Going on holiday for a week in January, how can I make it easier for my birds?

[reeb]

Hi!

So, I’m always concerned about leaving my birds in the care of someone else (even if I trust them) for fear that they won’t be given the time and attention that I provide on a daily basis.

I am particularly concerned about my cockatiel, because she is very bonded and attached to me. I know that my absence will upset her a lot.

So, how do I handle this? What can I do to make things easier for them while I am away?

Thanks in advance!

 

[wrench13]

Explain to them you will going for a week and not to worry you will be ack, do that several times before you leave. I swear it makes a HUGE difference.

 

[Soyajam]

The people you're leaving your birds with, I gather they're experienced with birds and will understand they'll be a bit upset you're gone, etc?

Understanding carers is the first bit I think.

You could attempt to do some training whereby you get them used to being on their own for longer periods - rewarding them for calm behaviour when you're out of the room etc. That might ease their strain a bit.
Are they socialised? Can you get them used to either strangers, or if possible the carers themselves?

Here's a question I'd like to add to this one - can you board a bird when they're still a baby? Should you wait until they're on their big bird food before they are cared by someone else? Technically if babies are more flexible they'd be accustomed to boarding better than older birds?

 

[Scott]

Some folks advocate the use of Skype or Face Time as a way of communication during vacation or other absences. I can tell you birds most definitely process images and videos from a screen!

 

[reeb]

The people you're leaving your birds with, I gather they're experienced with birds and will understand they'll be a bit upset you're gone, etc?

Understanding carers is the first bit I think.

You could attempt to do some training whereby you get them used to being on their own for longer periods - rewarding them for calm behaviour when you're out of the room etc. That might ease their strain a bit.
Are they socialised? Can you get them used to either strangers, or if possible the carers themselves?

Here's a question I'd like to add to this one - can you board a bird when they're still a baby? Should you wait until they're on their big bird food before they are cared by someone else? Technically if babies are more flexible they'd be accustomed to boarding better than older birds?

My parents will be caring for them. They are well socialised, spend time with my mom and my boyfriend a fair amount (other than me). In fact, all three of them love any and all attention! So that is a plus. They aren’t too upset when I leave the room - however when I uncover their cages in the morning Berry (my cockatiel) DEMANDS to be let out and to see me. That is why I think she will be quite upset! Usually when I’m out I put on calming music that helps them usually. I always come home to find them happily playing in their cages.

 

[Soyajam]

Sounds like they'll be OK with your parents.
If they're happy looking after themselves and your parents don't mind playing with them out of cage for a few hours a day you'll have nothing to worry about.

With that sort of care, any diva behaviour will just have to be ignored until you get home!

Hope you have a good holiday.

 

[hiriki]

When I vacationed, I hired a petsitter on top of having them stay with my dad. My thinking was the pet sitter would handle the actual work (feeding, watering, cleaning etc) to make it easier on my dad, where my dad would be available to let them out and play with them.

It was rough for them anyway, they don't like my dad as much as me (he has BIG ol hands lol, they don't like that!!) and for sure it's not something I would put them through often... having birds certainly makes some things much harder in life, haha...

But for just one or two weeks, as long as you have their basic needs covered and some kind of interaction planned, and also a pet cam!! Skype worked for me and they were able to hear my voice!! Made a big difference... if you have things like that in place, anyone can tolerate a stressful two weeks, they'll be happy to have you home though.