The sad decision

[Corkysgirl]

delray A musical family. That must be great to share in a common talent. I played the saxophone a little in High School, though I have no idea why I picked it. I stunk at it! I played the guitar a little because a boyfriend taught me. I was less than mediocre. My family are very artistic, drawing and painting, and art teachers, entering art shows. I'll have to show you their work some time. Really cool! I draw stick people fairly well. It's funny how genetics work. My son is very musically inclined. Plays the piano very well...played in recitals within a very short time of learning. He got that from my mother in-law, not even from his father. So you see, people genetics and bird genetics are a funny thing. Some get the "pretty feathers" others...not so much! We all have our own gifts though. Some just aren't as visible as others. Yes, keep up the practicing. You'll never regret it!

[Corkysgirl]

afinch, Thank you! I like your way of thinking, and agree with all you said. I've learned that health is very much related to how you think. There are other factors of course, but staying positive, and laughing is healthy.
@wildbird I'm glad I kept some too. I would be lost without them. They definitely are great therapy. Thanks for your kind words.

[Sally]

Corkysgirl So sorry to hear that you have had to give up most of your birds, and also so sorry to hear about your change in health. You must do what is best for you and your family right now, there will be time for birds again. We will all be keeping you in our prayers and thoughts.

[Corkysgirl]

Thank you Sally. I appreciate your kind words...and prayers!

[Lacybug]

Oh no, I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I'll be praying for you! Your situation sounds very much like my husband's parents. My father-in-law is also a pastor who works 12 hour shifts at a hospital, and my mother-in-law can't be on her feet for too long, and I know how busy that can keep people! I'm sure your husband appreciates what you've done for him, it shows your love! I'm glad you got to keep some though! Giving up all your birds would be heartbreaking.

[Corkysgirl]

Thank you Lacybug! That must be hard for your father in-law. I know so many people are in the same situation as us. I can't even imagine giving up all of my birds. I think of that as a nightmare! It will be a lot easier like this. It sure does change the noise level in the house. It's really weird.

On a brighter note...I did it! I talked my husband into letting Jo Jo have a friend. It won't really change much as far as care goes. He's always been reluctant because he doesn't want him to stop talking. We love watching birds interact with each other, their antics, and that would be the trade off I explained. He would always watch them at the pet stores. That sold him. We've heard enough words.
Jo Jo's friend will be a boy or a girl...not sure yet because it's a couple months old. I'm naming him/her Andy...short for Andrea, and either way it will fit. My niece and nephew both died of suicide. Andy at 30, Joseph...Jo Jo (the kids call him) at 25, 2 years and 5 years ago...so I want to keep them together. Isn't Andy beautiful! I love yellow!

[MiaCarter]

Oh Corkysgirl, I'm so sorry! I know how much your birdies mean to you.

I wish I still lived in Boston. I'd offer to drive up and take your parakeet. (I'm actually on a waitlist for a pair from a local breeder. It would have been perfect timing.)

Did you keep Ellington? What about Old Man and his girly?

It's so difficult to make the decision you made, but you need to do what's best for you and for them.
Sometimes love means letting go.
It's often harder than keeping them, but you did what was right.
You're fortunate you had someone who you trust to take them. There's only one person in the world I'd trust to take my feathered and furred babies (my mum.....and the reality is, she'd only want a few of my ark's worth of creatures, so.)

[MariusStegmann]

Corkygirl, I hope your health improves. In any case you don't have to have birds to be on the forum.

[Corkysgirl]

Mia, Thank you! My husband would never part with Jo Jo the parakeet but if he would I know you would be a great care taker. I kept "Old Man" "Young Bride" Ellington, Harper, four more juveniles and two more adults. Harper just laid 4 eggs and Harper and Ellington have ideas. They are siblings. I believe half brother and sister because remember the two hens laid eggs in the same nest, resembling different mothers/same father. There will be no chicks from them. I'm switching them out with OM/YB eggs. My mother was the bird whisperer. She's gone but she would have only handled a handful too.
@MariusStegmann Thank you! I hope I can always keep a few, even if I have to pare down again, there's a few I just won't part with. My husband wouldn't want it either. I love coming to this forum, made some great friends, great therapy for sure!

[KarenB]

So sorry to hear about your change in health and the loss of your birds. I wish I could help. I know what it's like having to rehome birds. I once had 11 parrots that I had to rehome, and to this day I still miss them. They take up so much space in our hearts, and with them goes a piece of us. You will some day get to have them again! I'm glad you get to keep some at least. My thoughts and prayers for you, your treating physicians, husband and remainder of your birdy family.

[lovezebs]

Corkysgirl
:'(

[Corkysgirl]

lovezebs Thank you! I just sent you a pm.

[Corkysgirl]

Thanks KarenB! Wow, eleven parrots! That would be so much harder than doing what I did. Parrots are so "people like." I'm sure you were devastated and I understand why it still affects you. I don't think I'll ever stop missing Little Fawn. Losing her was actually harder than parting with all my birds. Some birds just grow on you. Thanks for your prayers.