Ask Lafeber

Question:

July 20, 2018

Long vacation for First Time


I’ve had my parakeet for over a year now and he’s grown super attached to me.

Last summer I left my keet at home with a trusted family member for a 3 day vacation. When I came back he had multiple pin feathers on his head and he’d plucked feathers from his legs and under his wings. I’m not sure if he was just molting or not but he looked and seemed extremely stressed , but quickly regained health when I returned.

-That’s why I’m worried for my 10 day vacation coming up in a couple of days… I don’t trust anyone to house sit him again so I’m planning on bringing him to my grandmothers house. This being that she can’t stay at my home and she has a history for being really caring and loving towards all types of birds.

Would it be safe to leave him with her for my vacation even though he’s not familiar with her, her home, and has attachment issues? I’m very worried ;;;

Any advice asap is extremely appreciated!


Answer:

Hi Marissa,

People board birds at facilities all the time and they do fine. It sounds like your grandmother will give your bird a lot of attention so he will probably do better with the attention than just having someone give him food and check on him once or twice a day. It would be best if you can spend the day or a few hours with him and your grandmother when you take him over there. That way you can help him get familiar with the new surroundings and your grandmother. If he can fly, I would not advise allowing him out of the cage while he is there. He could panic and fly into something. You also need to be aware of whether she has any pets. If she does, you might reconsider and have someone take care of him at your house.

If he stays with your grandmother, make sure she knows his routine. If you cover his cage at night, take the cover with you. He might feel more secure if she leaves the back half of the cage covered until he seems to feel secure in her house. He might be scared at first, but I’m sure he will adjust and do well and will be happy to see you when you return.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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