Re-homing: The agonising decision to give up your bird. The option to re-home your bird isn’t taken lightly (by most). I’m not talking about the haphazard “I don’t want him anymore” end of the spectrum: I’m talking about the hard working people. I’m talking about the shame, the guilt, the fear, and especially the judgement of re-homing a bird.
We Shame Those Considering it
You made a Commitment!
Are you giving up?
You must not be trying hard enough!
How Dare You!
When you adopt a bird, you commit to them. You are their ‘forever’ home. You decided to make a long term commitment. These birds have long lives, and it’s up to you to stick with them through it all.
I absolutely agree.
HOWEVER:
Are we doing the bird a disservice by keeping them?
I mean to say, is it in the birds best interest to keep them in their current home, in their current situation? Is that what’s best for the BIRD?
In the real world, situations change, people change, and futures are unpredictable. There isn’t any way to know what will happen in 5 or 10 or 20 years down the road. Our lives fluctuate, ebb and flow, and sometimes spiral. I’ve been through several spirals myself.
The best care for the bird is what’s most important. The best food, toys, and habitats. Also, the best social and emotional support. The best well-rounded situation. Even if you are in a human tornado, the question is: is staying true to your bird the best thing for the BIRD.
The Best For The Bird
Before we jump to judgement, can we start with empathy?
Can we help humans with the tools they need?
Can we teach the bird new behaviours?
Is this really the best home and best situation for this bird to be in?
Can we help them make it better?
If not, then we should have the highest respect for doing what’s right, doing what that bird needs. We must look at things through the lens of: what is best for THIS bird, right now.
Rehoming is not a ‘bad word’ – in some cases it’s the best thing for that individual. Someone else may be able to provide the bird with exactly the environment they need to thrive.
We need to support people who honestly are doing the right thing by meeting them with acceptance.
need Help?
For more support to work with your own bird, or to help determine if you need to re-home, sign up for a coaching session.
Your unique situation will be evaluated by a credentialed parrot professional using empathy and understanding! No judgement, fear, or shame is required. Just honest, open communication and putting the birds best interest first and foremost.
I’ve seen a few situations where the human is clinging to the “I said I would be their last home forever, and I meant it”. I admire the spirit, but it should come with a caveat. I want you to look at your bird and ask: “If you are unhappy here, If I have tried everything in my means to provide for you and it isn’t enough, if you need something that I cannot provide, I will recognize that”.
Focus on the wellbeing of the bird and find someone who can provide that.
Then, the rehoming makes sense. Then the surrender to an organisation that will find exactly what that bird needs makes sense.
Re-home isn’t always a bad word.
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