I have a Green Cheek Conure (Maui, 16 years) and a Patagonian Conure (Cooper, 13 years). I got Maui when I was 15 and Cooper when I was 19, and I will be the first person to say a teenager has no business acquiring parrots, but I was young naive and I did.
My birds have been my light and joy and the only consistent aspect of my life through my 20's. They have determined relationships, jobs, housing, and schooling. Six years ago I began pursuing my career more seriously and moved from my home town of Indiana to Alaska for two years, then to Utah, and lastly to Montana. I am very aware of the stress this has put on my birds, as Cooper seems to be extremely sensitive. I almost lost him when I moved to Alaska and every move since he has gotten ill.
While graduate school allowed for some consistency, things are becoming unknown again. I have done my best for the past three years while attending grad school and working, but I know it has not been the best life for the birds and my heart breaks thinking that once out of school they are going to be the ones still sacrificing while I try to gain some ground. Now as my schooling comes to close I am realizing the potential for moving internationally and within the States for periods of a month to a year until I can establish my career.
I have a partner who tolerates them but when I go away for a month or more at a time I know they get very little if any interaction.
I guess I am asking for advice for when it is being selfish or if this is part of life? They are so wonderful, I want nothing more than for them to have the best life possible and I may not be providing that anymore.
How have others handled long periods of transition?
I have been ignoring that rehoming has been an option as I could not stomach the idea that they could end being rehomed more than once or end up in a situation that is not any better.
Any insight or advice?
(Please, if you have negative comments keep them to yourself. I am reaching out for support and advice, not to be guilted for trying to ensure my birds get to live the very best life.)
My birds have been my light and joy and the only consistent aspect of my life through my 20's. They have determined relationships, jobs, housing, and schooling. Six years ago I began pursuing my career more seriously and moved from my home town of Indiana to Alaska for two years, then to Utah, and lastly to Montana. I am very aware of the stress this has put on my birds, as Cooper seems to be extremely sensitive. I almost lost him when I moved to Alaska and every move since he has gotten ill.
While graduate school allowed for some consistency, things are becoming unknown again. I have done my best for the past three years while attending grad school and working, but I know it has not been the best life for the birds and my heart breaks thinking that once out of school they are going to be the ones still sacrificing while I try to gain some ground. Now as my schooling comes to close I am realizing the potential for moving internationally and within the States for periods of a month to a year until I can establish my career.
I have a partner who tolerates them but when I go away for a month or more at a time I know they get very little if any interaction.
I guess I am asking for advice for when it is being selfish or if this is part of life? They are so wonderful, I want nothing more than for them to have the best life possible and I may not be providing that anymore.
How have others handled long periods of transition?
I have been ignoring that rehoming has been an option as I could not stomach the idea that they could end being rehomed more than once or end up in a situation that is not any better.
Any insight or advice?
(Please, if you have negative comments keep them to yourself. I am reaching out for support and advice, not to be guilted for trying to ensure my birds get to live the very best life.)