For those who work full time and have only one caged parrot

[DanaandPod]

Seriously, this is not meant for those who want to rip this thread apart or me for that matter by telling me that I should not come on this forum and ask questions to find out what other people do (even though this forum is supposed to be about sharing advise and finding out how and what others do) Not to mention researching also falls into contradicting advise. But, since i have been on here form day one to find out if my parrot is going to be okay when left alone... And, more... I have grown more and more confused and concerned for a pet that I deeply adore. And, I have actually been put down for this as well on here by being told that i am selfish for not rehoming him to someone who is home all day every day. I even went out and dropped money on purchasing a bird that is lower maintanence that i thought would help keep him stimulated and keep him company. Especially after I have been told numerous times on these threads that one, he shouldn't be alone while im gone yet... two, he may not even bond with his own kind if I found another Jardine's. three, it is better for him to be left home alone with other birds at least in the same room in their own cages.... even if they are not of his kind. ( I am actually finding out that i am allergic to this bird which is making things worse and have to get rid of it now anyway...) but, between this forum...stuff i have read online and other forums combined.... the level of contradiction has spun me completely. So????????????????????????????????????????????????????? I would really like to hear from anyone and all those reading this who work full time and own one parrot in a cage (not in a whole room dedicated as a bird room) and please let me know what type of routines you have and what type of relationship you have with your bird. If your bird is plucking its feathers out? Do you feel guilty while away from home and is it stressed? And, any and all other information or things to add on this very particular subject with your personal experiences only. And, thankyou!

[liz]

I have friends who take me with them about 4 times a year for a weekend trip. I think of my kids the whole time even though my daughter is with them. The first time Myrtle had just gotten her flight feathers and was learning to use them. This is before she even flew to me. When I got back they told me she searched every where for me. She was also calling for Ma which we had not known about because Rambo calls me Momma.

I don't like to have one of anything. At one time I had 2 ferrets, 2 cats and my son brought home a dog. I really felt sorry for him. He watched the others play and they would not play with him so I took him with me when I would visit my aunt. He bonded to a Chihuahua about the size of his ear and I had to schedule play dates and sleep overs.

If I had an only bird (these are my feelings) I would put him near a window with a bird feeder outside. Instead of a single cockatiel I would have gotten 2 budgies. Budgies are little clowns who don't seem to really care what is going on around them. He would be entertained by them even if he did not bond with them.

Like I said, this is my opinion. In my house we have inter species friendships. (When I let the boxers loose to play in the back yard my Amazons will bark at them. The barks lead to two of my house dogs standing in the sunroom softly howling to join in.)

[JaydeParrot]

It's difficult to say, I think it's a bit of a lonely life for one parrot to be alone most of the day as they're social creatures and feel happier and safer with a friend. Then again there are exceptions, I personally have a sheepdog who I've had since she was 10 weeks old and has never been very fond of other dogs, a year ago she had to share her home for a week with a tiny akita pup and still didn't want to bond or even share with it. The pup was given a big hedgehog shapped chew, my dog's missing many teeth and usually wouldn't bother with anything tough, but she still stole and ate the entire of the chew out of jealousy.

My point? One: Yes, dogs can feel jealousy and exhibit spite.

Two: All animals are individual, some may prefer being around animals of their own kind, whereas some cannot stand having another animal of their own kind in the same house never mind the same room. I'd say that all animals need some form of socialness in their life to keep them sane but not all appreciate members of their own species.

[DanaandPod]

Thanks for your responses. No offense, but a dog is now not able to be a single pet either? And, ironically the person that began out right disrespecting me on this forum and I had to tell to leave me and my posts alone...told me the same...to put my bird cage infront of a window to watch the outdoor bird activity. Yet, when I said I was going to get a canary... she turned around and said that a canary would do absolutely nothing for a parrot. (well, I live in the city. There is not outdoor nature life like birds at a feeder to watch) So, I bout a tiel instead thinking it would be more interactive than a canary to just look at and listen to. but, then I was put down for doing that. Even though I was told by the same person that any bird species would be of company even if they could not be friends. Well, after the put downs, and being swept in a whirlwind of online opinions from this forum to others, it has been an exhausting mental experience over what I initially was just trying to improve my parrots environment and health. (which I have a friend that has had tiels for years and claims they can be alone--another contradicting statement) Then the same old thing keeps being said by those who are new all the way to the "experts": There is no guarantee that a parrot would want another parrot around even if it was their very own species! ((((YET, WITH ALL THIS CONTRADICTING ADVICE SOMEHOW I AM THE IGNORANT IMPULSIVE ONE WHO WENT OUT AND BOUGHT ANOTHER BIRD)))) Well, ontop of all of this, It turns out I am allergic to this poor little birdie. Plus, it hasn't eaten since i got it here. I don't know if its stress or just too young. But, i am guessing it is stressed. So, a day of sneezing and caughing from what i found out is powder from the bird,,, I am waiting to call the store to try and return it. Now, for the even worst part of this whole ordeal of getting another bird which i wouldn't have unless all the talk on here. My parrot, Pod is extremely aggressive. About ten minutes ago...he chased me around my apartment and attacked me like I had never seen him ever ever do in the whole year i have had him. I tried to protect myself and he literally tooK a chunk out of the side of my head behind my ear. (i wouldn't be surprised if a certain someone would find this funny to read either) (to think this could have been my eye or something!?) So, this is the first time in one whole year of having him (many bites included) that i locked him in his cage for doing something that i didnt like. I never wanted to use his cage as a punishment. But, i have to protect myself. And, my nerves are absolutely frazzled. This has turned out to be a nightmare. And, I think I have more than reason to be upset. I don't know what is best at this point. Budgies? I thought of that but then wondered if hed be jealous at seeing them together. Canary? No other bird? Ever!? Take Pod to a freakin shelter where there are hundreds of abandoned birds...or hundreds of shelters in the united states with abandoned birds and parrots because some people are telling me he is better off not being alone? I am besides myself with the never ending contradictions! It is not that I am unhappy at all with someone telling me something useful that i simply dont agree with. Its that no matter what there isn't any group of bird advocates that can agree on an issue. When all settles down a bit...I will be sooooooooooooo grateful to take a good long break from the internet and all the contradicting advice and opinions. And, return to my personal work and goals that are neglected. Seems all was best had I just simply left all alone! HOWEVER IF THERE IS SOMEONE ON HERE THAT ACTUALLY HAS A FULL TIME JOB AND ONE PARROT THAT IS DOING FINE...(and is not afraid to say so ) i'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM THEM. What madness!

