The Bird Brain Chronicles
Some people are probably wondering if bringing home another bird so soon is a wise idea.
I sometimes question the same.
At the same time, however, I am not one to grieve, or hang onto grief. Been there, done that, it's not healthy for anyone.
While it hurt more than I could ever imagine losing Sonny, and then finding out he was never coming home, the constant reminder of the empty cage loomed at me every time I came home.
After kind words and recommendations from many people, who I thank very much, Sunnie has happened into our lives.Sunnie is a 7 month old sun conure who does have a history of abuse. We were trying to keep away from that, because while we're comfortable around aggressive reptiles and dogs, birds just isn't my area of expertise, so on hearing what he was like he sounded like a promising addition, but I held onto my skepticism.
Sunnie was brought over last night. His current owner rescued him from a family member who does not realize that animals cannot expect to thrive off of the basics, and he was skinny and losing feathers when they brought him home. After a huge diet and weight change, they're looking for a permanent home for him, and he's here for a week on a trial-basis.
This is his story!
Last night he was quiet and curious. He wanted to pick him up and hug him to death. despite three new people and a strange house, he did very well -- while he aimed for his current mum before anyone, he did step up onto everyone else, which amazed me. He gave Dave kisses right off the bat, which I think may have sealed a deal....
He seemed pretty unsure when Michelle left, however, and kept looking past us. We settled him into his cage and left him alone for the night. Three squawks of the notorious sun conure screech, and he settled down.
This morning he was a doll. Did scream a little, but sat on my shoulder as I added some toys and perches to his cage and got him some food, where he settled down to eat it.
Lunch time was interesting.
I walk in the door, and the noise coming out of my office was near unbearable.... but I did it. I walked in, started talking to him, and once he stopped screaming I took him out over lunch so he could help me clean said messy office. I was a good time. As long as he's getting attention, he doesn't scream. Something to work on.
After work was a similar scenario. I refused to pay attention to him while screaming at me, but once he calmed down he was out until about 7, where I decided to put him to bed for the night (and because I was hungry!)
He's a smart little cookie, though. We worked on stepping up, I think he's trying to mimic some of the words I'm repeating to him, he watches everything.
He's a pretty cute little goober.
We'll see what Dave thinks of the screaming. I know I had a moment of "no way, can't do this" but it only lasted until he snuggled into my neck. I melted.
HIs name, however, is unnerving, and we've agreed that despite not liking renaming animals that attach onto their names, we want to rename Sunnie. It's pretty unnerving calling him the same thing as the one we just lost....
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