Birds are mad at me. Now what?

[BeatriceC]

Two weeks ago one of my children was unexpectedly admitted to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 150 miles away from home. They were unable to get him stabilized enough to release, so on day 4 they airlifted him back to Rady Children's, in my home town. My child spent another week there, for a total stay of 10 days. During the time in LA I was obviously not home at all, and during the time at Rady I was rarely home. MrC was also gone a lot during the time at Rady. The child finally came home last Sunday.

So the birds are mad. They're alternately grumpy and angry, and clingy. I've used all my tricks, but nothing's working. Any ideas for getting them back to their normal schedules and attitudes?

 

[chris-md]

I’m so sorry about your child, I hope they’re ok!

Just give them more time. Significant distractions such as this can definitely cause a bit of chaos. They will settle back down soon, especially once they notice and understand they are back in their regular schedule. It’s stressful for you know, and I’m sorry your having to go through it, but it will eventually go back to normal.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Oh gosh. Glad your child is well enough to be released, I hope he continues to recover!



I agree with MD. Time will be the best medicine for this. I recently had to leave my Alex behind when moving, and he was staying with my mom for months... the longest stretch that I didn't see him for was 5ish months!! When he moved here finally, he was a little miffed but not as much as I had expected from previous short separations... Just give it time and they will forgive you.

 

[Casper223]

I have to echo Chris-md's post. Your birds will work back into a schedule, and through treats an love I believe everything will be back to normal. My heart goes out to you over your child, but believe the bird doesn't understand whats going on like we do, and probably felt lonely and even isolated in the whisk of everything else going on. Time will heal their wounds, getting back to routine is the doorway for making it happen.

 

[YSGC]

I agree that they just need time to settle back into the schedule.

Just relax and be patient with them.

 

[ParrotGenie]

They will get over it soon enough.

 

[Scott]

I'm sorry your son became sufficiently ill to endure lengthy hospital stays. Hope he is stable and feeling better, certainly was in great hands at Rady's.

My hunch is they are reacting to your absence and the incredible stress you and Mr. C are enduring. Parrots are sensitive empaths and readily respond to such events. I suspect they will calm down over time and as family trauma subsides. Give them a big hug from me.... whenever you are able to approach!

 

[plumsmum2005]

Just to add that unexpected changes makes them unsettled and if you can give any one on one then do. The best thing is probably 'the normal routine', it's what they know and expect. Sorry you have been through a lot lately.

 

[HannahandSunny]

I hope your child is recovering well.

I’m sure the birds will forgive you soon enough, back to a good routine with them, lots of attention and treats

 

[BeatriceC]

Thanks all. I've never been away from them more than a day, so this is all new for all of us.

My son is recovering well. He has a genetic bone disease ( https://www.mherf.org/about-mhe ) and had a tumor in his hip suddenly grow large and fuse a couple bones together. They took it out and put a rod in his femur to stabilize the joint and he's doing well.

The birds are still freaking out every time I leave the room. The flighted ones literally follow me from room to room, and Frankie, who can't fly due to an old wing injury (before I got him) waddles after me as fast as he can or screams bloody murder if he can't get off of whatever perch he's on. I guess I just have to wait this out.

(Also, typing at my desk with one bird on my forearm and another on my head, with the two little birds flying around the bird room not wanting to get too far away).