What to do when your health is failing

[OttoVonRuthless]

I'm struggling with a lot of health issues some potentially could be very serious and a lot of upcoming appointments.
Should I look to re-home my only happiness, my Otto? Of course his happiness comes first. I make sure all his needs are met just sometimes attention suffers, though we're in same room.
I worry he'll get depressed as I have appointments and potentially more days sick in bed. Right now his vet says he's a happy bird and is very attached to me.

 

[Cali&Pilot]

Im sorry to hear that I hope things turn out okay.

 

[OttoVonRuthless]

Im sorry to hear that I hope things turn out okay.

thank you

 

[Corkscr.ew]

I don't have experience with this situation but I just wanted to say that rehoming is often very sad, confusing, and stressful for the bird as well as the human. Keeping your bird is probably better for his overall well-being even if you aren't always capable of caring for him. They get as attached to us as we do to them.

 

[AprilRobin]

I am sorry to read this. Hoping that you don't re-home him. You said "potentially" very serious problems and "sometimes" the attention suffers. If your situation stays about the same, instead of getting much worse, Otto might adapt to your new schedule. I think he would be happier in his familiar home with you.

 

[OttoVonRuthless]

Thank you both. His happiness and health are my utmost priority. I want to keep him as he's my joy but I don't want to do so if it's a detriment to his health. It's a wait and see right now.
I was cleaning his house the other day and he asked, "Whatcha doing?"
I said, "I'm cleaning your poop up so you can enjoy your home."
he replied, "Thank you. I love you pretty!"
He started calling me 'pretty' on his own soon after learning the word.

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

Birds give so much love! The best thing you can do for your health is have a parrot who adores you.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Otto being in your life will make your health problems less stressful and give you pleasure when you feel sick or down. Otto will enjoy just being with you. Companion birds can be surprisingly empathetic. Keep Otto with you where he belongs for as long as possible. He'll adapt, I promise.

One of the worst things about rehoming a beloved bird is worrying if he's safe, being properly cared for, and given enough stimulation and love. I don't know anyone near me that I trust with my birds like that. Four of my budgies are extremely bonded to me and I would feel terrible thinking they were confused and missing me, wondering where I went.

IF you eventually NEED to rehome Otto I'd be happy to give him a great home, but I don't know where you live. I live in Maine but can travel. He'd have lots of love, human and budgie friends, and freedom to fly around all day. But only rehome him as a last resort.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Try to keep Otto for as long as you can. Birds encourage us to talk more and give us a reason to get up in the morning . **Hugs** It's a difficult situation to be in. I've got a long (looooooong) list of health problems, and my guys have helped me in so many circumstances. **Hugs again**

 

[wrench13]

Keep him until you are no longer able to provide the level of care he needs. Trust us, you need him more then he needs you at this point. Very good luck to you.

 

[OttoVonRuthless]

Otto being in your life will make your health problems less stressful and give you pleasure when you feel sick or down. Otto will enjoy just being with you. Companion birds can be surprisingly empathetic. Keep Otto with you where he belongs for as long as possible. He'll adapt, I promise.

One of the worst things about rehoming a beloved bird is worrying if he's safe, being properly cared for, and given enough stimulation and love. I don't know anyone near me that I trust with my birds like that. Four of my budgies are extremely bonded to me and I would feel terrible thinking they were confused and missing me, wondering where I went.

IF you eventually NEED to rehome Otto I'd be happy to give him a great home, but I don't know where you live. I live in Maine but can travel. He'd have lots of love, human and budgie friends, and freedom to fly around all day. But only rehome him as a last resort.

Thank you fellow East Coast USA'er. I'm doing my best he is my absolute joy and I'd do anything for him. He's the best!
I can't imagine a day without out him and 100% want him but not if it hurts him. I want a very happy Budgie. Don't we all!
I went through the worry about if my dog was happy, healthy, warm etc when with Legacy ( dog) 4 years ago. We had the option of a tent in the middle of summer or rehoming via a reputable rescue and me getting a terrible apt that didn't allow dogs while she got spoiled rotten in WVA until she ( Legacy) passed away last October at 17. I knew it would hurt us both but her needs shelter/ food, vet care were more important. It was the right choice. (Only fur/ feathered/ scaled friend I ever rehomed as an adult. As a kid parents gave away our pets a lot.)
I really don't trust my circle to care for him either besides his Dr, she's amazing.
It's wait and see, if my health is worst case scenario ( I'll find out earliest in August ) then I'll have to consider options for when I'm gone.

 

[rheashard2]

I feel sorry for your situation. The decision to rehome is difficult. Our pets don't understand why they're rehomed. They are aware of us as individual member of their pack/flock. They can sense our health mental and physical. Then they give comfort the best that they can. You need to be careful about your mental attitude. In my case, I know that I'd beat myself up mentally. This type of decision is situation and personality (pet/human) dependent. Take care.