Back to school... depression?

[One bird for one heart.]

Well I started school yesterday (8th grade.) I asked my step-mom how Icetalon was doing while I was gone and she said that it had been very weird, Icetalon keep making the same chirp over and over again all day. She didn't hear her playing with her toys or rattling her cage like she usally does. I ran back to my room to check on her and when she saw me she started to make all kinds of noise lots of differant types of chirps. What is going on with my birdie? Shes not sick is she?

[linda040899]

Icetalon isn't sick but she's missing you during the day! She had gotten into summer break mode and was enjoying you being there with her and now the routine has changed. That repetitive chirp your step-mom heard was a contact call. That's how birds keep in touch with each other when they can't see each other.

She will adjust to your new schedule, but make sure you go to see her as soon as you get home. Seems like she's very attached to you!

[One bird for one heart.]

Awwww, that makes me feel so loved! I just feel so bad for her since she will be missing me during the day. Is this anything that I can give for her to do? Other than her many toys. My step-mom said that she would go back and talk to her throughout the day, I hope that will make her feel better.

[Dodo]

Frodo used to go through an adjustment period too, when I was at school. Her cage was in the living room though, and my mum was home with her during the day so even though she missed me, she wasn't completely alone. Having your step-mom look in on Icetalon and talk to her throughout the day may be helpful- also, I always leave the radio on for Frodo and Scooter when I'm at work during the day. Classical music seems calming for them (I recall someone calling into the classical music station I listen to who also had parrots, saying that his birds enjoyed the music). Perhaps something like music would help keep Icetalon calm and not so lonely while she waits for you to come home? It sounds like you two have quite the bond!

[One bird for one heart.]

The radio sounds like a great idea I'll try that out, thanks for the help!

[Enko_chan]

Icetalon will eventually adjust to the new routine... but parrots are very routine-oriented and it'll be a little rough for her for a while. I know I don't have to remind you, but so long as you continue to show her love and reassure her that you are coming back and will be there for her when you return, she will be fine. In time she'll come to know what days you'll be away and what days you'll be home- doesn't mean she'll like it, but it will be easier on her.

I didn't write down exactly the way he said it, but I missed a PT appointment one day, and its a weekly thing, and Kokoro asked me if I was supposed to be somewhere. He's like a window into the parrot mind! The things I always wondered if my birds were thinking, if they were aware of, he lets me know! When I leave, I always tell the birds where I'm going, and when I'll be back, that I'm coming home for them, and I love them. I put on a playlist of movies or cartoons for them on the computer during the times when no one will be home. They know it isn't people here, but they like the noise and Koko will actually watch the screen for short intervals. Radio works well too. My birds really like music. They each even have favorite types of music and songs that get them excited.

Aside from that- the nice new house you're getting Icetalon and the toys and all that will help to keep her busy! You're doing a great job with Icetalon.

[One bird for one heart.]

Great thanks! Icetalon is weird with music like you said she knows what she likes, she likes punk rock. Mostly a band called bullet for my valentine.

[LauraO]

I agree with everyone in that Icetalon is going through an adjustment period. I suggest, if possible, you try and include her in your morning routine in getting ready for school. This could be a perch in your bathroom or wherever you get ready, and just talk and hang out with her during this time. I also agree seeing her when you first get home is important even if it's just a few moments. I do this with my grey. I get home from work, spend five or ten minutes with just him, and then go about getting ready for the evening. I notice, he's a lot calmer if I do this. I also think having your mom come in a chat with Icetalon for a few minutes once or twice a day is also a good idea. In fact, you might eventually think about having a playgym or some area for her near where you mom is during the day if it's safe. So she can interact with other family members.
:):)

[One bird for one heart.]

Well her cage is in my room and thats mainly were I get ready in the morning. If I have time in the morning I will let her out and play with her. When I get home from school, I grab something to drink greet the dog then go back to my room and take her out of her cage while I do my homework (teachers are starting to get sick of "the bird ate my homework" lol) I do have a play area for her. Its not an actually playgym but its an old rocking chair that I have toys and a snuggle sack on, I also put a safety perch on the arm of the chair. She will play on that but her other favorite place to be (other than my head) is on the head of this large stuffed animal of a white bengal tiger. I would rather not have my step-mom take her out of the cage during the day when I'm not their because my step-mom is disabled in a wheelchair and getting Icetalon back in her cage involves chasing her around the room. I'm sure she will get used to school soon, and I hope the new cage I will be getting her will help.

[Raindroponthrose]

oh poor little thing...That's why I keep mine,well one of them,in a cage longer these days(used to be out from 9 am to 8 pm) so when i start working next month he'll get use to it.But still i cannot keep him in there for long time,because i think he'll hate me! He's not a bird who knows how to play in the cage with her toys(like the other one) she plays when outside all day and hates cage.just seats there and eats...but when i go to wrk that is where he'll be all day...he won't be alone,my mom is here but she is not with birds like i am all the time...and she will not let him out because of chasing too :)
But then at least he has Cookie to look at in another cage...