Decision time. Rehoming birds.

gracebowen

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This is so hard. I want to keep Jet but he's bonded to Rex. Hes bonded to me too but I think hes more bonded to Rex.

Part of me is trying to convince myself it's for Rexs own good if I split them. Theyve been together about a year. Her egg laying is becoming concerning. If she has no mate she won't lay. Of course she could still lay. Four clutches so far. Two at 3 eggs and two at 4 eggs.

I'm thinking a vet visit may be in order if she lays another clutch. Her prospective new owner is willing to take her. The hope is the move will shake her up some. The rehoming fee is very low due to the situation.

She looks very healthy and she gets veggies daily. Broccoli, carrots, kale, romaine lettuce and more.

If split them Rex and the baby would go to the same home.

The other part says it's cruel to seperate them. I admit Jet is my favorite.
For a reminder I'm allergic to the powder down. I have taken steps to control and deal with it but 3 tiels are just too many. I am hoping I can at least keep one but I don't know.

I'm torn and I'm tempted to keep them all. Rationally I know that it is bad for my health to do so.
I guess I know the right thing is probably to keep the couple together and I just need some support.

The thought of not having Jet anymore makes me want to cry.
 
It's always hard to part with a bird.

Jet may be upset for a little while if yo uget rid of Rex, but if it`s affecting your health, do what you think is best.

I`m sure in the long run everything will be okay. so I think you should keep your favourite and do what is best for your health.
 
I keep going back and forth. I want to keep him but I also want what's ultimately best for him.
 
I feel so badly for you, Grace. So many folks would rehome without batting an eye, but not you.

Trying to think out of the box for a way to minimize your exposure to dander, but you probably have done this before pondering a decision. Multiple high-efficiency air cleaners, a larger room to help lower the concentration, more frequent baths.....?
 
I don't know if you have looked in to this already or not, but it might be worth looking in to. We had our AC unit replaced about a year and a half ago, and one of the things they recommended was having an air sterilization UV light installed. Apparently they work really well at reducing in-door allergens, smells, just overall improving air quality. I haven't personally had it installed yet, but I have heard good things over-all. I don't know if it would be the right fit for your situation, but i thought it might be something that could help.
 
I have done all I can do. Some suggestions made here might help but they are beyond my financial means to do so.

Its really just making the final decision. Keep Jet and split a bonded pair where the female is laying too many eggs or keep Rose.

I also have to keep in mind that even keeping one may not be possible in the long run.

The doctors are now saying I have mild COPD.

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Rex and Jet have been together for a year and bonded fairly quickly. Ive had Jet for one and one half years.

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I am going to try a trial separation of Rex and Jet and see what happens.

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Grace I am very sorry that you're having to make such a painful decision, and that you've developed health concerns. Forgive me for asking, but is it confirmed that the birds are the cause of you developing copd? If so, I know that you have done all that you can possibly do. Hugs, prayers, and all the best to you with your decision.
 
Its not 100 percent confirmed. Its strongly suspected. I an going to rehome the baby. I just can't rehome Jet right now. Im going to try another air filter and replace my whole house filter with one for allergies.
 
I know Jet is bonded to me too. He tries to follow me when I leave my room.
 
I'm not sure what you mean by whole house filter.. do you have central a/c? I have central air, and the house is old, built in the 60's, and I recently replaced the filter for it from a 'regular' one to a HEPA one which takes care of allergens, mold, and all sorts of invisible particles. Still have a ton of dust from the birds though. The 3 parrots need to be in a bedroom, and it is overwhelmingly dusty even with constant cleaning. Air purifier gets clogged with powder dust amazingly quickly and needs to be cleaned all the time (fun). I think baths make them preen more and give even more dust after lol, and they aren't "supposed to be" dusty species. Since you have several tiels, I can just imagine.
 
Yes. What you said. Replace the central AC filter with a HEPA. The one I have now is a green reusable one. At the very least I need to replace it. A friend told me that they still need to be replaced every few years. I have 2 tiels and the baby that is being rehomed.
 
Grace, I feel your pain,really.. Even though I did not have The Cockatoo Man for a long time, and I tried in eanest everything I could do/think of, to rectify the situation, It came down to his well being, and mine and Amy's sanity...so I rehomed him.

I guess "we" can say we were lucky. I see the woman who's family took Jonesy in quite often <tonight as a matter of fact> and he is doing fabulously. Her family gives him the attention he needs,he eats everything they offer him,his plumage is fantastic,and he makes them LOL...even tho he still cusse's and has screaming bouts.

To be allergic to my flock, I don't know what I would do really,after having Amy in my life for nearly 27 years now,and even the short time Jonesy was here, Amy and I truly miss him. I know this isn't any comfort or help to your situation, I just wish you the best.

Jim
 
I'm sorry you have to go through this..you are a lot stronger than I would be. Maybe a trial separation wouldn't be so bad...to see if your condition stays the same,worsens,or improves. Wishing you luck.
 
I just put in a filter thats supposed to filter just about everything out of the air. I wouldn't have thought of it if someone hadnt mentioned the uv light thing.

I was just concentrating on my room but a whole house filter makes sense. Im sure by now theres dander everywhere. Not just my room.
 
I'm sorry you are having to deal with this, but honestly it sounds like these birds might literally be killing you slowly :(

I also have to mention that, you state in your post that splitting them up will stop Rex from laying and that is likely UNTRUE. There are steps you can take to control her hormones, but simply removing her mate is much less likely to work than taking control of the hormones of both birds. I personally had a cockatiel who laid over 60 eggs one year when I was a kid. She was the only cockatiel in the house; no mate whatsoever. It ultimately killed her, that's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about this. I wrote this article, hopefully it is helpful.

http://www.silversageaviaries.com/handlinghormones/

As for rehoming them, ultimately all you can do is what you think is best. I know you love your birds. In my personal opinion the mate bond is deeper than the friend/owner bond. When taken into consideration with the extreme nature of your health issues, I would highly recommend finding a fantastic home where you are allowed to VISIT OFTEN so you can maintain your friendship with Jet.


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The central AC filter is working. I just smelled hand sanitizer on porpose.

Last time its smell increased my symptoms to the point of needing iv steroids.

No reaction at all today.
 
This is exciting news Grace! Hoping that this will solve the issue long term :). You will probably need to clean or replace the filter more often than recommended. Good luck :D!
 
That's FANTASTIC!!!!


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Part of me is trying to convince myself it's for Rexs own good if I split them. Theyve been together about a year. Her egg laying is becoming concerning. If she has no mate she won't lay. Of course she could still lay.

The other part says it's cruel to seperate them

Dani even though ive thought about it I dont think I could actually do it.

Since the filter is working hopefully it will continue to work. The filter I bought is the second best filter so I can upgrade again if necessary.
 

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