Re-homing a parrotlet named Abby

[Dogmom1958]

I need to get an opinion. Even though I’m already doing this. I guess I’m feeling somewhat guilty and need some reassurance. I have a Caique named Ozzy and 2 female parrotlets Bella and Abby. When I purchased the parrotlets I wasn’t sure if I should get 1 or2 because with Ozzy requiring a lot of my attention, at first I thought it would be better to have 2 so they could keep each other company. Although I wasn’t sure of that because of the extra work involved. I went and ask the the breeder and of course he is going to give me a reason why he thinks 2 would be a better idea as far as Ozzy adjusting also. But now I wish I would have followed my own heart. I knew I was going to have to be very careful and get the parrotlets out at separate times, but I also just heard that a Caique can actually kill a small parrot. It does work out that I separate them, but the problem is that the one female parrotlet Abby is very scared all the time, and I don’t think it’s fair for her to have to live in that environment. The other parrotlet is Bella and she is a lively little one, but she likes to bully Abby. So between Abby being a bully with her, and Ozzy jumping on her cage (I always grab him quick). Abby won’t get out of her cage when I open the gate. She starts to but then she gets too scared. I have Ozzy in a cage in my bedroom.
I am constantly on my feet doing something, I’m a clean freak so I’m always cleaning up poop, seeds, and feathers. Lol! Between that and my 3 dogs I’m really tired. I have fibromyalgia which leaves me feeling achy and fatigue all the times. But my pets mean the world to me. They raise my spirits when I’m down. Which is a lot lately. I’m always second guessing myself about everything.
So please tell me what you think. I just want Abby to be happy, she needs some one on one attention.
As of now I have 2 people inquiring about the parrotlets.

 

[Inger]

Confused - are you rehoming both parrotlets, or just Abby? I'm sorry you have to go through this. Parrots and neat freaks aren't the best combo ;-)

 

[Kiwibird]

All 3 of your parrots are "high energy" species, so I can see the difficulties you're facing having a medical condition trying to keep up with them. Only having to keep up with a single high energy parrot like your caique should be much easier on you and it sounds like you have a better relationship with him.

It sounds like you haven't had these parrotlets very long and like they aren't really bonded to you or any other household member yet correct? If not, now would be the time to rehome them, before they get too settled in and used to you. If that is ultimately your choice, please don't just let them go to the first person who shows up (unless they truly seem like an ideal home, of course). Ask a prospective buyer LOTS of questions and do your best to try and make sure they'll be going to a home that will be able to keep them forever And don't be too hard on yourself about this situation. You've recognized they aren't thriving and are having a negative impact on your health so finding them the perfect family is a win-win for everyone involved!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Inger, if I'm guessing correctly, Abby is the bullied one, and the one to be re-homed.

Dogmom, I'm sorry you're having these problems, and sorry for Abby... if you can't foresee any change in your environment or arrangements, then I would find Abby a good place, yes. These sad things happen, but you can make it all right by finding her a really good placement. Maybe the breeder can help.

Good luck!

Oh, and good ideas from the Kiwi household above!

 

[Dogmom1958]

Thank you all for your generous opinions. I’m a little late posting again, but as I am struggling I started looking over this forum for answers. First I want to answer some questions and give you all a quick update on what’s going on. I ended up just selling Abby a few weeks ago, I spoke to the women on the phone and told her I wanted her to come to the house and visit a little while to make sure they bond. She brought her husband and Abby bonded instantly with both of them. They were perfect! And they continue to send video’s and pictures. It’s unusual for both partners to connect with parrots like that.
So now I have Bella and I was going to rehome her too then changed my mind, but now after these last weeks I’ve been having with pain in my knees the left one being really bad, I feel like this could really mess me up. I’m sure I will be getting X-ray’s when I see my dr. next week. And who knows what that could mean. I just feel like now I don’t know what I got myself into. I thought having these birds would make a positive difference in my life having this autoimmune disease. But it’s causing me to feel overworked, fatigued, with more and more pain. I just don’t know what to do at this point. I do have the parrotlet listed on hoobley, but I don’t know how I can part ways with my Caique. He’s even the one that’s more of a handful! But I’m so bonded with him. I just feel like such a failure for getting myself into this. Anyone have any suggestions as to what could work for me?
Thank you in advance.
I hope all of you and your parrots are doing well!

 

[ChristineR]

I would try finding a new home for the parrotlet and then see how you feel with only having one bird to care for.

 

[Dogmom1958]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I still have Bella and I’m bonding with her. I just have to let go of the guilt and the perfectionism.�� It’s working out fine right now, it’s just that it’s hard to stay in the moment because of all my issues. As of right now I have an appointment to see an Ortho Dr. in 2 weeks. I’m in excruciating pain in my knee. I wish I could get in sooner., and get x-rays to see what’s going on. I worry that I will have to have surgery and then it will be very, very difficult to take care of the birds. Unless I hire someone.
Have a good evening everyone. Wish me luck and prayers.
Lori