Are hotels safe for birds?

[Stasia]

I posted a similar question a couple of months ago, so I apologize for being redundant, but with our move from WI to NH coming up I'm hoping to find some more opinions

Has anyone ever taken their fids into a hotel room? I would go to a pet friendly hotel and I am hoping that they would stay quiet because they would be so tired from already driving 10 hours, but I am worried about the chemicals. How long would the effects from unsafe cleaning products being used last? Someone had suggested to call and see what they use, which I might do, but my guess is there are no hotels anywhere that use all bird safe products.

The trip is about 20 hours and we had planned on driving straight through so we wouldn't need to bother with a hotel, but all the "trial" rides have not gone smoothly for our conure who gets car sick. We are going to try to do everything we can to make his ride more comfortable, but now I am wondering if it would be better for him to get a good night's sleep- while not moving!

Do you think the possible exposure to a room where cleaning agents have been used outways the benefit of him getting a long break? Or vice versa? Thanks so much for any help!!

Stasia

[little_angels]

well when my aunt got sick there a few months ago i had to drive 6hrs to be with her and i had noone to look after marley..so he was packed up and came with me...i found a lovely b&b who were great with him..infact they refused to let me bring his cage to breakfast and insisted he had his own chair! lol theres now a photo of him and the owner on the wall
like i said it was a case of having to...if i were you id ring up and see what the story is and what products they do use etc cant harm to ask

[Valo's Moirana]

stasia

first - let me ask you: what happens when your bird gets car sick? maybe you can improve on that end as well to make it more comfortable for him.

second - i absolutely understand your concern about the cleaning products. could you make sure they leave the windows open for at least 3 hours prior to your arrival. that should help getting rid of the fumes (you could also open the windows and then go for dinner with the fids). is it cold where you are (i appologize for my lack of geographical knowledge - i'm an engineer and i'm from europe )? if not, you could leave the windows open.
also, i'd consider paying a little extra to stay in a better hotel since better hotels generally use more sophisticated cleaning products than cheap motels (that of course depends on financial flexibility).
if you air out the room sufficiently before placing your birds in there, i reckon you should be fine. also, it's only one night....

if you wanna go all the way in - baking soda does not absorb solvent fumes, but acidic fumes. zeolite can be used for organic solvent fumes, but also takes a little time to kick in.

hope this helps.

[MrRick]

I take my two Greys to the shore every year and stay in the same motel. I've never had any problems but I do remind the staff NOT to clean the room while we're there and to just swap out the dirty towels. I take my own supplies, including a small vacuum cleaner!

In your case, I gather you are just staying there one night so I would ask them to open the windows a couple of hours before you are scheduled to arrive.

Rick

[Luvmygrey]

I think I responded to your prior post, but I have stayed at pet friendly hotels a couple of times without any problem. There is a good suggestion above about airing the room out. When I am in a room, I make sure that no one comes in to clean it while I am out.

As for the car ride, a break would be best. Also, my fid has gotten upset when he has to ride in the car at night. He does much better in a car when it is light outside.

[Stasia]

Thanks for the advice guys :)

I completely blame this on over-thinking everything, but I never even thought of calling to ask the hotel to open the windows for us before we arrive! I was worried about trying to request them not using certain products because I'm worried that request might possibly not be taken to heart, but opening the windows ahead of time is certainly a far enough request and obviously easy to tell if it was done when we get there. Thanks! Valo's Moirana: we are in Wisconsin, so unfortunately it will be pretty cold (prob. around 30F degrees or so), so we won't get to leave the windows open all night, but until we get there is a great idea.

And in response to the question, he gets sick by actually vomitting at times!! I didn't even know birds could vomit until this ordeal! He does better though if we wait a bit after he eats until moving again (this trip will take forever!!) and if he stays covered the whole time. I'm glad to hear the advice that was posted about night time driving- that never occured to me. I figured since it would be dark they would sleep- but I'm glad to have head's up so I can try a trial ride at night before we head out.

Thanks again! Wish us luck....we'll need it!!

Stasia

[CALVINS MOM]

Just make sure that they do not come in and clean while the birds are in the room. It could be deadly. Also, like that which has already been posted, have them air out the room. Best of luck.

[The Outlaw]

As for car sickness, try this old trick:

Purchase some fresh ginger root and cut off a quarter sized slice. Remove the skin.

Boil a few cups of water. For each cup, you will need one slice of ginger root. Pour the hot water over the ginger and allow it to steep until the water is cool. Save the water in a bottle.

The night before you travel, replace the bird's water with the ginger tea. Take more of it with you. It will help to settle their stomachs. BGs are notorious for puking in the car. It works quite well. Pretty much like ginger ale in humans. Give it a try.

[CALVINS MOM]

Nancy - this reminded me of something I saw on Land of Vos a long time ago. Figured I would share it with everyone:

SOME NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PARROTS:

The following is a list of other herbs and the conditions for which they can be used in the treatment of parrots.


ALFALFA-- Aids in allergies and arthritic conditions of parrots by removing toxins from the body; neutralizing acids, and purifying the blood. Alfalfa stimulates the appetite, and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium & other nutrients.

ALOE-- Fresh aloe gel is a perfect application for small cuts, abrasions, and rashes on parrots' skin. It dries and heals the injury.

CAYENNE-- The active ingredient, capsaicin, is an appetite stimulant and a good natural treatment for sinus congestion in parrots. Used topically, it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Parrots enjoy its fiery taste.

CHAMOMILE-- One of nature's safest and mildest sedatives useful to calm birds in stressful situations. Studies show that this herb also kills the yeast fungi Candida albicans as well as certain staph bacteria.

CINNAMON-- Exerts mild anti-fungal effect on candida and other types of yeast, and aspergillus. It also has a mild anti-bacterial effect against strep and staph bacteria.

DANDELION-- Helpful in diseases of the liver and digestive organs. Useful in the treatment of arthritis.

ECHINACEA-- Used as an immunostimulant. May speed recovery in some cases of poxvirus and in debilitated birds. Also possesses anti-bacterial properties.

GARLIC-- Has anti-oxidant properties as well as anti-parasitic properties which kill intestinal parasites. It protects the liver from the damage of chemical pollutants in the air and in food and water supply. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England found that garlic juice is as strong as the antifungal drugs, Amphotericin and Nystatin, against Candida, a fungal problem sometimes found in parrots. Garlic should be used sparingly in the bird diet, and in the form of fresh garlic slices rather than concentrated garlic powder. One or two thin slices once or twice a week is sufficient. Garlic belongs to a family of plants that may cause anemia in some animals if given for long periods of time.

GINGER-- Excellent to prevent motion sickness when parrots must travel. Use a few drops of ginger extract in the water, and slices of fresh ginger offered the night before the bird must travel. Very useful against nausea and regurgitation.

KAVA KAVA-- A member of the pepper family, and popular among people in the South Pacific islands since earliest times, Kava Kava has sedative and tranquilizing effects. It is useful in some cases of feather plucking and hyperactivity of parrots. This herb is quite strong and therefore must be used sparingly.

MILK THISTLE-- Seeds contain silymarin, a flavonoid that is effective for liver disorders. This is the main herbal ingredient of Aloe Detox and the number one herb for the treatment of all liver problems. Milk thistle has been used without side effects for years.

[cfulhage]

Thanks for that list Kathie!!