No bird sitters in my Area

[sailorkelly]

Started searching today, I can't find a sitter or boarding in my area. I think I am going to train one of my friends to take care of my babies. I hate that my normal sitter backed out. But what can you do. I will have to start interviewing my friends to see if anyone can take on watching the 4 of them for 2 weeks. I really hate that we are going to be gone for that long. I really hope everything comes together. I am one of those people that worry about things.. my hubby hates it...lol

[Jag]

Can you take just the bird with you? I wouldn't do so good with leaving mine with anyone for that amount of time...even a friend. There is so much more to their care than a cat or dog. If you can't take her, though, and you're confident in your friend, it could turn out OK.

[Angelsmum]

yes they can be looked after by a friend for that long or longer if necessary. I would trade no out of cage time, no veges for care and cleaning anytime as it will not kill them. I, personally prefer the trained friend to boarding due to possible disease transmission with other birds. My two, and my son's were with a friend for over two weeks when my mother was ill and dying. They got their seed/pellets, the odd vege but she was too afraid to let the 3 tiels out in case of accident and that was fine by me, as her having them provided such peace of mind.

[jdlilfan]

I agree. My cousin has watched my sun Cheeko on several occasions. While he didn't get out as often as he would with another one of my bird sitters watching him, I know he was well cared for and I didn't have to worry about him picking up anything yucky from being boarded.

[Eliza]

Have you checked with your vet? Sometimes techs or assistants will petsit for extra income. Google Petsitters International, too - you might be able to find someone who is licensed/bonded/insured that way. Otherwise, training a few friends is a great idea, especially if you pets cannot come along.

[sailorkelly]

I have been thinking about taking her. It is a long drive though. We are going from Maryland to Georgia (be there for 4 days) then to Orlando (be there 4 days) then back to Georgia for the rest of the time then back to Maryland. Do you guys think she would be ok with being in the car for that long? Plus my parents smoke and that is were we are staying in Georgia. Smoking is bad for birds right. Or could I have her in my room with a air purifer(SP)?

My husband has always joked about us getting a RV an having a swing for her under the rearview mirror. We love to travel so I think we should get a RV so we can take them with us.

I know there are some animal people at my husbands squadron so I just have to weed out the ones that can take care of everyone. I am hoping I can find someone to spend the night so they wont be alone.

[angelicarboreals]

Did you check the Pet Sitters International website? Unless you live in an extremely rural area they always have pet sitters listed, and the best part is that those sitters that list through them have to pay a membership and have a legit business, so there are no questions about whether or not you are getting a pro or not.

[RockysMom]

There is also a website called care.com, where you can find pet sitters, and you can do a background check on the people if needed.

[sodakat]

Regarding registered sitters: On a list I belong to, one person said she used a professional pet sitting service but there were no bird sitters available, so she had to train one how to feed, etc. Well, it turned out perfect, because the person had no preconceived notions of what to feed etc. so did exactly as requested, rather than doing it "her" way, but was an experienced sitter, so was reliable. The sitter suggested they do a dry run the morning before the person left so the sitter could comment on and ask questions about the routine. She also emailed pictures to the traveling owner every couple days, so the owner knew everyone at home was fine.

P.S. We travel with our birds very successfully. They love it.