VACATION TIME, WHAT DO I DO WITH MY BIRD?

By Margaret T. Wright

Margaret T. Wright, MBA Maggie Wright is a marketing consultant and the creator/publisher of the African Grey magazine, The Grey Play Round Table®. Visit her web site at: http://www.africangreys.com

Nothing can be more worrying than what to do with our companion birds when we go on vacation. "Will he be okay?....Will he miss me?..... Do I leave him in the house?....Do I leave him with a bird sitter? What are my options?"

As publisher of the African Grey magazine, The Grey Play Round Table®, I have heard so many subscribers wonder what they should do with their birds while they are on vacation. The smaller birds, such as the finches and budgerigars, do not seem to propose a problem because many of them are more bonded to their cage mates than to their humans; but when a little bird, such as a cockatiel, or a parrot is closely bonded with his human, and used to the routine of the human being there, it can present a problem.

First is the question of whether the bird should stay at home or should he be boarded with a reputable bird sitter. The answer to this question depends on the individual circumstances, such as how long the human will be away, the number of birds in the household and the emotional health of the particular birds (would they be happier at home, or could they stay somewhere else), among many issues.

If one chooses to board his bird, it is very important to evaluate the facility first: how many other birds are there at once.. what is the routine that the birds go through...will the birds get enough attention...is the place clean...does the sitter have a health code.. does the sitter require bird owners to get health check-ups for their birds before boarding them, how often...and so on.

It is also important to make sure one’s bird is compatible with the sitter. It is highly recommended that, if one chooses to board his bird, the bird spend time with the sitter at least several times before the first time he is boarded. This will help him become adjusted and comfortable with the change more quickly. This is even more important for young birds, one year or younger, since absence of their "flock mommy or daddy" can cause emotional and behavior problems. A trusting and secure relationship with the sitter will help the bird adjust to this dramatic change of being out of its territory.

If one chooses to leave his bird at home, the next question may be whether the caretaker should stay in the home with him, or will it be sufficient to have the caretaker come over only a few hours per day to feed and play with the bird. Many bird owners prefer this option, particularly when they have a large number of birds and/or they feel their bird would be happier staying at home. Whether you choose to board your bird or to leave him at home while on vacation, the following are some ideas on ways to help him adjust:

BOARDING YOUR BIRD

• If possible, introduce your bird to the caretaker in your home a few times and then let him spend a few hours at the sitter’s facility while you’re still in town. It would also help to let him stay at the boarding facility (or home of the sitter) for a night or so, here and there, a few weeks before you depart, to make sure he is adjusting.

• Tell your bird that this change will happen and let him know you’ll be back and that he will have fun.

• At the time of the actual boarding, bring along the bird’s favorite perches and toys....and any other comforting things, such as his usual cage cover.

• Some people like to create "calendars" which designate the days they will be away, and the caretakers are requested to mark each day, explaining to the birds that their owners will be back in six days...in five days.. in four days.. and so on. This system has actually calmed birds.

STAYING AT HOME

• As above, always make sure your bird is comfortable with the sitter. It would help to introduce him in the same fashion as noted above.

• Explain in detail the normal routine of your bird to the caretaker. Work through the preparation of the daily food and make sure you have a sufficient supply.

• Leave emergency numbers of veterinarians and other friends who know your bird well, should there be a problem.

• As above, let your bird know there will be a change, but that you will be back and he will have fun. Some people have created systems where they change the routine a few days before leaving to the routine the bird will be experiencing during vacation time. This helps the bird know the change is coming and allows him to begin adjusting while his owner is still at home.

• A "calendar" designating when you will be back may be appropriate.

And there’s always a third option.....taking your bird with you on vacation. We will explore this issue in a future article.

©2000 Margaret T. Wright