Starting new job--what about Hahns??

[COsmarRN]

Sorry this is going to be long...I'll try to make this as short as possible. A lot of you know...I have an 8-month-old baby Hahns, Isabelle. I got her at 3-months. She is MY baby. I moved back to TX in December & have been living with my parents since I got her. I'm getting ready to start a new job (I'm an RN)...and I will be working 12 hour DAY shifts until October when I will move to night shift. I will only work 3 days per week. I'm moving in with a friend the first week in July.

My delima is my baby.

She's been living with my parents and I...so she knows everyone--and likes everyone...she just prefers me. I want to do what's best for her--she is like my only child...not just a "pet bird". I am considering leaving her with my parents during the 4 months that I will be on day shift. I don't want to leave her ALONE for 12 hours a day. Once I'm on nights--I'll take her back, of course. I will probably sleep until 1 or 2pm...and then have the rest of the afternoon to play--and my roommate (a vet tech) will be home in the evenings to play/cover her/put her to bed. This is breaking my heart! I know she will miss her Momma so much--but my Mom is a "stay at home Mom"...so she will be able to give her the time she needs while I can't. I will go visit her on my 4 days off per week while she's staying with my parents.

What I'm trying to figure out is...Do you think she would be better off if I leave her with them until I can give her the attention she's used to again...or will it be worse for her that I'm taking her away from ME? I would really appreciate any ADVICE...I know I ultimately have to make the decision though!! Thanks!!!!!!

[Machelle]

Personally, I think it would be better for her if you kept her and not have her live with your parents. If she stays with your parents, that's more time away from you than her being with you and working long shifts. I think she will be fine if she stays with you. You can have her with you when you get ready for work and then after work, you can make your time with her extra special. I truly believe it would be better for her if she's with you, even though you will be working the long hours. If she stays with your parents for that long of a time, there's a possibility that she will become bonded to them more than to you and when you go to bring her home with you, there will be alot of problems. That is something that you have to think about as well. Are you willing to leave her with your parents forever if that happens? Like I said, I think she will do fine with you, just make the time with her extra special and make sure you spend every minute that you can with her. Just my opinion, of course. Good luck. I know this is a really hard decision for you.

[Tiki]

Most people who have birds also work full time. Mine all live together and keep eachother company. Since you only have one bird, you could leave the tv on or program it to go off and on so she has something to watch. Give her lots of toys too.

[COsmarRN]

Originally Posted by Tiki

Most people who have birds also work full time.

I agree...that is true...........I guess what I'm worried about is that on the days I work it will be 12 hour shifts--so I'll be gone from about 6am-8pm...at least. I think another thing that worries me is that since I got her in December--she's been used to me being home full-time...along with my Mom. So she's used to lots of company--I don't want her to get too stressed and start plucking or anything.

[Dustin]

Could you slowly "wean" her from you. Maybe put her in a room a lone soon every night or get her out later every morning, or maybe a few hrs during the day alone! Just suggestions...Because going from a lot of ouside playtime to little could be a shock but if it was progressive maybe it will help!

[COsmarRN]

Originally Posted by Dustin

Could you slowly "wean" her from you. Maybe put her in a room a lone soon every night or get her out later every morning, or maybe a few hrs during the day alone! Just suggestions...Because going from a lot of ouside playtime to little could be a shock but if it was progressive maybe it will help!

That's a good idea...that's what I've been trying to do for the last week or so. I start my job next week--but I actually have about a month until I will be moving out of my parents' house. I've been uncovering her in the a.m. like normal, but not letting her out to play until around 11:30 or 12p.m. Her cage is filled with toys and she does play well by herself. I guess I'm just paranoid--I want her to be as happy as possible!! But that's what moms are for I suppose!

[homebird]

What about your friend?
Unless they hate birds - at least your Fid will not be alone for the full 12 hrs each day?
Could be a good thing overall if you wean her to more play time by herself + getting to know other people.

I know it seems to go against what a lot of people say -but I've found with almost all animals that routine shouldn't be too precise or they'll get upset if you're late or are gone longer than they think is normal. I try to mix it up if I can - I find that my pets have been more relaxed & probably more self-sufficient.
Your fid is young & hopefully can adjust, given a somewhat gentle transition.

[svolk]

I really don't know what the best solution to your dilemma is, but I like the idea of weaning Isabelle into more playtime by herself and keeping her with you during the transition. Or maybe leave her with your parents for the few days that you actually are moving and unpacking. Once you're settled in, then bring her to her new home. I think that once she gets used to your new schedule she will be fine. It's great that she already knows how to play well on her own. For your busy schedule in the beginning, I would rotate new toys in frequently so that she keeps busy. And leave the TV or radio on for her.

Good luck, let us know how things work out with whatever you decide.

[COsmarRN]

Originally Posted by homebird

What about your friend?

My friend loves animals (she has worked in a vet clinic for 8 years)--but isn't all that familiar with birds. She gets home anywhere between 6pm and 9pm ...so somedays she may be home earlier than me--somedays later. She is willing to let Isabelle out of her cage and put her to bed for me if needed. I guess the key here is gradual. I need to start weaning her from having SO much playtime with ME...and getting her used to more playtime inside her cage. The T.V./Radio thing is a good idea--I thought about getting a couple of timers for them and for the lamps. Thanks for all the input--I probably will keep her with me...and hopefully she will adjust. I just need to remember it's only 3 days a week!

[Myst]

Sounds like you are doing the right thing. I think keeping her with you will be better for both of you. The TV and radio for noise and company is a great suggestion.

Keep up the good work and let us know how it goes!