@Wordsmith
I am so sorry you are going through this.
I disagree on the water part. Loki, my AG isn't indepandant enough to go to his cage, have a sip and come back out again (but he isn't flighted yet). I have water easily available to him all around the house.
Here's my day with him:
After waking him up at 6.30 am I take him out of the cage, we spend time together and after a good an hour (7.45ish) I put him back in for breakfast. After breakfast I leave for work or take him out again when I'm free or work afternoons. At 1.30pm I put him back in for lunch and leave for fork or we have a siesta if I'm free and I take him out at 3.30pm (same time I come from work). When I work afternoons my boyfriend lets him out 6pm. At 7.30 he goes back in for dinner.
We train and hang out when he's out. He's my supervisor when I do my chores
.
When the boyfriend lets him out he just hangs out on top of the cage... It is enough for now, Loki likes my boyfriend from a safe distance, they do have this good conversations though.
Sometimes we train in and around the cage so he gets it that being in the cage isn't the end of the world.
It took 9 months for Loki to get used to the schedule, but now the entire process is just natural, I believe it gives him a sense of security.
I also firmly believe it's only fair that the bird gets out of cage time twice a day, even if one of those is a quicky, as little as 15, 20 min, but ideally quantity and quality.
Maybe you could work out a schedule that will work out for you aswell.
Again I am sorry for what you're going through...
As hard as it is on you it's even harder for the bird sadly. You still have your family, friends, job, this forum even... The bird has lost everything.. Your girlfriend was a big part of your world, but his ENTIRE world.. Please understand he's likely more confused and scared than you are...
Try to be a friend for him if you can, let him grieve, support him and be understanding.
Who knows.. you might find solace in each others company.
I really, really hope your girlfriend will recover.
If you ever need support, a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on or advice.. know that I am here.. as are other members who are more than willing to help.