Avoid Burnout: Essential Tips for the Dedicated Avian Caregiver

You are a caring, compassionate Avian Caregiver...

But often you'll put your birds before you and whilst I completely understand that, without you, how would your birds thrive and survive? Make sure you are applying that oxygen mask to you, making sure you are well enough to help others.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental & emotional exhaustion. It often occurs when we work beyond our capacity. As a rehabber, taking on too many birds and juggling work and rescue. As a Guardian, trying to help our bird friends with their training or behaviour. It's easy to blame ourselves and live day in and out with challenging birds.

Burnout is real especially when you experience long-term stress and feel under constant pressure - pressure like trying to rehab multiple birds, constant vet bills, driving around trying to find injured bird or trying to care for birds with multiple behaviour and welfare issues.

TOP TIPS FOR REHABBERS

• Limit the number

  
  

Try to limit the number of birds you take in. Remember when we go beyond capacity it's detrimental to our energy levels and sometimes the resident birds.

•  Try to focus on a specialist area

  
  

We can't be the expert at everything and having multiple species of birds can be challenging. Recently I decided to solely focus on corvids (and our disabled pigeons).

•  Don't let people make you feel guilty

  
  

If you are at full capacity please don't feel guilted into taking another bird. Explain how going above your capacity is detrimental. In the height of spring we have numerous phone calls, but what helps is having a good referral system and network.

•  Have boundaries

  
  

Set times (when possible) to take in birds, times you are open to the public.

• Take a break

  
  

Easier said than done, but I now have a team to help me. Sometimes I travel for Running For Russell, work or rescue work or simply to spend time with family. We all need a break.

TOP TIPS FOR GUARDIANS

•  A second pair of eyes

  
  

Sometimes we all need a second pair of eyes, we are often too close to our bird's issues.

•  You are not a failure

  
  

You are not a failure, when we are tired, we are confused or really don't know where to turn it can be so challenging. As above reach out.

•  A safe community

  
  

As a Bird Guardian I have a safe community of other Caregivers. We swap advice and support each other. Remember I'm not here not to judge you but offer a place to seek help. Someone who's perhaps walked in your shoes, been near burnout. Who absolutely LOVES corvids and wants to offer support.

Thanks for reading,

Helen Motteram