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.

Ugh! Today is Apparently Grumpy Parrot Day

I thought today was Thursday but apparently it is really "grumpy parrot" day. Well, at least for several of my birds and one of the foster birds. I try to find the joy in small things on hard days and today was no exception. I amused myself by creating a dialog for my grumpy Goffin's Cockatoo.

Me:    Lulu, please put down my iPhone.
Lulu:  I can't hear you, I'm eating your iPhone.
Me:    Lulu, look! I have an almond!
Lulu:  drops phone on couch, flies over and takes almond back to the couch and sits on the iPhone.
Me:    Lulu, you know there are rescues for a reason. I give her a very stern look.
Lulu:  Looks around at all the birds, the toys and treats. Yeah right mom!


Yes, she knows me well. Nobody is going anywhere but I do allow myself an occasional threat. Not that it changes anything but sometimes it does lighten the moment.