What would you tell the bird sitters?

[chirpy]

Hi
Well we're about to go away for 2 weeks and a friend who has never had a bird before is looking after Chirpy. I've written a 3 page document on how to look after him and just wondered what people think it's important to tell her.
I want to write something that's not to "precious" and helps her enjoy looking after him and him enjoy being there (not too much though!!!!!)
I cannot believe how much I'm drading him going away.
Any ideas appreciated
Thanks
Michelle

[diljaa]

When a friend of mine was watching Pixel I made a list of NO-NO's about food and teflon and perfume and scented candles and stuff. Then in another column I put YES-YES with things he likes to eat. On the other side there was Pixel's phonebook, with all important numbers for him, the vet, the alternative vet, the birdshop know-it-all-guy, alternative birdiesitter if something comes up. I asked her to put the list on her fridge and she was actually thrilled I did this.
I also had a little demonstration for her on how to fill up his water and food and which food goes in what bowl. Then I let Pixel take a bath with her watching him and then I showed her how to clean the bottom of his cage.
She had interacted with him lots of times before while visiting me and they got along great so I knew he was in good hands but I felt I had to show her all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes (the cleaning, bathing and feeding)

[jdlilfan]

I know what you mean about dreading leaving...I've felt the same way before as well!

My cousin has watched my sun, Cheeko a couple times.

I just had her come over and I showed her how to do everything before I left so if she had any questions she could have me there to explain it to her.

I also left a list as well.

[TooDusty]

Here are some of the questions I ask the owners about the birds I board:
Name(s):

Species(s):

Gender(s):

Age(s):

Medical history:

Medications:

Vet:

Vet phone number/address:

Emergency Contact (name, phone number and address if applicable):

Food brand:

Vitamin supplements:

Preferred treats/fresh food:

Hand tame:

Used to flying regularly:

Normal amount of one-on-one time:

Is your bird good with other birds?

Normal cage placement in the home:
Do you cover the cage at night? If Yes, what time is the cage covered and uncovered?

List any quirks or preferences your bird(s) may have:

[chirpy]

That's brilliant thanks, think I've covered everything, including a section I've called "weird stuff" ie his love of mobiles/remotes/computer mouse!!
She's coming to pick him up tomorrow so I'm going to spend the day telling him how much I love him and that I'll be back, hope he understands.

[LovelySydney]

Im actually @ home on the East side of the state this weekend and left a nice word document for my boyfriend, LOL. Yes, he's there every day but I do most of the work so he doesnt REALLY know the routine. One page was a list of "dont do's" and "dont feed's". That is very important because these small details can be overlooked so its really a good idea to write it down. To make it easier I also had a page of "step" instructions. Easy to read, easy to follow. When to uncover their cage, what time is bed time. When they get breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks. Its really quite extensive! Its been so hard being away from my birdies this weekend but I had to see the family! Boyfriend says so far so good, so thats always good to hear!!

[chirpy]

Well think I covered everything. They came and got him last night, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do was let them drive away with him. Apparantly he's settling in well and we're off today so I'll have to stop worrying!!!

[Angelsmum]

I have a first aid kit and in it a list of what to feed and when (veges are negotiable as they will not die with out them) A written list of how to do a hospital cage, what to look for with illness, poop, blood feather etc and what to do, all the stuff needed is in there and I take their seed/pellet mix in too. Vet number, my number. Mine have been sat quite a few times with never any problems. My theory is that if you have the list etc it will never be needed, lol. Kind of a Murphy's Law.

The list/instructions are always in there and also it is good for at home if hubby needs help and I am not around.

Now RELAX!