Anyone here on disability?

[Dogmom1958]

Hi everyone! I was wondering, is there is anyone on here that is on disability due to any kind of painful condition, like fibromyalgia, Lupus, Lymes or any other painful disease or challenge. I have fibro. and when I got my Caique I was feeling so excited and optimistic. I was having a good day, thinking how these birds are healing to me. When I’m feeling good I never see that changing. I forgot what the winter brings. I’m having a lot of pain right now, and this is harder then I thought. The older I get the worse it gets. And I honestly didn’t know what I was in for with this busy, busy Caique! Plus I’m a clean freak. So I spend a lot of time bending over and cleaning up poop, feathers and seeds. I started putting Ozzie in his cage in the afternoon for a few hours, something I felt guilty about before, but I decided if I’m going to be any good for Oz I have to rest a bit. I certainly don’t want to give up, I just need to feel like I have a back up plan. I plan on visiting a bird sanctuary this spring when I feel better. Maybe they would have some answers for me.
Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions you can give.
Lori W

 

[itchyfeet]

Lori I feel for you! Fibro is nasty.

My suggestion would be to place an add in the local paper/on facebook etc., for a volunteer. There may be an older teenager, or a local person who lives on their own etc. who would love the ability to have exposure to parrots but doesn't have the circumstances to allow them their own. They could come in for afternoon or morning tea and be like a buddy for your caique. On the days you are bedridden they may be able to help out a little more or board your wee one if you end up hospitalised or need a break. If it's a part of your schedule no matter how you're feeling, then when you need a hand your caique will more likely accept the volunteer, and you can relax a little more knowing there is a helping hand. It would also make you an awesome referee for someone who might be looking at going into community service work, animal wildlife or husbandry or nursing.

ETA:
A 'good day' activity could involve making some extra foraging/gamey type toys, so that if you know you're in for a rough patch, you can have a variety of cage entertainment ideas on hand = less guilt about having him away more often.

 

[Jferrand526]

If I lived closer to you, I would definitely volunteer to help with your happy and playful Caique. Sadly I live too far away

 

[itchyfeet]

Just bumping for the OP.

 

[Dogmom1958]

Thank you Itchyfeet for that good piece of advice. I’ve been thinking about doing something like that, I think about putting an ad on Facebook but I never get around to it. I sent a personal message to a young girl that lives up the road from me asking if she knew of anyone or if she was interested,she did respond by saying she would help. She was supposed to come over so she could meet Ozzie and we could go over things. But she hasn’t shown up. that was shortly before the holidays were over. I sent another message and she said her little one was sick, so the last message I left was right after the New Year and I told her we’ll get together when everyone feels better. That was the last I heard from her after her short response. I don’t know if I should contact her again, I feel like it might not work with her. I think about posting an ad on lunch Facebook and I never get around it.
Thank you Jferrand for the nice comment, I wish you lived closer too.

 

[itchyfeet]

The person definitely needs to be the right fit and someone you can rely on. There is nothing wrong with putting an add, and if the girl from down the road becomes interested again then that's okay too - they can back on another up/there's just more help and love to go around.

The other thing I thought of was when having a bad day, is your 'place' a chair, or your bed? Can you put your Caique's cage next to your resting space? Your presence is companionship too.

My mother has had struggles with autoimmune issues, fibro and cancer. I know this isn't a small deal, and as many back up plans as possible is a good thing - but I don't think you need to give up on having an avian friend.:60:

 

[Dogmom1958]

Hi Itchyfeet! How are you this evening? I read your post earlier today and I started to reply but just couldn’t finish. My brain isn’t working when I’m having a bad day.
I really appreciate your help, I really need that guidance. I put my smaller cage next to me in my room, we’ll see how that goes. Ozzie is used to being out and playing with things I bring back for him when he’s in my room. And I usually do that other times of the day. But I like my afternoon nap 12 to 2 or 1 to 3. I feel guilty if I leave him too long. Maybe he’ll catch on that he has a choice of being in the kitchen or in the bedroom with me.
I’m really sorry to hear your mother has cancer and having fibro on top of that must be hell.
I would like you to be on my friend list. I’m not sure how that goes. I don’t know how other things on here work either. I gues I’ll figure it out eventually.
Thanks again for your help Itchyfeet.

 

[itchyfeet]

Yeah...I get it Brain fog is the worst.
Mum is doing well, she's in remission, has a workload that is carefully balanced and the right support around her now I guess. I simply mentioned her because advice is all well and good - but sometimes it can lack....I don't know. I just wanted you to be sure I wasn't belittling what you face.
His schedule can bend. My inlaws cockatoo like a solid afternoon nap - maybe your caique will settle into his afternoon quiet time too
Do stick around here, there are a bunch of lovelies who'll enjoy getting to know you more, and online support gives you another link to the outside world. We'd love to see photos of Oz!

 

[davefv92c]

disabled constant pain from a motorcycle crash back in 02.
did my time addicted from the PKs 10 yrs worth none since 2012.
my sleeping is a wreck im up all hours and only do 4/5 hrs sleep a night
naps during the day right close to the cages mine have gotten to when they see me heading to the recliner and kicking back they do the same the noise stops and they nap to.
try to figure you out something like that and nap with your birds.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'm glad you're here.
Aren't you?
*cyber-hugzszszszszs*

 

[Dogmom1958]

Hi, I have a question to ask here rather than starting a new post. I have a Caique as you all know. I was wondering what you all think about me getting 2 parrotlets. I really, really want one, well two so they have each other to keep company since I won’t be able to give them my full attention because of Ozzie. I’m sure he will be jealous too but I’m hoping he doesn’t hurt them. I guess I would have to take them out at separate times. But I’m hoping they can eventually play together. I’ve been thinking a lot about this ever since the summer when I got the caique. I was going to get one and decided on Ozzie. (No regrets of coarse)
I have a nice wide cage for them too, a Vision. And I have a place for them in my living room. Oh and I also got help every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning. I feel confident that I could handle it because I do well with my other 3 birds. The parakeets are simple because they don’t come out of the cage. They were my first birds before I knew anything about raising them. I wish I would have known about parrotlets then, it’s hard to bond with the parakeets in the cage. So like I said my main concern is the caique. I’m hoping they get along. I know you guys have experience with other birds that’s why I ask. I’m new at this.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Hi Lori..just saw this thread.

JMHO here...you're having a hard time with ONE fid right now..another one would add more work.

I too was injured in a bad motorcycle crash in '06 and also am dealing with severe depression..my house is in foreclosure etc etc..and I'm on disability.

At times I just can't do what needs to be done with my kids:52: and I have this awful guilt that I'm not doing my best for them. When they are out they get smothered with love and attention.
My little BB is a life saver! He is always happy and is not afraid to show it to anyone who will listen to him. Amy is a little bit more reserved lol.

I too wish I lived closer..would love to help out and talk with another "bird person" We are an "unique" group!



Jim

 

[GhostN1K]

I'm sorry to hear about the pain. I know what that's like . Winter sucks!! I also do the nap thing during the day. Always on the one couch right next to the cage. Dog on my lap and everyone naps. My wife is always wanting to help but I'm the one who wanted my feathery friend so I manage. Hope all works out for you.