To Board or Not to Board

[The Outlaw]

To board or not to board, that IS the question. I have for about 3 years on limited occasions boarded a bird for folks that want to go on vacation or who have family emergencies. I have been extremely fortunate in that the boarders were happy as well as the clients that paid the bills.

I never board ****atoos or tiels, because I'm extremely sensitive to too dust and tiel dust, but I will usually board most others. I usually get approached by people with larger birds because I'm good with them. I was approached over the weekend by someone who found an ad that I had long since forgotten even existed on the internet. Its SO old, that I talk about being a stay at home granny with 5 birds. I have 10 birds and have for at least year and longer for all but one.

This brings up the question should I still board birds? I have lots to do all day long with my own birds and other responsibilities, yet I FEEL for those who feel trapped and are afraid to board their beloved pets with vets. I require a vet check within 10 days of boarding and ALWAYS call that vet and speak to them before I agree to bring any bird here. Its my hard and fast rule.

I'm concerned this time because this bird is a 4 year old Ekkie hen. I have a 4 year old Ekkie (almost 5) and she's been pulling feathers yet again. I know its all about breeding stuff, but its so frustrating to find 20 feathers on the bottom of the cage in just one day. She did this for a short time last spring and totally refeathered.

I'm afraid that this hen could to the same. I've explained the probability of it to the owner who says she understands the risks, but I don't think ANYONE knows how awful you feel when you can't stop the cycle. The fear of her coming home to a plucked bird is haunting my dreams. I also know that the exact same thing could happen at a vet or boarding facility where she is in a cage all day. That's something I NEVER do here. She would simply be part of the rotation for out time here.

This has never been an issue for me in the past, but I can't get it out of my head on this one. So, I guess my point is this: could this be a premonition? I'm not sure I really believe in them, but something sure is pulling my chain.

I don't make a fortune doing this. Trust me. I make just enough to buy my own birds some seed so its not like I depend on this for any kind of revenue.

What's a girl to do?

THE OUTLAW

[The Outlaw]

Just read my thread. Apparently, its considered in bad taste to refer to Toos as you-know-what-toos. I think that someone has over reacted. (LMAO)

[TooLover]

Nancy,
All I can really say is you have to go with your gut on this one. If I were the owner and knew that I would be coming home to a bird who has plucked, regardless of where I boarded it, I, personally, would reconsider my vacation........ but hey, that's just me - Ms. Homebody who hasn't had a vacation in at least 3 years! My biggest fear, as a too' owner, is the plucking. I must be doing something right as it hasn't been an issue.
Go with what you think is best Nancy...................

[Chariclo]

I think you already have your answer Nancy. Your babies have to come first - despite your big heart for others. I also understand why someone would want to board with you - heck you would be my first pick - but I also wouldn't want your flock in any jeopardy at all and any one with common sense should respect your concern. I'm sure you will do the right thing. :icon_wink

[peeker]

Nancy, I have birds and have boarded birds for others. I also have ekkies and know the fear of them plucking. I had heard before how a bird can learn to pluck by being around another plucker, but I really wonder how common that is. I had a bird in our home for two years that was a feather destroyer and it never taught any of my ekkies to do likewise. Is that the only concern you have? Even though I have boarded birds before, my feelings about bringing other birds into my home has changed a bit over time and I find I am more protective of my flock now. We all know that some diseases just can't be tested for and anytime you take another bird into your home you potentially expose your loved ones to something bad. Also ten birds are sure plenty to care for I'll bet, perhaps you just don't feel like taking care of another one? Good luck with your choice whichever way you decide.

[The Outlaw]

Christy:

Believe me, I'm WELL aware of the potential for PDD, PBFD, etc and I know that well birds are rarely even checked for other diseases. However, I'm not at the totally paranoid portion of the program yet (darn close, though). I just have a feeling about this bird. I can't explain it, frankly. The irony is this: I took in a plucked grey last year for what was supposed to be a month and ultimately wound up with the bird permanently. She completely refeathered under my care. She is my Cleo, the CAG.

