Hi all, I work in animal rescue so the idea of rehoming an animal is very alien to me, however, I'm in a quandary and I really need help.
I adopted a Tiel from a pet store that took in rescues. He has a deformed wing and just a nub, so I named him Mr. Nubbins. We have had a great 10 years together until the last year. It's because I had to sell my house and move into an apartment for reasons that are painful and personal, but a new house isn't an option right now.
He has a companion Tiel, however, during the past year, he has started screaming almost all day. I work at home as a writer and it's become literally unbearable. I can't concentrate. I can't take calls from customers because I can't compete with his noise. I put him in the bedroom and close the door but my place is small, so there isn't anywhere (like when I had a house) in my small apartment to put him where I can get away from the noise. It's full-blown screaming - not calling.
I've taken him to the vet - no issues. I've followed the training routines. No change. I move the cage with me into every room I go into so it's not lack of attention. No change. Since he can't fly, he has an open cage with his companion and the cage is huge. He has toys, food, everything. The ONLY thing that will make him quiet down is if I take him out, wrap him in a towel, and gently scratch his head. He hates/loves it but he stops screaming for the rest of the day. I keep thinking that's because he wants attention but he gets tons of attention otherwise and it doesn't change.
I have realized the screaming is calling to other birds and perhaps, because he's handicapped, he feels he needs to scream louder than other birds. His screaming is affecting my dogs and my mental health because there just isn't any way to get away from it unless I leave.
I have considered rehoming but then I freak out but at the same time. When do our needs take priority over those of our animals? If we can't handle them, what do we do? If we have to make the choice to rehome, where do we do it? I won't put him on Craigslist because it's too risky for his welfare. But I don't want to rehome him. I can hire a dog trainer to curb bad behavior but how do we train a Tiel?
Help me before I go to an asylum!
I adopted a Tiel from a pet store that took in rescues. He has a deformed wing and just a nub, so I named him Mr. Nubbins. We have had a great 10 years together until the last year. It's because I had to sell my house and move into an apartment for reasons that are painful and personal, but a new house isn't an option right now.
He has a companion Tiel, however, during the past year, he has started screaming almost all day. I work at home as a writer and it's become literally unbearable. I can't concentrate. I can't take calls from customers because I can't compete with his noise. I put him in the bedroom and close the door but my place is small, so there isn't anywhere (like when I had a house) in my small apartment to put him where I can get away from the noise. It's full-blown screaming - not calling.
I've taken him to the vet - no issues. I've followed the training routines. No change. I move the cage with me into every room I go into so it's not lack of attention. No change. Since he can't fly, he has an open cage with his companion and the cage is huge. He has toys, food, everything. The ONLY thing that will make him quiet down is if I take him out, wrap him in a towel, and gently scratch his head. He hates/loves it but he stops screaming for the rest of the day. I keep thinking that's because he wants attention but he gets tons of attention otherwise and it doesn't change.
I have realized the screaming is calling to other birds and perhaps, because he's handicapped, he feels he needs to scream louder than other birds. His screaming is affecting my dogs and my mental health because there just isn't any way to get away from it unless I leave.
I have considered rehoming but then I freak out but at the same time. When do our needs take priority over those of our animals? If we can't handle them, what do we do? If we have to make the choice to rehome, where do we do it? I won't put him on Craigslist because it's too risky for his welfare. But I don't want to rehome him. I can hire a dog trainer to curb bad behavior but how do we train a Tiel?
Help me before I go to an asylum!
I´m sure if you goolgle ¨foraging tray¨ lots of picture will come up.
