Bird Lessons for Humans: Trusting the Hands That Care For You

Recently, I had to take my lovebird, Chewy-TooToo, to the vet. He had developed a small wound on the side of his tail, which he was constantly picking at, and I found drops of blood in his cage and numerous premature plucked feathers dropped in various places. Thankfully, the vet confirmed the wound wasn’t severe—it just needed antibiotics and time to heal. But that marked the beginning of a challenging 14 days for all of us. While he’s usually quick to perch on my hand for a treat, he, like most birds, doesn’t enjoy being grabbed.

Chewy-TooToo in his element, seeking small perches (aka "Summit-Seeker")

Administering medication every 24 hours was no easy task. Catching and restraining Chewy-TooToo daily was stressful for both of us, and separating him from his cage buddy, Henry, added to the difficulty. The other lovies in my flock daily sounded the alarm each time the restraining was about to begin. It was a little chaotic in the lovie room! Lovebirds are intensely social, and bonded pairs like Henry and Chewy-TooToo love being together. Even though their cages were side by side at night, Henry made his displeasure known, lunging at me with wide open beak between the cage bars, all puffed up. Lovebirds actually do have an angry look - I've learned to read their body language!

Chewy-TooToo handled it better initially, but as the days passed, he became increasingly adept at avoiding my hands when it came to restraining time. By day 12, he managed to escape entirely during one attempt. I just couldn’t bring myself to grip him tightly enough, and my thin garden gloves didn’t offer much protection from his sharp beak. That night, we had to skip his dose, although I did manage to carefully place him in the neighbouring cage.

Despite the guilt I felt each night—especially hearing their anxious chirps during “cage time”—I knew it was all for Chewy-TooToo’s good. The vet suspected that Henry may have accidentally caused the injury while the two were roughhousing. Bonded lovebirds don’t see injuries or the need for separation; they simply thrive on each other’s company, even when their play gets a bit too rowdy.

Now that Chewy-TooToo is healed, they’re so happy to be back in the same cage, and I’m keeping a close eye on them. With spring hormones in full swing, I’m monitoring Henry to ensure he doesn’t over-preen or accidentally re-injure his buddy during their play time. So far, they’re overjoyed to be reunited, chirping and cuddling like the best of friends as usual.

Watching their interactions and how they responded to me through this process reminded me that in life we often encounter situations that feel unfair, uncomfortable, or restraining. It’s easy to question why God allows such things to happen, especially when we don’t understand the reasons.

Henry (aka Joey) in his favourite place, with Chewy-TooToo in his supporting role

But the profound truth is, that just as I needed to separate Henry and Chewy-TooToo out of love and care, God sometimes allows difficulties or restraints in our lives for our ultimate good. Without intervention, Chewy-TooToo’s wound could likely have worsened, leading to infection or other habits or complications. Similarly, God’s wisdom and foresight often protects us from dangers we cannot see or guides us toward healing we may not even know we need.

Lovebirds simply cannot comprehend why they’re being restrained or separated. For the uncomfortable situations we may find ourselves in, it may not make sense until much later—or even until eternity. But we can trust that God, as our loving Creator, sees the bigger picture and acts out of care, even when we can’t yet see the purpose.

If you’re in a season of separation or difficulty, remember Chewy-TooToo and Henry. I encourage you to stay trusting the hands that care for you, knowing that sometimes the hardest challenges are working for your healing and protection. You are deeply loved, even when the circumstances don’t feel that way.

And just like my lovebirds, one day you will find yourself in a place of restoration, chirping joyfully again in the presence of the One who always has your best in mind.