best home for my GCC

[jobblybirds]

Hello, I have a green cheek conure that is almost four years old. For his first year he sat in the pet shop, and then for almost three years I had him at my parent's house. I work full time, but my parents are retired. He has bonded with me and my mother fully, he tolerates dad. When I'm there he prefers me over my mother, but he loves her just as much when I'm not home.

I recently moved out with my GCC, and I'm worried my GCC will be lonely at my new home all day. At my parent's house he had interaction with their cockatiel and two dogs. Plus being retired, mom let's him out first thing in the morning and is there all day to watch and play with him. He didn't go in his cage until bedtime. At my house he is in the cage all day while I'm at work and is alone. I'm only there and able to take him out for about three hours between the time I get home and bedtime.

I feel it may be best for him to return him to the life he’s known for three years. Mom will be so happy to have him back, and I can visit. I HATE that option because I'll miss him so much and it will make me very sad not seeing him every day. Just seeing what my fellow bird community members think. Any advice and all opinions are welcome. Thank you for reading.

 

[djdancer]

I'm so sorry that you have to make this decision. Maybe it would be best if you brought him back to your mom. It sounds like she's really bonded to him too and so she might be a bit heart broken now that he's gone too. I would hate to have to make that decision too. Maybe mom will be happy that you're going to visit the birds so much because she probably misses you too. Good luck and let us know how you make out with this. Again, I'm so sorry for you.

 

[Kalidasa]

He'll be happier at moms, lots of interaction and his routine won't be disturbed. You can always visit it's hard, but sometimes the hardest choices are what's best.

 

[Terry57]

It is a hard decision, but I agree that he may be happier back at your Mom's. It sounds like she would be happy at having him back as well. That just means that you need to go home to visit often

 

[jobblybirds]

Much weeping was done by all, by mom when I took the bird and then by me when I returned him. I decided taking the bird back to my parent's house was the best situation for him. I kind of already knew the answer while I was taking the bird, but I love him so much. Then I heard his sad cheeps when I left him alone and the thought of him in his cage all day while I was at work was too much. Thank you all for your reassurance.

 

[Terry57]

That shows true love when you can do what is best even when it breaks your heart
What a lucky bird he is

 

[Janedeaux]

Time for a NEW Bird! One that will be accustomed to your hours and plenty of toys and foraging toys, etc. Many many one person, one bird homes live like this and are perfectly content. Mine included! Paisley watches tv and plays all day till I get home. Then its free flight all night.

 

[Kiwibird]

Time for a NEW Bird! One that will be accustomed to your hours and plenty of toys and foraging toys, etc. Many many one person, one bird homes live like this and are perfectly content. Mine included! Paisley watches tv and plays all day till I get home. Then its free flight all night.

Wouldn't say she needs to rush into a new bird right away, but I agree birds can thrive in loving homes where their owners are gone during the day and play with them in the morning and night. It takes a lot of work though to train them to entertain themselves and be on a routine/schedule where they are alone during the day. I am home all day now (my husband and I both previously worked), but I still give Kiwi a few hours of "independent play time" each day. That way, if i ever have to go back to work, he won't be at a loss of what to do with himself or depressed. It's so cute to peek around the corner and see him furiously decimating a toy or taking a cute little nap. They can keep themselves entertained (or rest up to be unruly monsters when you get home)

 

[jobblybirds]

I have thought about getting another bird, but I would rather just keep visiting Demetri at my parents' house. I've visited quite often since, and it is nice to be able to spend time with my parents and Demetri. He's always so happy to see me and won't leave my side the whole time I'm there, it makes me miss him, but I'm so glad Demetri has my mom to spend time with him all day. He seems quite happy to be back home.

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm with most here and say your bird will probably appreciate staying with your mom as he is used to that environment. Kudos to you for thinking of him before your own happiness. I think it will ultimately be for the best.

 

[Katiejayne]

Well done you for putting your birds needs before ur emotions. He will be better at ur mums and as u say at a least u can still visit but it can't of been an easy decision