Hello! This is my first post although I have been a member for over a year. Why post now? Well I have had a pair of male cockatiels I fostered and ultimately adopted for 12 years;Bert and Ernie.. After an intense 3 weeks my beloved and gregarious Ernie died Saturday evening. He leaves a big void in our hearts and home. An even bigger hole I fear is felt by Bert.
Ernie was outgoing and loved being handled. Bert has terrible fears and will perch on my head. This is a huge progression since he first came home to us. He has always shreaked and screamed whenever Ernie was out of his sight,even for seconds. If I slipped into the bathroom to clean their water cup with Ernie on my shoulder he screamed. So I am very concerned for him going through the loss of Ernie. I am planning on spending more time with him and he is perched on my head as I type. He surprised me by singing beautifully for about 5 minutes. So,any wisdom from fellow bird lovers? I had one friend suggest another bird but I personally feel that would be intimidating to Bert. I once had another foster and despite Ernie's being alive then, there was no bonding or kinship. Of course time and circumstances may change things.Advice/suggestions fellow bird lovers?
Thank you.
Anne in Hollywood,Maryland
Ernie was outgoing and loved being handled. Bert has terrible fears and will perch on my head. This is a huge progression since he first came home to us. He has always shreaked and screamed whenever Ernie was out of his sight,even for seconds. If I slipped into the bathroom to clean their water cup with Ernie on my shoulder he screamed. So I am very concerned for him going through the loss of Ernie. I am planning on spending more time with him and he is perched on my head as I type. He surprised me by singing beautifully for about 5 minutes. So,any wisdom from fellow bird lovers? I had one friend suggest another bird but I personally feel that would be intimidating to Bert. I once had another foster and despite Ernie's being alive then, there was no bonding or kinship. Of course time and circumstances may change things.Advice/suggestions fellow bird lovers?
Thank you.
Anne in Hollywood,Maryland