Maybe I'm just over reacting. I realize that people have to have down time to actually go the long haul with birds. That's exactly why I even consider boarding the occasional bird. I'm still in the thinking it over stage. She's supposed to come by one day this week and bring her Ekkie. Maybe once I meet her, I'll know. In the meantime, I simply am trying to work it out. Thanks for listening and for your input. That's exactly why I posted this thread. I don't claim to have all of the answers. I never did. I expect to learn every single day.

THE OUTLAW

[Stacey32]

Go with your gut. It sounds like it's been there for you before. I too, would Remember you are not obligated to board the bird just because you are so good at it! Keep you mind open and make sure you have a heart to heart with this person before taking it.

[Sophiestkated2]

Nanthee, I think that once you meet the bird, like you said, you'll be much more sure of what to do. In the meantime, don't you think the hestitaion could simply be that #1- This is a person you don't know, are not familiar with the way that they care for bird..., and # 2- That Mai Tai is the "worrysome" bird in the house right now? I think it all kind of jives. Board her if you like her. And I've got a strong hunch you will... maybe Mai Tai will take a lesson, and like the "feathered look"!
Love,
Jeth

[Ingrid]

Nancy,
I know how you feel, and of course it is a hard decision, I know what you are like..........(momma with a BIG heart) But you first have to think, one more bird............how many one more are you going to take? you are so busy as it is with the ones you have.
Also, I believe there is no merrit as to if one bird plucks the other will do the same, you know the hassel I had with Teeka, and Duane did say that this could very well happen to Kally........Plucking as you know is a mystery. However, Kally did not pluck you know that. so I really have my reservations on that plucking issue.
Good luck in your decision
Ingrid

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

To board or not to board, that IS the question. I have for about 3 years on limited occasions boarded a bird for folks that want to go on vacation or who have family emergencies. I have been extremely fortunate in that the boarders were happy as well as the clients that paid the bills.

I never board ****atoos or tiels, because I'm extremely sensitive to too dust and tiel dust, but I will usually board most others. I usually get approached by people with larger birds because I'm good with them. I was approached over the weekend by someone who found an ad that I had long since forgotten even existed on the internet. Its SO old, that I talk about being a stay at home granny with 5 birds. I have 10 birds and have for at least year and longer for all but one.

This brings up the question should I still board birds? I have lots to do all day long with my own birds and other responsibilities, yet I FEEL for those who feel trapped and are afraid to board their beloved pets with vets. I require a vet check within 10 days of boarding and ALWAYS call that vet and speak to them before I agree to bring any bird here. Its my hard and fast rule.

I'm concerned this time because this bird is a 4 year old Ekkie hen. I have a 4 year old Ekkie (almost 5) and she's been pulling feathers yet again. I know its all about breeding stuff, but its so frustrating to find 20 feathers on the bottom of the cage in just one day. She did this for a short time last spring and totally refeathered.

I'm afraid that this hen could to the same. I've explained the probability of it to the owner who says she understands the risks, but I don't think ANYONE knows how awful you feel when you can't stop the cycle. The fear of her coming home to a plucked bird is haunting my dreams. I also know that the exact same thing could happen at a vet or boarding facility where she is in a cage all day. That's something I NEVER do here. She would simply be part of the rotation for out time here.

This has never been an issue for me in the past, but I can't get it out of my head on this one. So, I guess my point is this: could this be a premonition? I'm not sure I really believe in them, but something sure is pulling my chain.

I don't make a fortune doing this. Trust me. I make just enough to buy my own birds some seed so its not like I depend on this for any kind of revenue.

What's a girl to do?

THE OUTLAW

[The Outlaw]

Well, seems I probably worried for nothing. I haven't heard another thing from her and I don't have her phone number. Man plans, God laughs