when i had birds i had to check on them and on their cage doors food and water and id check their droppings because small birds poo often and the appearance is a good health indicator and i had things i had to say to them long mantras basically lists of stuff i had to tell them i had different things for before i showered or before i left the house before i left the house i couldnt say anything after doing my rituals until i was outside and the front door was closed or id have to go back and do it all again it was annoying and i was embarrassed by it and sadly one of my birds died like 2 weeks after i started ignoring my compulsions but he was old for a parakeet and then my other bird died a few days later because he just refused to drink water or eat food or even move much he just gave up birds are very social and bond with each other strongly the timing of their deaths was just awful for my mental health even though i knew it wasnt actually my fault