards / feed etc that he can provide. Who knows, it might be great for them. But I am really scared about giving them to anywhere less than the perfect place.

                              Your post has given me so much more confidence that we have other options for them
                              Thank you !
                              I will keep you posted! I gotta go shear some sheep now! Hope it doesnt reach 40 today!

                               

                               

                              Y    Breakfast time! (last weekend)

                               

                               

                               


                            • Kafrn
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                                hey guys.
                                good news and bad news.
                                I rang monarto and spoke to the curator again. they said they are really sorry but they are very crowded at the moment and dont have the space to deal with any more ostriches. So unfortunately that idea is out.
                                But the men from the farm barn came up to the farm and just loved the ostriches. they said they would love to take them.
                                they have a huge paddock thats about 15 acres for them to live in, with lots of shade, and I can visit them whenever I want. This is really good news, but I still havent slept for 3 days. I just keep thinking “what if one day I go up there and they are not there anymore?!” But they really really like them, and they will look after them well. They promised.
                                Im still getting cold feet. I just want the ostriches to be happy. It is a good home for them, its a GREAT home! but what if they miss the farm?! I am so confused. I was meant to ring them yesterady to organise transport, but I am so scared of the day that I have to load them onto the horse float and then leave them in Hahndorf. Its going to feel so empty.


                              • Monkeybun
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                                  They might miss the farm, but if there’s going to be alot of construction with housing developments and skydiving stuff going on, is it not better for them to go to the farm bar? You can still visit, and they wont have the stress and fear of planes and construction there. *snuggles from monkey*


                                • RabbitPam
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                                    If you give them to the farm barn, will you be putting anything in writing? I think if you tell him your concern about seeing them one day and finding them gone the next, and that’s one of the reasons you are hesitating, he could let you know if that is really a possibility. But any stipulation he may make or you might want should be in a signed agreement. If he wants them that badly then maybe he is invested in caring for them as well.

                                    What was your gut impression of him? Have you seen where they will be going there and how long it takes to visit them? Don’t confuse your upset about the loss of them (which is happening wherever they go, I’m sorry to say) with your feelings about where they end up. Try to clearly assess the conditions of the farm barn. Maybe there’s a better business bureau type of regulating establishment that can give you an idea of how well he really cares for his farm. I’m thinking the local animal control office in his town may know of him, for good or for bad. I guess I’m looking for concrete reassurance for you so you can take the next step with peace of mind. Information helps to make an informed choice. Including continuing your search for a good home.


                                  • Kafrn
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                                      Thanks Monkey, thanks RabbitPam. My gut instinct of them is that they are very nice people. its just an old man and his son who is probably about 40. they are very nice, and they look after their animals well. They have an alpacca, some emus, some llamas, some kangaroos… so the Ostriches will be well entertained. they are very curious so studying the other animals there should keep them very busy. Im happy about the conditions of the farm. Except they let people feed carrots to the emus. I mentioned that this will not be good for the ostriches and they agreed.

                                      I have already enquired about the diet that they feed their animals, and they are willing to stick to a strict diet for the Ostriches. I saw this as a great sign.

                                      I think I am just confused about the seperation. Sending them to the zoo would have helped the seperation anxiety, I believe, because they go to experts. I have seen where they will be going at the farm barn, and it is actually closer to my house than the farm is.
                                      Im just so scared that one day I will go up there and they will be gone. I couldnt handle now knowing where they are. I still remember the day I brought them home from the hatchery. I want to be the one that makes the decisions for them. I feel like they will always be my responsibility.

                                      Come to think of it, if they tried to move them off their property I dont think they would be able to! they dont have a catching pen for them, and as soon as you spook an ostrich, it wont come near you for a fortnight!

                                      How can I ask them to inform me of any relocation??? I dont want to offend them. then they would never call me!
                                      Is it ok to just say “If you ever have any problems, please please please call me!” Im so worried about this!


                                    • luvmybunny
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                                        aww, I am very sorry about Elle and Peanut I did want to say that maybe the farmer you met is a better deal than the Zoo because you can visit them and go in their enclosure at the farm. I doubt they would let you at zoo. Plus they will probably get more attention with the farmers since they are the only ostriches. Good luck, I hope things work out for them and for you!


                                      • Barbie
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                                          Aww Karn, they sound like such cool animals! I’m sorry you’re going through this. I know exactly how you feel. I went through something similar when I had to give up my horse that I raised from a baby and trained myself, not once but twice. It still upsets me, so I’d rather not go into it. Anyway.

