Bird boarding

[Eurycerus]

So I've been thinking about this and getting a little more concerned each time. I dare not tell my boyfriend because he already thinks I'm a spazz about everything but particularly my parrot.

So I'm going camping and considered taking Nika but it just isn't feasible. I'll be gone for a full weekend and booked boarding at a local bird store that does boarding. I realize there are dangers of infection, but how dangerous is it? Obviously a lot of people board there and I am quite certain if there was an outbreak I'd see a yelp review or something about their parrot dying or getting sick. Nika has been around at least one other parrot that I'm aware of and probably more. Have other people boarded their birds? Is it safe? Should I ask my roommate to see if she could at least feed and water Nika instead? (pay her or something) Should I post a craigslist ad to find a pet sitter if my roommate can't do it? I'll be going to Hawaii for a week in two months and will again need to board her. What do I do? I did think about this ahead of time but had thought she'd be more personable with other people and my mom said she'd take care of Nika. However right now that's not really possible :/ Also I need to get a cage for her if she stays at my mom's for a week because a travel cage is only acceptable for two days and even that's a stretch! Her cage is enormous so it's not movable.

[Michael]

First of all, with proper forethought and precautions, taking parrots camping is not only possible but even fun.

As for boarding, there is barely anyone I would trust for boarding because of the reasons you mentioned. An avian vet is about the only safe option and even they don't have it completely down. This is why I avoid boarding all together and either bring my parrots with me or have someone take care of them. This is why socialization and training are sooooo important!!!! You can't wait until you need someone to take care of your bird to do these things. You have to do them upfront and always so that anyone could take care of your bird.

If you can't bring the bird with you, the next best option is to have someone come to your house to take care of it. Forget Craigslist... last thing you nee is for someone to rob your house and steal your bird. A trusted friend or neighbor might work out. Family is better. It is best that the bird be social and easy so the care taker could let it out. However, if there's nothing else that can be done, you can just have a cage with grate/feeder doors so that the person never has to reach inside. Show them how to change everything from outside and the bird can't bite them (most of the time ). I'd prefer to leave my birds in their cages 2 weeks straight before boarding them at a sketchy place. The boarding places don't let them out anyway and usually keep em in little cages so its only worse than in their big cages at home.

[Eurycerus]

Yeah we still aren't socialized.... now I'm too nervous to allow her near anyone who isn't a parrot person. I actively discourage her getting near anyone for fear that she'll flap at them and hurt them. She can't fly but she can flap about a foot and flapping wildly is mildly terrifying even for me. She flew at my face yesterday but I don't think it was malicious so I didn't cower too much. The search continues for someone willing to spend some time with Nika and I. Even today in the kitchen my roommate was sort of near Nika who was on the counter (no dangerous objects in sight, just me getting her dinner ready) and she wandered closer to my roommate and then when in range flapped at her leaning on the counter. Needless to say I am not pleased.

Anyway I asked and for a weekend, as long as my roommate is around, she said she'd food and water the beast, uncover her and scoot her to the window during the day. It's fairly safe to do those things even though she attacks the food door. As long as I give her a treat far away to munch on she will be occupied and not attack. Little punk....

I'm still worried about my week long vacation. I need to get her trained to hang out with people by late October (not sure how I'll do that) otherwise it's going to suck for her and me when I get back... Argh

[marie83]

Someone you know or a petsitter is best. Seek out any petsitters yourself though, dont advertise for one yourself or you may end up with any old idiot replying.
Maybe the store you booked boarding with will do a home visit if you offer a bit extra to cover petrol etc.

It is difficult, theres only a couple of people I really trust with my pets. I would always prefer to take them with me but the nervous 'tiel stops me doing that

[ynzon]

How far up north are you in ca? I'm in San Diego and we have a great avian boarding place by the name of the purring parrot. They specialize in boarding cats and parrots only. The cats and parrots are completely isolated from each other. I was hesitant to leave my amazon with anybody but after giving these guys a shot it was my worries were no more. I highly recommend them if your able to bring your parrot down to San Diego. Google the purring parrot for more info. I think micheal knows these guys because they have a cape parrot that happens to be truman's brother ( his name is Jupiter)

[liz]

Being in his own home with familiar surroundings is the best. Even if he does not get out time he will at least know where he is.

Though my daughter is here, when I go somewhere I always but in two waterers (pint jar plastic chicken waterers). Since they get food in them it is better to have two instead of a big one. I have silo feeders that hold about a pound and put two in before I leave. I also put in a collection of cereals and grains for them to munch. If she gets lazy and does not check them I know that they are good for at least a week.

I use dog feeders for Rambo and Myrtle. I fill one with seed and another with peanuts. Only Myrtle eats pellets but I leave her a good size bowl. I give them a big bowl of cereals and grains to pick at. I put in two bowl of water and a big dog bowl of water on the table in case they want to bathe.

Even though I set them up for at least a week they come after me when I get home as if I had abandoned the in a shopping mall. Myrtle will tell me off for two days.