Parrots don't get the whole - My mom is in the hospital

The parrots have been rather irritated this week because I have been up at the hospital with my mother a good portion of the time. Now, don't for a minute think that this means they haven't had hot breakfast, treats, popcorn, and other delicious food options. They have also had toys, foot toys, videos and company from my daughter. I am still getting the stink eye when I walk by. I have explained several times the situation but all I get is the birdie version of, "so? how does impact me? where is my oatmeal?". As I was sweeping late last night, I glanced behind me to find Lulu Goofy Goffin digging food out of her dish and pitching it out one little foot full at a time. Poppy the Grey was in the corner of her cage glaring at me and Old Man (our old rescue Goffins) was just screaming at me every time I opened my mouth. This story has a happy ending...the birds are well cared for and will eventually get over their irritation with me. It is, however, a cautionary tale about Parrot's expectations and love of routine. I have help and support and a large family to help with my mom and my birds. I cannot imagine what people do with health crises and no assistance. This is one of the core reasons that we receive birds into the rescue. Change in circumstances (whatever they may be) that lead the owner to realize they cannot do it all. This week I am having some serious compassion for those former owners - it really is hard sometimes. Sometimes I want to simplify my opinions on why people give up birds; I have to acknowledge though that one reason is simply that we are only human and we don't always have the help or support we need to make it through trying circumstances.

Yay it's Friday!! Wait, I Still Have to Work on the Weekend.

Yep, a central truth of birds in general is that they don't know the concept of weekend unless it just means a little more face time with you. I forgot that for a really short minute this morning while I was surveying the carnage in the bird room. I swept it last night before I covered them. This morning it was already decorated with pellet, toy parts, paper and water. I hadn't even uncovered them yet!!! How do they get this out from under their sheets?? I think it is a coordinated effort to remind me that wake up time is not to be ignored. They keep a close eye on the clock (their internal clock!). So, oatmeal, apple, banana and cinnamon is delivered and my Goffin's Lulu and the Half Moon Conure decided they weren't into that today, so they launched it out at me. Lovely. Trust me, you don't want to try and scrape off dried oatmeal from the floor or cage - Nearly Impossible! Am I only one who feels guilt over date night with the hubby? I feel like I come home and they all give me the stink eye. It's important to have time away from the critters though, for me and for them! Do you have any weekend stories about your birdies or the early alarm birdie call? Share them with us!

This is my Half Moon, Looney Mooney. One of the messiest birds I know!