Work During the Day?

[gummi_bear44]

I don't currently have a bird but have greatly been considering a Quaker. I just spoke w/ a breeder who has some she is weaning and they will be available in about 9 wks. She was concerned b/c my live in boyfriend and I both work during the day. I work 10-7 and he works 8-10. He is off on weekends and I'm off Friday and Sunday. So there will be 3 days a week where we will be home w/him. The breeder kept insisting that leaving a bird alone that long was very bad for him. I know birds need a lot of attention and we are prepared to give him lots when we are home. But now I'm worried we work to long of hours to give the bird the attention he'll need. The breeder suggested we get 2 birds so they can provide company for each other while we're gone but since this is our first bird we wanted to feel comfortable w/him before adding another. I wanted all of your opinions on this subject. Is this the wrong time in our life to add a bird right now? He would be greatly loved but I don't him to be depressed b/c we're not home enough. What hours do most of you work? Is there someone who should always be home w/the bird? Any help and insight is greatly appreciated.

[Christine9]

My opinion is this: as long as you set the routine from the get-go, and you give the bird a large cage with lots of toys, I don't see the harm in it. I work 6:30 to 3. I take my birds out after I make supper, around 5 pm. They stay out until bedtime (8 pm). On the weekends, they are out all day, unless I go someplace. It works out fine for them. I play a radio for them when I am gone, because birds get stressed sitting in silence (in the wild, silence usually means there is a preditor approaching that has scared away all the other animals).

One thing to note, however, is that my birds are in a bird room (in separate cages) and have each other to "talk" to as well. Not to say that you have to get more than one bird, however. Having a mirror in the cage can serve as a "friend" for your bird while you are away.

Good luck with your decision. Hope any of this helps!

[gummi_bear44]

Christine9, Thank you so much for your input. The breeder really scared me. She kept insisting that the bird would be too lonely and would get sick and die. I do plan to get another bird but not for a couple months after we've gotten aquainted w/the first. I really appreciate your suggestions. Thanks a bunch

[tiger2]

As long as he's weaned there should be no problem! I would take him out for play and together time before you go to work, even 15 minutes is good, then like Christine9 said, play the radio and make sure he has lots of toys to play with. I work 10-6 3 days a week and would have morning playtime then when I get home they are out until bedtime @ 9:00. Don't worry they do get used to a routine.

[Christine9]

Originally Posted by gummi_bear44

Thanks a bunch

No problem! I think the most important thing to stress is consistency. The worst thing you could do is bring a bird home and allow him to be out 24-7 for a couple months, then all of a sudden, start expecting him to stay alone in a cage all day. They are sensitive animals that don't deal with change well (most of the time; I am sure there are a few exceptions).

I think if you get one that is newly weaned, you won't have a problem. I just got my p'let; he had just been weaned. I am not currently working (I have a seasonal job), but will return very soon, so I have made sure not to take him out until the time I will when I do work. I do the same with my other birds. They don't need to have a sudden change in their routine and they have all learned how to entertain themselves during the day. They are spoiled with large cages and lots of toys! Plus, they get LOTS of love when they do come out!

[kathleen]

I have a quaker and Pumpkin has just been weaned. I work 7:30am-3:30pm and I live alone. I play with Pumpkin for a few minutes in the morning and then play with him/her when I get home. We spend lots of time together on the weekend and we seem to be doing just fine. Sounds like your breeder may be trying to sell you two birds but that's just my opinion. It's alot of fun. Good luck.

[Eliza]

An interesting question!

I work 2pm-10pm, which makes playing/interacting w/ my bird difficult once I get home from the office. I want to be assured that he gets enough rest. I interact w/ him hands-on two or three times in the AM (between me getting up and leaving for work a few hours later). When I get home I make sure that he's comfortable, has fresh water and cover him for the eve. It's a ritual of sorts, which seems to work well for us both.

As other folks have said if you set a schedule for your bird that utilizes the time you have before/after work, I think that the bird would be fine.

Best of luck...

[rockybirdlove]

I agree with christine as long as you have a set scheadule things should be fine, I dont work now but I did the first 5 years of Rockys life and he adjusted very well!

[Monica]

All the suggestions have been good so far! You could also look into the bird sitter DVD, putting the TV on cartoon network or nickleodeon or animal planet, being sure that your bird has a view outside though is not right next or infront of a window...

The only thing I DO NOT suggest is giving your baby a mirror... Mirrors are HAZARDOUS to a birds mental health! They can cause a bird to become aggressive over their cage, they may tend to bond more closely to their reflection than their human counterpart (or even another bird), and their social skills can be completely destroyed! Some birds get so attached to their reflection that they DO think it is another friend and may try to feed it and play with it... in females, this can cause unwanted egg laying, and males it can cause excessive masterbation (as could in females). It's not safe so please don't even think about it!

[basketbagley]

Please listen to Monica, the girl KNows what she is talking about!!! She is one smart cookie!!!