A difficult decision

[ilaurya]

Lately I've been mulling over the difficult decision of parting with Riven and Leelu. They're my babies, and I would miss them as much as losing a friend/family member, but I'm worried that I'm being a bit selfish by keeping them right now.

Two weeks ago I moved from the suburbs of Detroit to a new town, thinking the arrangement would be better for everyone. It's a more rural setting, I have a pet-friendly townhouse instead of an apartment, (I can't maintain a real house alone,) and I have friends/family in the area who come and visit.

In practice, the arrangement has been not quite as ideal for the birds. I'm exhausted by my commute, and between the unpacking, general housework, and everything else going on, I haven't had much time for them. I feel so awful about it. I know that they look forward to me coming home to play with them, but I haven't been able to play with them much at all lately. They've gone from being out of the cage most of the time when I'm home to only being out for a short time each day. I don't know what to do. Riven's getting increasingly agitated about it, and I know all he wants is a few hours each day to cuddle or play and be told what a good birdy he is.

I'm wondering if rehoming them is the best option at this point. Has anyone ever rehomed a fid? Do you think I could find a home that will spoil them? I would hate to rehome them just to have them go to a person who keeps them in a cage all day, or doesn't keep their toys new/exciting. Even Leelu, who appears unfriendly and skittish at first, enjoys one-on-one people time when she's exposed to it often. Deep down she's a little sweetie.

I know that if I rehome them I'll never have another bird again. It will be failing at bird ownership and I know I shouldn't (or couldn't) do this to another fid, ever.

Advice?

[Alika]

I would give it a little more time before you really make that difficult decision. You've only been in your new place for two weeks and you're still getting used to your new schedule, as are your birds. As you adjust more, you may find that you can work in more time for them. In the meantime, try to give them at least 10 minutes each every day no matter how tired you are. If it becomes habit, it will be easier on all of you and you will find it easier to make that 10 minutes 20 minutes, then 30, and so on.

Give it a try for a few months before you jump to any decisions that will ultimately be harder on you and your birds. I think that rehoming a bird is a very last option, and two weeks just doesn't seem like enough time to adjust enough to get to that last option.

[Freedomoflight]

I have rehomed a fid, a GCC but only because she was not happy as a pet, she wanted to be a breeder. She is much happier where she is now and I get regular updates.
I would give your situation more time, you just moved. ONce you have settled in and gotten a sort of "groove" going, or a schedule, you will find time for your fids, and time for yourself. Leave the radio on when you are gone for them, or the TV, so that they will have another form of entertainment. Its also better, in this case, that you have 2 birds, because even tho they are in seperate cages, they keep each otehr company. I would give it more time, then rethink your decision.

[Babyblue033]

I know I'm a new bird owner, but I'm no novice when it comes to relocating Last year alone I had to move THREE times with all my pets, and I know the stress moving can put on you and your relationship with your pets. I agree with others that you should give this more time, as things are bound to improve once you're more settled into your routine. Even if you do end up with less free time than before, you'll adjust your daily routine to your new schedule and so will your pets. I understand better than anyone about feeling guilty about not having enough time for your pets before/during/after the move, but trust me when I say that things WILL get better. Do the best you can, focus on making the best out of the short time you're able to spend with your fids (quality over quantity!), and everyone will be better off for it :)

[Tiki]

I would definitely not rush into any decision like that. Like Alika says, you may find you are able to work in more time for them. I think it does upset birds to be rehomed and they do have each other for company. Try to work things out!

[Friend of the Feathered]

I know how a new schedule can stress out both you and your fids, but I definitely think that you can work things out. Give it at least 4 mos. before making that decision. I think that Alika had a good idea--just try to slowly work them back into your schedule. Good Luck!