Leaving my Alexandrian Parakeet at home for a long time

[anweshar]

Hello all!

I have a male Alexandrian Parakeet for about 6 years. I have had him since he was a little baby and he's with me at all times - to the point where he even sleeps with me at night. Now, I'm going off to college abroad and he'll be left alone in the house with my mom and my dad. Though he is quite friendly with my dad, I'm afraid how my absence will affect him both psychologically and physically. Will be abstain from food or show any kind of distress? What can I do to make the separation easier? I've never been away from him for more than a day at a time and I'm really scared that a parting for over a year will affect him adversely.

Thanks!

[liz]

Have your mother and dad start taking care of him while you are still home. Move his cage to a central location where he will have more social contact with your parents. It will put more responsibilty on your parents (I know because I now care for my daughters pets) but they will have to learn to play with him.

This will not solve the anxiety problem when you leave but he will be able to be consoled by your parents.

Leave your bedroom door open so he can see that you are not there. It would be worse if he thought you were in your room and ignoring him.

[liz]

Have your mother and dad start taking care of him while you are still home. Move his cage to a central location where he will have more social contact with your parents. It will put more responsibilty on your parents (I know because I now care for my daughters pets) but they will have to learn to play with him.

This will not solve the anxiety problem when you leave but he will be able to be consoled by your parents.

Leave your bedroom door open so he can see that you are not there. It would be worse if he thought you were in your room and ignoring him.

Give your parents access to http://www.theparrotforum.com in case they need suggestions or someone to talk to about what he is doing. They will bond closer to him and need a place to bragg on him.

[Michael]

http://trainedparrot.com/Vacation