                                          I don’t think it’s at all out of the question to ask for a written contract stating day to day care for the ostriches as well as making sure that the ostriches will get all routine and emergency vet care (if, God forbid, something should happen). If you have the $$ to space, see if you can find a lawyer who can help draft up a contract that will be fair not only to you, but also to the farm barn. If you’re willing to take on the responsibility, I would definitely request that they contact you first to let you know about any relocation/changes. You can even write into the contract that if, for whatever reason, they have to give up/relocate the ostriches they must contact you first. Having a third party (lawyer) execute the contract will help prevent offending anyone, and also a lawyer has the legal knowledge the write a thorough contract (though you may need to help out with the details specific to ostriches) and make it stick.  Oh and maybe you can get a lawyer to take the case pro bono (aka for free) if you can’t afford layer fees right now.  I’m not positive but I think at the very large law firms theres a requirement for the lawyers to take some pro bono cases (can’t guarentee that though).  Anyway, I would just sit down and go through the phone book and ask around.

                                          I think the farm barn sounds like a good option. I feel like the smaller places care more for their animals than large institutions, despite not having access to all the “experts” the love counts for something. Anyway, that was based on purely my feelings, I have no data to back that up.

                                          Hope everything works out for the best!


                                        • jerseygirl
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                                            Hahndorf will be so much closer for visits and I can go see them too!
                                             

                                            Im just so scared that one day I will go up there and they will be gone.

                                            But wouldn’t this be the same if they remained on the farm? That something could happen to them. Did you have a permanent caretaker there? Or do you mean you’d be scared they got rid of them?

                                            I’m wondering if you can retain ownership of them and work out a sort of homing agreement. Like boarding a horse… They keep them for you and in return they have the added animals to their farm barn business. Though you might have to still pay something.


                                          • Kafrn
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                                              Lol Jersey, you made me laugh. that makes me feel better too, that you will be able to go visit them cause they will be closer to town
                                              I meant I am scared that they will get rid of them.
                                              Thats a good idea about the retaining ownership… I will talk to the men and see if we can come to an agreement.
                                              I am going up to the farm barn next week to suss out the situation further.
                                              Dont have a lot of trust in my own decisions at the moment. Still feeling very confused.

                                              Jersey, will you really visit them?! Thats so cool!


                                            • Kafrn
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                                                I just rang the farm barn and spoke to Malcolm (the older one) he said he wants me there every step of the way to help him look after the ostriches. He said they get a huge paddock all to themselves right outside his front door, with lots of trees etc, and they can take their own toys with them so they feel at home. If they look through the fence they can talk to the emus. He is just so nice. He promised if they were ever going to move them for any reason he promises they will call us to give us the opportunity to have them back, or rehome them.
                                                He is such a nice man. It must just be seperation anxiety. It must just be me


                                              • RabbitPam
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                                                  He does sound like a nice man. That’s very promising. I like the sound of their farm more and more.
                                                  Why don’t you go up and visit the other animals?


                                                • jerseygirl
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                                                    I will visit! I just looked at the website. What a great business! *jealous* Actually, I’m already going to suggest it to my sister for her boys 4th birthday outing. Warning: They have bunnies there….one of the things to do….”holding baby rabbits”

                                                    If they are that open to having you involved then if you ever felt it eas wrong place for them, they may also be open to you placing them elsewhere. But it really does sound a good solution.


                                                  • Kafrn
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                                                      Ohh you guys are awesome. You have made me feel so much better! Carl doesnt understand all of this, he isnt really into the farm… he just keeps telling me to get over it. Its nice to have friends on here to talk to!
                                                      I still wish we could set up a ‘farm barn’ at the farm! and live there and keep all the animals! But I cant convince Carl to move there. He says he would get bored. I dont know how, with so much to do!

                                                      But thank you so much for the support guys!
                                                      It has helped so so much! I feel a bit better about it now. I might take Darci up there one day next week to feed the emus.

                                                      Jersey — their rabbits are SO TAME! they run over to everyone and beg for carrots!!!


                                                    • jerseygirl
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                                                        Er silly me – totally didn’t remember you’ve been there!!


                                                      • Kafrn
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                                                          I will tell Elle and Peanut to keep an eye out for you !

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                                                      Forum THE LOUNGE Really upset :( Don’t want to move on!