Working too much...?

[Broady]

Hello,
I've read threads on here recently, that cover the topic of leaving a bird / Parrot alone for the day. But I feel I still need some more Information, So I know I'm making the right decision not just for me, but for the future happiness of the African Grey I wish to home.
At the moment I do not own any kind of animal. But I have loved Parrots since I can remember. But due to work commitments I have never considered homing one before.
I work 2 days between the hours of 7am -530pm.Then I'm home all evening, and then work 2 nights from 4pm to 730am.Then I'm home all day. After these shifts I'm home for 4 days, until this cycle starts again. I should also mention I live on my own.
My question is Would this be an acceptable shift cycle, for an African grey to cope with.
I plan on doing all the research I can on this matter, and realise that each birds personality is different, and thus this may have a bearing on how the bird will be able to handle this.
The most important thing to me, will be the birds welfare, as I'm wanting a new buddy / Family member, not just a pet.
Many Thanks.

[cml]

My question is Would this be an acceptable shift cycle, for an African grey to cope with.

Probably not, greys are known to be very sensitive. If a parrot can cope on its own is a debated topic, but I personally believe that no parrot should be left alone all day when we work.
Either you stay home with your parrot, which most people cant manage, myself included, or I think they deserve the right to have a bird friend. Thats why we got our second parrot.

Having two parrots is a challenge, quite a big one sometimes tbh, but its all worth it to see how much they enjoy spending time together, as well as spending time together with us. Also, I dont have to feel bad for leaving them in the morning, because I know they've got each other.

[Broady]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I figured this would be the best source for information, actual owners and keepers, keep enjoying your wonderful birds. and thanks for the advice.

[marie83]

I part agree and part disagree with the post above. I think most parrots can adapt to shift work quickly if the are young and it is from day 1. Being in a routine for ages then having to change it due to work or other commitments is far far worse. I like and highly reccommend variable routines however I think with your shift pattern it is too extreme, even the days you are at home you will be knackered cuz those shifts wear you down, you will be trying to sleep when the bird is awake and possibly screaming. You will be awake whilst your bird is trying to sleep at night, which will either disturb the bird or the bird will want out to be with you, messing up its own body clock.
I also think the hours you work are far too long for a single bird but I dont think you will have enough time to tame and train two birds, never mind the fact you will be going home at silly hours and then having to prepare their food, clean their cage etc.

Sorry to sound so negative but I really dont think now is the right time for a bird, part of the reason I say this is because I dated someone who worked a continental shifts pattern a few years ago so I know exactly how it grinds you down over time and time constraints on day to day life. Yes it sounds brilliant getting 4 whole days off but the reality is that it isn't really 4 days off because you end up sleeping and catching up with everything else you havent managed to do on the 2 days and 2 nights prior to it.

[Broady]

This is great,
Its exactly the kind of information I wanted, And the fact its from people who are dedicated to their own birds. I know that the information is valid. And It has confirmed what I have thought over the past few months. That unfortunately at this point in time, I've not got the time to provide a home for such wonderful animals.
Thanks again for all your help. For now I will remain a "jealous" fan
And maybe in a year or two things will change.
Cheers, and have a lovely evening.

[marie83]

Aww well just think when you have a new job or someone to help with the responsibility you will have much more knowledge than most people start out with. Tbh I'm really busy lately and I don't think my birds would get enough attention if my partner didnt help me out Its not usually like this but I've had a bit of a crazy year with unexpected things happening. Maybe you could do a bit of voluntary work to get your bird "fix" for now, it would teach you alot and help needy birds.

[pennyandrocky]

i was going to suggest the same as marie. alot of rescuse are looking for help you get to be around birds without the full commitment. the experiance will be a great benifit if you able to have one of your own in the future.by the way i love that you took in what everyone said even though it wasn't likely the answer you wanted

[Broady]

Cheers every one for your help.
Very much appreciated. And I will be looking into the idea off helping out with rescue / rehoming schemes around my area.
This really has been a great insight, you've all been brilliant.
Big, big thanks again.