Anyone work night shifts?

Hi all,

I am finally getting the adoption process rolling with a local foundation, but I'm also at a place in my life where I'm not thrilled with my current job and am looking for something better for me in the long run.

I am considering nursing school, but I know with that profession comes atypical hours. I'm curious if there are other people here with birds that work weird hours and how they do it? Were you working these shifts before you got your bird or was there a big change?

Much appreciated!

Many people with birds (here) work odd schedules. Many of those people live by themselves too. It can be done.

IMHO and experience, I'd look at a species known for being one of the more independent types who are less inclined to develop behavioral problems at the drop of a hat, or an older one who is used to a flexible schedule.

My birds not only have independent traits by species, but they have been 'taught' about flexibility of routine from day one. My schedule through the years that I've had birds has always changed. Now dealing with an elderly parent at the current time, life schedule is once again very unpredictable. My birds have adjusted fine. Even Griffin, who is the least easy going out of all my fids.

Structured routine is great IF your daily schedule is stable enough that you can adhere to it all of the time. Many people can, and that's optimal, but it isn't feasible in everybody's world. Doesn't mean you can't have a bird.

Is there a certain species you're thinking of?

Thanks RavensGryf!

There is a black-headed caique at this foundation that has really got my attention. She's 9 years old and very well socialized. The other birds I'm considering there are a pair of Alexandrine parakeets and a female eclectus.

I am thinking that even if I decided against nursing school and stuck to my more "normal" hours I would still want to teach my bird(s) flexiblity of a schedule. Even in my current field the day starts/ends at different times, even if its still a day job.

I'm not too familiar with Caiques, but I think an Alexandrine might be a great choice. Beautiful birds, and many other Alex parronts here on the forum too! Good luck whatever you decide.

There are people who believe in more of a structured routine to give the birds the security of knowing what to expect, as they do in nature, and there are others who think it's good to not have them too dependent on a certain daily expectation that I might not be able to uphold on a given day. Neither way of thinking is wrong. You'll just have to try and find the perfect bird for your particular lifestyle and preferences .

I got a playful Green Cheek Conure who can keep herself busy when I am at work. We got a camera that plays video on our iPhone, so when we have to be away for longer than we would like, I am able to have a "conversation" with her and talk to her. It's quite amazing how she responds to hearing my voice

If I have to be at work and then head to our studio to assist my hubby on a shoot (therefore, he was gone all day too), I make sure to take an hour and drive out to see her and spend time with her so she doesn't feel abandoned.

I try to make it a habit to never leave her alone longer than I have to. I don't leave to go back to the studio until she is ready for bed (usually around 7:30pm she gets tired). When I have my own shoots at the studio after working, hubby does the same for me. I'm lucky to have a partner that is so eager to work with the bird.

Birds are like having a very needy dog, in my opinion. We just make the sacrifice because we love them and want to give them the best possible life we can offer. Even though we may have a busy schedule, I think it is working out fine. She is eating well, active, and we see her play with her toys on the camera when we are away. I feel bad a lot of time when I'm at work, but since I am off so early in the evening I am able to find time for her no matter how hectic the day is.

Kyoto said:

Birds are like having a very needy dog, in my opinion.

Click to expand...

Not ALL birds are IME... and I'm disagreeing in the most respectful way .
But yes, conures have a very strong social instinct, and are inclined to become a little more needy than some species. Like Birdman (Mark) says, they're just "shrunken macaws" and closely related too.

Edit: I hate to say "needy" since it sounds negative.. I guess I mean 'more socially demanding' and pushier in getting it (as opposed to certain species or individuals).