Hello everyone,
I am Italian but I live in Spain, and I am the proud owner of a Blue and gold Macaw called Maurice. My ex husband and I bought Maurice from a parrot breeder near Gibraltar, 2 and a half year ago, when he was 6 months old approx. From the very beginning, Maurice showed a quite strong preference for me and has always let me pet, feed and carry him in a much more privileged way. Unfortunately, my husband and I divorced 6 months ago, and I am now a 'single mom'. The fact that Maurice remained with me seemed the most natural thing to both my ex husband and I, plus I am the only one who can offer him a stable routine as I do not need to travel for business on a constant basis. If the bond between my bird and I was strong even before, now we have come to develop a sort of 'addiction' to each other. Of course I do have to spend 8-10 hours in the office Monday to Friday, but I dedicate to him all of my evenings and weekends/bank holidays. On occasions I have to travel to Italy for work (once a month for 2 nights max), but luckily I have a neighbour who happily comes at least once a day to prepare a fresh portion of boiled seeds mix, fruits & vegetables, etc. and change Maurice's water. The only problem is that my neighbour is frightened of Maurice's fierce looks and beak, therefore she would never take him out of the cage.
I always try to keep all of my trips up to 2 nights max., leisure trips included. Now I have been required by my Company to be away for 5 nights in a row - next week - and I am completely gutted! I don't know anybody who could let Maurice out of the cage for 1-2 hours (at least) per day, and although I know the food/water issue is covered, I am seriously experiencing distress and sense of guilt. My question is: should I worry this much for my bird to have to remain in his cage for 5 nights/6 days in a row (knowing that it is a very exceptional situation)? Of course we are talking about a big cage, equipped with several perches and proper bird toys.
Please share with me your thoughts about this topic, as I am totally obsessing about the idea that Maurice could feel abandoned and frustrated not having me around for what seems a very long time!
Thanks in advance




