Ask Lafeber

Separation anxiety

First let me say that my 23-year-old cockatiel has improved greatly since switching to Lefeber food. He recently developed separation anxiety which he never had before. When I have to go away for a few days and leave him alone, he will not eat or drink and there is little to no droppings. I am wondering when I go away if I should take him to someone else’s house, have someone come into my house, or well nothing help because I am not here? Again this is new behavior. He has always been just fine being left alone for a couple of days.

Hi Cheryl,

If you are leaving him alone, that is really not recommended. At most, only for an overnight trip. But too much can happen when a bird is left alone. My guess is something scared him last time you were gone, and this caused the separation issues. Ideally have someone come stay with him. If not, have someone come in twice a day. Leave some music on during the day, and of course he needs the lights on during the day and maybe a nighlight. Some owners make the mistake of turning out lights when they are away, but pet birds need lights as much as we do. Because he is an elderly bird, the last option would be taking him to a friend’s home. But that would still be better than leaving him by himself.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda