Urgent advice for my conure and for me

[marsvv]

So yeah as I’ve mentioned before I’ve had my bird for 4 years and she’s a pineapple conure. Obviously I wasn’t as knowledgeable back then and didn’t really care as much but now I’m obviously more focused on her after I graduated (I’m 18) I also am in a household where…they don’t exactly value the life of birds as much. I’ve also been dealing with a lot of mental health issues so it kind of just topples on the fact that I had another bird die before that and he was only 3 it was around 2023. So it really hurt me a lot and sometimes I tend to be sad about it. Obviously now I am trying to improve my conures diet more and giving her chop etc pellet and I even took her to get checked today at the vet and they said she seemed normal besides hearing a bit of crackling I think from her nose or something I forgot and it could be a minor sinus or respiratory infection and might need antibiotics but we will see how she does for now he said.

She has also been sneezing frequently but no discharge from her nose, just a mist coming out when she sneezes. They told me to improve her diet with Harrison’s as well and getting her an air purifier to see if it helps her at all. They told me I shouldn’t be really worried at the moment and that everything about my bird was fine and her weight was not fat and nor skinny either. The issue is I’m not the best bird parent so obviously I still have to work on that and I’m constantly trying to deal with my own mental health and just my home situation as well my mom not understanding much and everything and even considering getting another bird. But the issue is I don’t want that. I’ve been wanting to rehome my bird bc I feel like it would be better and even though I tried to tell my sister she did f really want that because she loves her so obviously it’s reasonable. This is probably selfish but even if I tell them how I feel and a bunch of stuff they don’t listen and yell at me. I’m usually home so most of the time I try to give her attention etc.

Obviously I am dealing with some of my problems bc I have terrible paranoia and anxiety as well as a lot of stress which I would get paranoid just watching her and seeing if she’s okay or not. Obviously there were a few things we have to look out for but he told me not to worry and that she is normal. Just the bit of crackling. I don’t know what to do because I truly do want to see her somewhere better but also don’t feel capable enough and neither do I feel like my mom could even do anything. Yes I overthink a lot but I cant help it. I don’t know what to do bc the constant anxiety over her kills me and nobody wants to listen to me. I’m happy that she’s apparently healthy but my anxiety still kills me. I’m also going to have a job soon probably so yeah. I don’t know what to do, I just am not capable enough and I wanna see her somewhere better. I know it takes time for birds to get used to it but I don’t know. I just want time to focus on myself and get better, it’s been a thing I’ve been dealing with long term but slowly getting worse for me, I even feel depressed sometimes..

 

[kme33881]

I’m sorry you are going through such a hard time. Parrots are a huge commitment due to their life spans, and they can be high maintenance.

I cannot comment on medical issues like the sneezing because I’m not a vet, and multiple things can cause that. You’d want an avian vet for anything medically related.

I’m sorry to hear about the struggles you are going through. It really is a lot of responsibility to care for a pet especially when you are just starting out. Have you tried to make a list of what you need to do through out the day (the musts)? And then just follow it day by day to create routine? I wake up in the morning for an example, and have a coffee. That’s my free time. My relax time. My time. Afterwards I clean my 3 parrot cages because I know I’m not going to want to do it later in the day. I’m more prone to getting things done first thing in the morning. This is just an example of things I do to manage me otherwise I’d be chaotic. I’m a scatter brain. I use the calendar in my phone religiously. This decreased my stress levels significantly.

There are a lot of people that I’ve came across that don’t value pet birds like they do a cat or dog. I myself don’t try to convince anyone of anything. It just expels unnecessary energy.

The parrot diet is highly debated but there is good information on this forum that can be helpful to you.

I hope something in here helps you, and that everything works out for your parrot.

 

[AMD58]

Hello! I am new here and just seeing your post. All of us who get birds in the beginning have a huge learning curve in caring for our pet parrots. You need to give yourself a break on that note. The fact that you are trying is what is important. I wish you the BEST of luck with everything that you are going thru.

 

[osklvste61]

Sorry you're going through this. I just got over similar. I understand the anxiety you're feeling. Do you have access to an avian vet? Sneezing can be a blocked nostril to breathing difficulties. Birds don't usually have wet mucus like we do. If possible keep area she's in as least 80°. Somewhere here is a list of vets. I wish you luck. Keep tryin

 

[Bradmtx45]

Hello! I am new here and just seeing your post. All of us who get birds in the beginning have a huge learning curve in caring for our pet parrots. You need to give yourself a break on that note. The fact that you are trying is what is important. I wish you the BEST of luck with everything that you are going thru.

AMD

Truer. words could not have been spoken. I have had bearded dragons for over 15 years and these two birds are totally new to me. I live in an apartment complex and I ended up with conures. Luckily the walls are pretty soundproof and they're barely audible from outside.

MARS this is about as good a place as any to point you in the right direction.

 

[Mulligan]

I’m sorry you are going through such a hard time. Parrots are a huge commitment due to their life spans, and they can be high maintenance.

I cannot comment on medical issues like the sneezing because I’m not a vet, and multiple things can cause that. You’d want an avian vet for anything medically related.

I’m sorry to hear about the struggles you are going through. It really is a lot of responsibility to care for a pet especially when you are just starting out. Have you tried to make a list of what you need to do through out the day (the musts)? And then just follow it day by day to create routine? I wake up in the morning for an example, and have a coffee. That’s my free time. My relax time. My time. Afterwards I clean my 3 parrot cages because I know I’m not going to want to do it later in the day. I’m more prone to getting things done first thing in the morning. This is just an example of things I do to manage me otherwise I’d be chaotic. I’m a scatter brain. I use the calendar in my phone religiously. This decreased my stress levels significantly.

There are a lot of people that I’ve came across that don’t value pet birds like they do a cat or dog. I myself don’t try to convince anyone of anything. It just expels unnecessary energy.

The parrot diet is highly debated but there is good information on this forum that can be helpful to you.

I hope something in here helps you, and that everything works out for your parrot.

I have always loved birds. Birds are very social and playful, if you teach them early. Never allow a draft from a door or window to hit the bird, they can die from drafts. I think the cage should be where the bird can watch all the activity in the home. They must be able to see your eyes. They are interested. Talk with them often, even if only passing the cage. Tell them where you are going or what you are doing. They watch, they listen. Birds, like all animals read your eyes. If you are happy they see it, if sad, they may notice. Try to remain upbeat for the bird. It can be fun. Food: debatable. Roudy Bush small pellets are full of protein. A small cup of mixed seed for fun, but it may not be as nourishing as the protein pellet. Kale in tiny bits is good for Vitamin K. Fruit, apple bits, small berries, check your bird book for the best in foods for your bird. I cook Bird Street Bistro ordered through Chewy.com. I freeze in small baggies one or two tablespoons each bag. I feed this in the a.m. and leave only a few hours in cage, then throw away what she doesn't eat so it doesn't spoil. Birds are normally healthy. Enjoy. I hope this helps.