Should I or shouldn't I?

[lizardsmells]

As many of you know, Kazi is coming home on Wednesday from the rescue. I will, of course, continue to volunteer up there twice a week.

What I'd like to do is bring Kazi with me when I go volunteer, mostly because I can't stand the thought of him being left alone for hours upon hours while I'm up there (I can't seem to stay less than 4 hours on a good day and it's an hour up there and back) and I'd like him to get used to riding around in the car, if he likes it, so he can go with me to various places and see new things and experience new people and hopefully gain some confidence and socialization.

But I also don't want to overwhelm the poor little guy, either.

Any suggestions? Or is this just a bad idea altogether? I guess I can't figure out what's worse for him - leaving him here for hours alone or potentially traumatizing him by bringing him with me.

 

[roxynoodle]

I think I would give him a month to settle in with you and time to begin trusting a human again. It may take longer than that or it may happen quickly. You will know.

Beware that he may get frightened the first time you take him back to the rescue thinking you are leaving him there again. That may take several visits before he knows you are going to take him back home again.

 

[mtdoramike]

I agree, I would wait even a few months and let some sort of bond form with you and him. Also, with him being a rescue, there may be some issues that you will have to work out first before trying to socialize him with other people. I would take it slow grass hopper.

 

[suebee]

i agree definately take it slow! also that quiet time might not be a bad thing, in allowing kazi to settle, just have the telly on quiet for him, or plenty of things that'll interest him in his cage

even now i have to find a balance with the nut, i have been off work all wk, she is loving the company but also gettin bored with me, quality is better then quantity, she is currently plotting how to entertain herself, she is doin the uber cuteness thing, but if i go to touch her, zap with the beak lol

 

[lizardsmells]

You guys make total sense. My only concern with leaving him alone is that that's why he ultimately ended up with the rescue, he was left alone so long he started plucking and self-mutilating. It's gotten loads better since he's been at the shelter and has had plenty to occupy himself with.

If a TV will keep him occupied though I'd definitely rather do that than introduce confusion and stress, and then like you guys said, begin taking him once we've developed a bond.

I definitely don't want to rush him! We are doing everything at Kazi's pace. I just didn't want to set him back any by leaving him alone with no other birds or interaction. I mean, he'll have all the toys he needs and wants, I just wasn't sure if that would be enough or if he'd be better off going with me pretty soon after he gets here.

Thank you for helping me figure this out as I go! I feel out of my depth half the time and confident the other half.

 

[lene1949]

As I understand it, Kazi ended up in rescue, because he'd been alone for 5 years... When you have been alone for such a long time, you might just enjoy 4+ hours of alone-time...

You could take it slow and see how he goes... Leave him for half an hour, and then increase the time.. You don't want him to think he won't see you for the next 5 years...

Something like that... I have a splitting head ache, and I'm going to bed... lol

 

[oled]

All clever words, just take it slow and easy

 

[wenz2712]

I agree, as he is used to being on his own, he will probably appreciate his own space for a couple of hours a Day. Just keep talking to him and giving him treats etc. Eventually he will learn to trust you. I leave the Radio on for mine when I go out Keep us posted on how you get on with him and Good Luck