Alone overnight for the first time

[Jayyj]

Just found out this is probably going to happen next weekend - I need to be out of town overnight and my babysitter has just had an accident and put his back out, so won't be available as planned. I'm only away lunchtime to lunch time, and I can spend the rest of the day when I get back with her so I'm hoping it won't be a problem.

Do any of you leave your birds overnight occasionally? I'm thinking put a timer on the light and TV so her usual schedule is preserved, leave some extra pellets out and make sure the favourite toys are in there. She usually has a blanket over her cage at night and I don't know whether to half cover so she has some security in the dark? Anything else you do to make it easier on them?

I wish someone would invent a birdy Skype you could put in the cage and check in on them!

 

[tab_xo]

I think Alice will be fine, probably worried why you aren't there, and be very happy to see you when you get back, but as long as she has toys, food and water she will be fine for her first night!!


Fargo's first night he was ever alone was when i was in hospital... I didn't want the ambulance to take me cause i had to look after Fargo!!

Had to stay the night and so Fargo missed out on his dinner, but my mum gave him breakfast, and then i got home at about 11am.. He didn't hold a grudge He was the happiest i have ever seen him!!

 

[RavensGryf]

I've left my Red Bellied a weekend no problem. Many times.

 

[thekarens]

I'm dreading the first time I have to leave Sammie. She'll be fine, I'll be a mess.

 

[tab_xo]

Hahahaha i think we worry more than they will

 

[Mattroma]

Hahahaha i think we worry more than they will

That sums it up, for a night with extra food and water,he will be fine. I had to leave my mac overnight when I went to a wedding! worried the weeks leading up and he was perfectly fine.

 

[goalerjones]

Unless your bird has a history of night terrors there shouldn't be complications. Hahnzel is alone all day from 7 am to 6pm on Mondays. He gets quite excited once I'm home but some close attention usually makes him forget I was gone.

 

[Echo]

Unless she's in an area with no windows, I wouldn't worry about lights. Leave the windows uncovered, and she should do fine with natural light. I would cover the back of her cage so she can have a covered area to sleep under. I would leave extra water and food that doesn't spoil easily (pellets, birdie bread, seeds, nuts etc.). I would also line under the food bowls with paper towels so that if she tries all the food at once, like they tend to do, and drop it all (like they do), it won't fall past the grate so that she will be able to get it back later....when she realizes that you are not there to give her new food....

 

[cstambaugh]

I always put 2 water dishes out when Zeus is left overnight. In case he spills, decides to shower, or make soup.
Other than that, I leave a little more food than usual and make sure toys are good. There is never a problem.

 

[Jayyj]

I hadn't thought about relying on natural light - she's a bit of a night owl is Alice, generally having a couple of hours sleep in the afternoon then staying up as long as I'll let her in the evening. Might not do her any harm to try that though, she might sleep for longer just this once. She has loads of sources of food through out the cage - foraging nooks, a couple of bowls etc. I'm sure she'll be ok, I just have a tendency to work myself into a panic about things like this!

 

[Echo]

Last year, we had a few days with no power and my birds got up and went to sleep in the sun's schedule, putting themselves to bed right at sun down, they were so peaceful without any of the usual household lights and noises.... They were in tune with outside noise more and less agitated. It was something. I really think they enjoyed that.....much more than we did for sure!

 

[Zumaria]

I've left my Red Bellied a weekend no problem. Many times.

Think this would be OK? I worry more about interaction (lack of) rather than the food/water situation.

Can birds get cabin fever?

 

[mrgoogls]

overnight, she will be fine. just make sure you fill up the food bowl so she doesnt run out. also maybe add a second bowl of water in case she gets stuff in the first one(which she probably will )