Opinions wanted!

[Regan]

Does anyone else find that if you've had a busy week and can't let your bird out, they become is a sense 'depressed'? I've only been able to let her out late for the last week and now she won't talk or get excited when I come in the room. She's warming up again though

 

[plumsmum2005]

Does anyone else find that if you've had a busy week and can't let your bird out, they become is a sense 'depressed'? I've only been able to let her out late for the last week and now she won't talk or get excited when I come in the room. She's warming up again though

She is probably expecting you to be too busy for her. Good you have recognised this and perhaps can give it some thought.

 

[Regan]

I've been making her come out and eat and clean otherwise she's goes back to bed. Tough love I'm thinking currently. Will improve on that after exams mum is home most days so it's not like she is completely alone

 

[plumsmum2005]

If you can improve on this even a little please do. Can she be with you whilst you revise for your exams? Guessing you are her bonded choice? IMO this isn't good and if their mood isn't good there is the chance of other things creeping in.

 

[LeaKP]

I second the idea of study time with your bird if possible. We home school and our grey sits with us during the whole school day. It's bonding time, he's learning manners (our grey is a baby) and feels part of the flock/family.

 

[Regan]

She is out while I'm studying but usually it's dark and lighting In the room isn't great (cage and desk are in the same room), therefore she goes back to sleep cause she things it's night time. It's only been like this for the last week, generally she will be out all afternoon everyday and all of Sunday. I just miss hearing her contact call when I walk into another room.

 

[Regan]

I've been making her come out and eat and clean otherwise she's goes back to bed.

Sorry realized that it sounds like I'm putting her back to bed... No. She cleans herself outside of the cage quite happily then puts herself back to be. She has a dummy spit if the usual door is closed and she can't get back in.

 

[Brittany741]

It's only temporary. Life happens but the important thing is getting back to your routine as soon as possible. Finals week is hard on all students and often their families and pets. Try to give extra attention before you go to class and while you're eating. Even just ten minutes with you will do a lot to strengthen your bond. Birds have no way of understanding we have a life outside of home. The most important thing is to carve out even a few minutes with your bird before studying or in the morning before class. Giving favorite treats or snacks will help as well. Expect an adjustment period once your exams are over. It may take some time to get back to normal with your bird.

 

[RavensGryf]

Do the best you can. It's not going to be the same routine forever. Over the years my birds (and birds I've had in the past) have always been independent and would get used to change in routine if need be. Life always has changes, no matter how old you become, you are never immune to big changes.

Griffin is the only bird I've ever had who is a little more demanding of time out, because he's so extra energetic compared to some birds. I feel bad when life is extra busy, but even he adjusts when he has to. He has a ton of toys and foraging stuff.

 

[texsize]

My opinion is this...
It's not so much the amount of time you spend with them but the quality of the time you can spend with them.
I try to make a point of spending at least 1/2 hr of one on one time whit each bird that is tame enough to allow it.
If I am running short on time for whatever reason even 10 min. well let them know you have not forgot about them.
texsize

 

[DRB]

I let Perjo out of her cage 4-5 times a day minimum, usually at a minimum of 20 minutes at a time. I always make sure she has a change to do her own thing under my watchful eye, then make sure she spends time on my hand, knee or shoulder as well. I purposely don't keep a strict time schedule with it to keep her from getting to settled in with the routine.

 

[Regan]

Really helpful thank you