What is the longest you've ever left your parrot?

[paper_lantern]

I'm going away for 6 days for a conference. My mom, who also lives with me and loves Chubby will be taking care of him. She knows how to clean his cage, change his food and water, and also give him fresh foods. She also will let him fly around for about an hour each day, but she is not comfortable giving him cuddles as he is a bit nippy with her. I've also contacted my vet to let them know I'll be away, and gave my mom the number to the vet in case. I stocked the fridge with fresh veggies, and bought new treats as well as a new toy for him while I'm gone. I will be calling every day to make sure everything is going well.

Still, I'm super nervous, I've never been away from him for more than a night, and even then I worried. Should he be ok? Is 6 days too long?

[LadySaphine]

Hey, I went by for almost a month. A 3 week trip to Italy, then two days in between, then a trip to the beach. My parents took care of her the whole time, and she's still bonded with me (and now my parents too!). Unless you think your mom can't take care of your bird, I wouldn't worry about it. You would end up with a slightly more socialized bird.


However, if your bird is YOURS and yours only (as in, bonded with just you) I think he could have some anxiety issues. But it seems you have everything in place. Maybe, in the days before the trip, get your mom to spend more time with him and you to spend less, so he kinda adapts to the change.

[Michael]

It depends more on what your birds are used to then the duration. If you've never left your birds for more than 5 minutes, it could be a catastrophe. If they're used to being alone for a few days, then no big deal.

[paper_lantern]

Chubby is more bonded to me, because I handle him a bit more than my mom does, but she watches him while I'm at work 8-5, three-four days a week, and she's watched him over night once. He loves it when she talks to him, and she can get him to step up, do his tricks, etc. He just doesn't like cuddling with her for some odd reason. Michael, what do you mean by catastrophic? :S

[Michael]

Michael, what do you mean by catastrophic? :S

There have been times when people left their parrot and came back to find it plucked from head to toe and hating their guts... This is why it is important to socialize parrots preemptively and make them used to being around other people and not just you. Sometimes I travel with my birds and sometimes I leave them at home. This prepares them for whichever. I've left mine to be cared for by others for weeks no problem.

[paper_lantern]

God, now I'm scared :/ I wish I could cancel my trip...

But he has been left alone (and by alone I mean without me) overnight without a problem. I dunno, I'm going to stress out the whole trip lol :/

[Michael]

How long till you go and have you considered bringing the bird?

It'll probably be fine... but this is something ALL parrot owners have to prepare their parrots for ahead of time!

[paper_lantern]

I leave Saturday afternoon, around 12:00, and I arrive back Friday morning. So technically I'll be away from him 5 days, since I'll be there a little Saturday, and I'll be home early Friday. I don't think I can bring him with me because I have to take a plane , and I'm more scared about shipping him than I am about leaving him with my mom.

I'll just keep my fingers crossed and call home a few times a day. Also, I left my mom the avian vet's number, just in case.

[janetafloat]

Paper_lantern, you are already doing what Michael suggested, your bird is used to being left with your mom and did fine when you left him overnight. Don't worry! It's good for him to get used to you being gone now and then. Go and enjoy your trip and trust your mom to take care of him.

[paper_lantern]

Thank you so much! I don't know why I have such bad anxiety about leaving him, lol, it's to the point where I've turned down overnight plans a few times because I don't want to leave. I just have to keep reminding myself that he is healthy, has a great diet, and lots of toys and attention from my mom. My mind just keeps going through all the things that *could* go wrong, it might have to do with the fact that I have OCD, I dunno. But thanks for your advice, everyone!