29/09/2026
BURNOUT🔥 you are a caring, compassionate Bird Caregiver...
A rescue who goes above and beyond.
A bird Guardian who does everything for your feathered friends.
A bird Professional busy helping other Professionals.
But often you'll put your birds and other people, 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.
When or why does it occur?
It can occur 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.
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TOP TIPS
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.
✔️ 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.
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.
Professionals
✔️ Learn to say no
You can't help everyone and every bird.
✔️ Have boundaries
Latest night phone calls and emails, what about time for you?
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Remember this page is 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
If you need 121 support, someone who understands, I offer support via Zoom. Or in person local to Cheltenham.
[email protected]