[shiraartain]

I stick to my original statement, I think you should have researched before purchasing the 'tiel. I know you posted on forums, but your postings were regarding your first parrot, not the care of your second (to the best of my knowledge). I also think there is no such thing as a "low maintenance" bird, all birds have a right to the full attention and affection of their owner.

I'm a college student, which can be compared to working full time in that I have limited time to spend with my bird depending on my schedule for the semester, and I also agree that having birds in pairs is best. Even with my mother at home spending time with Fajr from morning until I come home, I feel bad. He's spoiled beyond belief, but the companionship that birds give one another is on an entirely different level.

And yes, it is confusing to hear everyone's different opinions, but that's a part of life I think. You get information and sort it out to figure out what is true. And then from the truths you deduce what is best for your situation. (Or, in this case, your bird.)We all post on forums and receive different advice, then decide what we feel is best.

An example of introducing a second bird: It's like introducing two children to each other. You can introduce children of different ages and ethnicities, and introducing two children of the same age increases their chances of getting along, but there is still no guarantee. There is never a guarantee and this was said by users to warn you of this potential outcome, rather than to act as discouragement.You're looking for a perfect solution, I think, but there is no perfect solution, only a "best" solution.

[Pajarita]

Dogs are social animals but they have been domesticated for 50,000 years and have learned to regard humans as part of their family so you could have a single dog that living very closely with one human is still completely happy. Having said that, I also believe that having a single dog is not the ideal, and dogs that don't accept other dogs do it out of a lack of proper socialization.

Dana, you are confused. I never said to put your bird next to a window so he can see the other birds or whatever outside and I always said that the second bird has to be, at least, another poi.

[Wolf]

I mentioned putting Pods cage near to a window once when discussing visual stimulation as I had said that you could play music for him while you were out and that some people went as far as to turn on the TV for their birds but I thought that letting the look outside would be better than a TV. So blame that one on me.

[liz]

If I had an only bird (these are my feelings) I would put him near a window with a bird feeder outside. Instead of a single cockatiel I would have gotten 2 budgies. Budgies are little clowns who don't seem to really care what is going on around them. He would be entertained by them even if he did not bond with them.



I said it.

[Tman007]

Dana I posted on your other thread. But here are a few things I do for my flock. First I have three now I syarted with two. A green cheek and a jenday conure. This happen back in July when i first started in birds. The jenday and green cheek dont real like each other. They each have their own cage. But when they are out together will just not pay attention to one another. But when they are in their cages they will talk to each other. I work nights and sleep during the day. So when i get home in the ,orning I will clean them up feed them and play with them do aittle training. I have the jenday waving turning around flying to me and back to his perch while the green cheek watches then i work with the gc I just bought myself a Rose breasted. Cockatoo. So now i have to work at getting the other two to accept the rosey. Things i have in my bird room are a cd player I put on soft ,usic they like panio music. My house is to quite when i sleep so the music helps them feel safe. I also have a air purifier in the room here in Vegas its to dry so i have a humidifier also. Yes I have OCD Lol . Just get your birds in a routine your routine once they see how things are going they will be fine, The time you spend with them just make it quality time. I hope this helps feel free to pm me if you want,



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[DanaandPod]

I live in the city. I wonder if two budgies in a cage would infact be entertaining yet not bring out his jealousy aggression. would i need to let themout of thecage and give them time. or is it enough they have each other. at least until some day another parrot comes along for pod... its at leaset an entertainment for him... which is what i hoped for with the other very sweet cockatiel. i also need to work on extending his cage...even if i have to get a small cage and tie it to this one he already has....maybe it wont be so bad asl long as i am in it with the hope that a bird will turn up somewhere for him to bond with.