To do something at work I've already been bollocked for and received a warning for twice?

[GingerGeorgie]

I've name changed for this but here goes.

For the last 3 weeks I've been doing something at work that hasn't impacted anyone at all and nobody has noticed...until Monday. On Monday a senior manager discovered what I'd been doing and was angry and asked my supervisor to have a word with me. The supervisor had a word and told me not to do it again. I apologised and said I wouldn't even though I don't really have an option but to continue doing it.

However, the very next day (Tuesday, yesterday) I did it again. I didn't expect anyone to notice, as like I said, I've been doing this thing for 3 weeks and nobody's noticed. Well, obviously someone was keeping an eye on me because I got caught and this time I got a proper telling off and a 'record of discussion' is now going on my file.

Now, my AIBU is, I really don't have much choice but to continue doing the thing, at least for the time being, so would it be really that bad to do it again on my next shift which is the weekend, where there will be skeleton staff who won't know I've already been in trouble?

Just to add, many staff members are doing a very, very, similar thing openly but slightly differently which I feel is unfair. And, to clarify, it's not office based; we are an establishment that is supposed to be all about supporting 'the thing' I'm doing.

What is their issue with it?

Leaving Reception unattended? Bird being an infection hazard ? What?

What usually happens to wildlife that is brought into work? Do you generally pop it in your pocket instead of ringing the local Wildlife Charity?

You've been told twice not to do this, by work. You want to keep doing it. I think this is only going to go one way...

(do a Columbo, do a Columbo…)

oh, just one more thing; is ‘hand rearing a baby bird’ a euphemism? 🤔

OK, well, assuming that there's a good reason for you to be hand rearing this chick, and you're not going against explicit vet advice to let it go...

Start a social media account for the bird, and post hourly feeding reels of it looking cute and helpless. Add lots of cute hashtags including your employers and before you know it, you'll be generating positive content that makes them look good, you'll be invited on the local radio station and everyone will be happy. Just DON'T LET IT DIE.

and also, when it turns into a huge, emotionally conflcted and voraciously hungry seagull that thinks you're its your mother, remember to blame yourself.

Absolutely don't risk losing your job!. Unless the bird is a Mumsnet chicken and can therefore feed your family indefinitely...

I voted YABU just for all the attention seeking.

I mean this info and the fact you're hand rearing a bird should've gone in your OP.

But then again you know that.

Is there someone with a bird adversion ? Be odd working at a vets but still.

Is person with dog more senior ?

Did manager belive the bird should be put down and dislike that you intervened?

Does it take more time than you are saying here - is there risk of infection to pets brought in for treatement?

I ask beacuse it does seem odd for a manager to be so angry about this at a vets. However they clearly are watching you and likely if you do it again even with a lighter crew they'll likely escalate till they can get rid of you.

I'd ask your 16 for now - and see if you can find someone else to help - as clearly work not happy you do it there and are now watching you.

I'm sorry but I'm howling 🤣🤣

I am an employer, I would NOT be angry at this. In fact, I'd probably help you rear this baby bird.

Says me, who once fed a whole nest of swallows with wet cat food on a kebab stick 😂

It could pop out at an inopportune moment though! Awkward if it's a robin but potentially fatal if it's a red kite!

Why did you start doing it only 3 weeks ago?
How long have you worked there?
Id say since they are aware of you doing whatever it is, they are watching you specifically. Why not mention other people are doing it in a similar way and ask if that’s ok?

Plonk it on the desk of the senior vet and let them deal with it. Surely they won’t want to be seen to let it die - wouldn’t do their reputation much good.

Yes, this. You've had warnings. Stop, if you want to keep your job.

This is good LOL
It could become a Tarantino's film and all...

Completely OT and nosey, but are you a lady who loves plants, the lover of a plant lady or a lesbian plant? Or something else?

Don't be so fucking stupid.

Seriously @GingerGeorgie what species is this bird? I may be able to help you make your case or at least help to make a better plan.

Oh my god 🤣🤣

What's the reason they don't want you doing it?

He's dead.

Well, you’ve got a few options OP.

Have a conversation with your manager, explain the situation fully, and ask them for permission to continue hand feeding the bird for however long it takes.

Or give your DS instructions and get him to look after the bird while you’re at work.

Or find an appropriate wildlife charity / sanctuary and hand the bird over to them.

Or ignore the warnings, carry on as you are and risk getting sacked.

Good luck.

Young birds cannot fend for them selves until their flight feathers have grown. At which time they start stretching and flapping their wings, and go on to learn to fly. At which point one day the bird will fly up in a tree. And you know you have done a good thing.

I know a gentleman who would be willing to take the baby bird off your hands out of the kindness of his heart. His name is Mr Mittens and he has immaculate whiskers.

Have you been told why you're not allowed to do it?

You'll definitely get caught and probably fired if you continue so I would try to come to an arrangement with your employer. If they explain why they have a problem with it maybe you can work around the issue. Or you can ask to take holiday or unpaid leave, or find a sanctuary or rescue who can take care of the bird.

How long is the situation going to continue?

Could it be something to do with bird flu? And the possibility of you spreading it to other animals. Why don't you ask?