If you have to leave your parrot(s) for awhile

[wrench13]

So if you need to leave your parrot for any length of time, a few days, a week, maybe a few weeks, it is a very good idea to tell them about the trip a few days before you leave, once a day or more. Explain and use your fingers to show the number of days or weeks you will be gone.

Why do this? More that one experienced parront on here will tell you that doing this lessens the stress on the parrot and reduces the amount of aggression when you get back. I know it works for us. I used to go to China 2 or 3 times a year, for 2 or 3 weeks. And if i did the above, Salty was often glad to see me or was only a little stand offish for a day upon my return. Same thing with my bands away weekends, I tell Salty I will be gone for 3 days, 1, 2, 3, holding up fingers. If I neglected to do this,Salty was very angry with me when I returned and it might take a week before he forgave me. Sailboats, our very very experienced Amazoner, uses an abacus to show the days he will be gone, and the balls get ticked over day by day, to show his 'zon when he will be back. You could use a rack of ping pong balls or other markers the same way.

Your parrots are smarter than you think and doing this will make a difference. We all know its stressing to us when we must leave or fids for a length of time, and it also stresses them too. Doing the above can only reduce that stress for both of you.

 

[Scott]

Fantastic advice, Al!!

 

[SailBoat]

Aaaa yes, the all to famous Golf Ball Rack! In my younger days, pre my recent Back Surgery, I was an avid hacker, had a good game that was strong enough to keep me in play and not embarrass myself. As a result, I developed a fair number of Course Imprinted Golf Balls that set in a display rack.

As Al stated, we would move the rack from the basement to near the front door several days before I would leave. Long story short, we would remove all but the number of Balls I would be gone. For each day that past, one Ball would be removed with great joy by Mrs Boats. By the third day, Darby, our Yelow-Winged Amazon got the point. So, with each Video chat, one Ball was removed.

Al's point regarding telling them you are going 'bye - bye' and how long is very important!!! Calling is just as important!!! Both for them and YOU! As it provides you a link to home and connection to those who love you...

Coming home! Regardless of the hour, even in the dark middle of the night, it is a noisy return lots of lights and tons of loving; I Missed You Guys So Very Much! Even if you get the Ice Cold Back Turned on you!!!

FYI: On a very long trip, Darby became frustrated at the number of balls remaining on the rack and flew to the rack and began removing golf balls himself. Mrs. Boats and Darby had a long missing dad talk while the remaining balls where placed back on the rack.

Thanks for the Memory Al!!! Those are warm and dear memories. Last year I was moving larger yachts around the Great Lakes and we introduced the rack to Julio! He connected quickly to its meaning and yes, he also attempted to reduce the length of trip by removing balls.

 

[Scott]

My job was typically a 4-day on/4-day off rotation. I learned to say goodbye before donning the uniform as they associated it with temporary absence. Upon return, they were extra clingy for a day or two.

Now retired, but wish I had Al's advice, might have eased the weekly transition. Also did a bit of FaceTime during the later years, always enjoyable.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Sometimes it was obvious how the Rb would KNOW... packing bags, for example.

But sometimes, especially for shorter trips, OR VET VISITS, or other excursions that impact him, I have no idea. Maybe we show some kind of aura that tips them off to this or that. They see ultra-violet, after all...

Aren't they something?

Thanks, Al.

 

[fiddlejen]

FYI: On a very long trip, Darby became frustrated at the number of balls remaining on the rack and flow to the rack and began removing golf balls himself. Mrs. Boats and Darby had a long missing dad talk while the remaining balls where placed back on the rack.

Oh, the magic golfballs of your return! I love it!