Feeling like a bad owner, but I really don't want to rehome.

I have 2 tiels, one I’ve had for 7 years and another I’ve had for 2 years. I am a full time student and working full time on weekends. My mom had been caring for them at home these last few years until she unexpectedly became sick over the summer and couldn’t care for them anymore.

They both stay with me now in an apartment, and while I try to do everything I can for them, I feel awful sometimes. During the school week I’m out until 5pm, and when I get home I let them out and try to spend an hour with them each day. But some days I just can’t let them out or don’t have time to sit with them. The main issue is that I work several 24 hour shifts most weekends and can be gone 2-3 days at a time. It isn’t every weekend, but can vary from every other weekend. I have a bird sitter that comes in the mornings to feed them but I feel awful leaving them alone for so long.

As for the birds, they absolutely adore me and are both the sweetest. They seem to be doing okay and neither of them have really shown any signs of stress or loneliness so far. I try to give them tons of toys and a large cage, but unfortunately they aren’t bonded and need to be in separate cages.

Next year I plan to get a 2 bed apartment to give them their own space and access to the entire room during the day, but I just don’t know what to do as of right now. I have 1.5 years of school left, and after I will be able to provide for them much more often on a typical schedule. I absolutely love these birds but sometimes feel like I don’t have the time for them right now.

Considering this busy schedule isn’t forever, would it be okay for their wellbeing if we just tried to stick it out until then? I would really like to keep these birds long term as I had originally planned, and I don’t want to rehome if I’m just going to return to a normal schedule In a year or so. But ultimately, I want their best interest in mind.