# MIL Brings Dead Bird to Home

> MIL insists on moving with dead cockatiel in freezer.
- Title: MIL Brings Dead Bird to Home · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: MIL insists on moving with dead cockatiel in freezer. Mother-in-law demands to move in with dead cockatiel in freezer, causing family conflict.
- Keywords: mother-in-law, cockatiel, freezer, dead bird, family conflict, home, military, MIL, Brings, Dead, Bird, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/09/dear-prudence-mil-move-in-chilling.html?via=rss
- Author: Jenée Desmond-Harris
- Published: 2026-09-26T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mother-in-law, cockatiel, freezer, dead bird, family conflict, home, military
## MIL wants to move in
My husband’s mother, Carol, can no longer live independently due to mobility issues and wants to move in with us.
## Corky died two years ago
Carol insists on bringing her dead cockatiel Corky, who died two years ago, to live with us.
## Corky in freezer
Carol has kept Corky in her freezer since his death and expects us to store him in ours.
## Cremation refused
Carol balked when I suggested cremating Corky and keeping his urn so he could remain with her.
## Family fighting
Tom and I have been fighting over this for weeks, with Tom putting pressure on me to give in to Carol’s demand.
## Carol won’t budge
Carol won’t budge on this issue, can’t afford home health aide, and my husband won’t let her go to assisted living.
## Slate’s advice
Slate suggests getting a mini freezer for $100 to keep Corky in Carol’s bedroom at home.
## Carol’s demand
Carol insists on seeing Corky every day, saying she needs to be able to see him daily.
## Family conflict
My MIL insists on bringing her dead cockatiel to live with us, causing family conflict.
## Slate’s solution
Slate recommends a mini freezer for $100 to keep Corky in Carol’s bedroom at home.
## Carol’s refusal
Carol refuses to budge on this issue, can’t afford home health aide, and my husband won’t let her go to assisted living.
## Family pressure
Tom is putting pressure on me to give in to Carol’s demand to move in with her dead cockatiel.
## Slate’s advice
Slate suggests getting a mini freezer for $100 to keep Corky in Carol’s bedroom at home.
## What happens next
Carol insists on seeing Corky every day, but family conflict continues over dead bird in freezer.
## Key takeaway

Mother-in-law demands to move in with dead cockatiel in freezer, causing family conflict.