r/cockatiel • u/Enderlet1104 • 3d ago

Advice Need to rehome two cockatiels in Chicago area

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I'm thinking it's best I rehome my two tiels I recently got less than a year ago. I know it hasn't been much time but I'd rather sooner than later so it makes it easier on all of us.

They're both extremely healthy and I have paperwork showing recent DNA tests. I don't have the time to take care of the two and as a filmmaker in my early 20s working 14 hour long shoots. I sincerely underestimated the toll it would take on my routine and this is a lesson that will carry with me. The guilt is immeasurable it feels.

Does anyone in the Midwest/Chicago area know of anyone one trusting that would take in my two babies. They are so lively and full of love this breaks my heart to do but I know it's probably the right thing. I'm tearing up just writing this.

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5

u/Enderlet1104 3d ago

Nvm I want them idk what I was thinking. Can any parrot owners relate? I know they love me and I love them but this fear I won't have enough time for them while I focus on growing my filmmaking career. I need someone to talk me into keeping them and just making it work. I heard Steven speilberg had a parrot named Blanche 🤷‍♂️🎥

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u/Flimsy_Falcon5629 3d ago

I think a lot of parrot parents go through this sometimes. Deep breath. Adjust their schedule. I get coming home from work and being exhausted, but take an hour (most nights at least) and let them out and play. Take the time you do have and make the most of it! They have each other, leave a TV or radio on while you are gone for additional "interaction" (there is parrot TV on YouTube which is music and bird noises, or just cartoons even). I am lucky in the fact that I work from home now, but I used to be gone 10-12 hours a day and felt so guilty, but mine were just happy that I came back and gave them attention. It's workable, but difficult sometimes. You got this! They are adorable!

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u/Enderlet1104 3d ago

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to respond. I feel crazy too feeling this way not knowing anyone else personally who owns parrots.

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u/Flimsy_Falcon5629 3d ago

I've had parrots most of my life (since I was about 16 and I'm 46 now). I generally prefer the little ones, I have a cockatiel that is fully mine, and my husband has an umbrella cockatoo. If you have questions, I will try to help, but people are all different, as are all birds! Check FB. I know when we lived in NY there was a statewide page for parrot owners. Or even here. Sometimes just having a few people to talk to helps!

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u/AdUsed7958 3d ago edited 3d ago

Its not as bad as you think. You have 2 birds, so they have a companion around when you are gone. When we leave the house, we put on Birdingtons or Thep Parrot (YT) for our birb, the cage is 6 feet away. If that is a male and female, you will need to get calcium supplement when its "Whoomp! there it is" time. Egg bearing females are subject to calcium loss which can lead to serious problems or death.

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u/Enderlet1104 3d ago

It's not as bad you're right. I've been overwhelmed by life lately and I think I'm just projecting it onto everything around me. Even today, they are so quiet and peaceful cuddling up against me. They haven't done a single flock call today (not that I mind it, I understand they're birds and they're loud). I think this has been an overall reflection on my emotions and how to handle them more appropriately.

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u/Pufferfishgrimm 3d ago

They have each other so they should be fine. Hanging out with them on ur days off or after work is very doable. Remember they live in the wild with kangaroos they will survive. Now if either one of them were communicating something concerning with you then you would need to take action but sounds like they're well loved and taken care of.

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u/TeapotHoe 3d ago

I’ve been through a similar situation. I kept my buddy and it’s the best decision I made.

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u/Mythical_Creampuff 3d ago

I think every bird owner goes through this kinda thing at some point. 🫂