Quick Question - care of sun conure while out of town

[bethg1313]

Hi,

I'm very new to being a bird owner, and my family is getting ready to take a vacation for close to a week, but I'm worried about our Sun.

We typically have a friend pop in to feed & water the cats (they do not bother the bird at all, and we've cat-proofed the cage just in case), and our dog is usually boarded, but this will be our first longer-than-a-day outing since we've brought our Sun home.

Are there any suggestions for how to ensure that he's well-cared-for while we're away? Do I need to do little pre-measured portions of food for our friend to give to him? Intro between the friend and the bird to make sure the bird isn't going to freak out on him?

I apologize if these are goofy questions , but I'm definitely still a new BirdMama.

Thank you in advance for any helpful suggestions.

[Doyle'sMommy]

The first time we went out of town I was a nervous wreck! I left three pages of handwritten instructions for my brother. Everything I could think of- things toxic to birds, bed times, detailed bath instructions, lol. I measured out food just to make it easier and to make sure he got the usual foods and the right amounts. Good luck! Your baby should be fine.

[Valo's Moirana]

i would NOT leave the bird in the presence of the cats.... theory says, they don't care for him.... practice - if they only care for him once, your bird might sustain injuries and shock.... and if you're out of town, your bird might have to wait quite some time to get the medical attention he needs IN CASE something does happen....

can you place the cage in a seperate room where the cats don't have access?

also, how long will you be gone? a few days - no big deal.... prepare some small portions of food to make it easier for your friend.... show how to change the paper on the bottom to remove the poop, and change water... for a short time, it'd be nice to introduce them, but that's not necessary IMO.... however, if you're gone for more than 2-3 days, it would be nice if your friend could take the bird out a bit, so the little sunny gets some out of the cage time....

things to leave in paperwork - contact information for the vet... most important thing... if something does go wrong (even if it's just a broken blood feather, and your friend doesn't know what to do) bring him there... make payment arrangements in case a vet visit is necesseary.... also, would be good if your friend would be able to watch the sunny a bit before s/he takes care of him, to see whta the normal behavior looks like....

also, a lot of avian vets do take birds in for boarding... if i'm gone for a longer time, valo either goes to my BF (who has our sunconure), a friend who has 2 birds herself or the avian vet.... i rather not take chances.....

[bethg1313]

Thank you Doyle's Mommy - I was almost a wreck just over the one-day trip back at Christmas.

I figure I'll be doing good to not be calling our friend every half hour "have you gone to check on him yet????"

[bethg1313]

Thanks VM - I've definitely got to check with the Avian vet - unfortunately the only one that I've found listed so far is at a VetPets, and as a Veterinarian's daughter, I'm not overly warm and fuzzy about places like that, so I'm still looking.

Thanks again

[rayna]

we always board our birds with our avian vet, the price is always VERY reasonable and the peace of mind is well worth it. i hope this is an option for you. :)

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by rayna

....the peace of mind is well worth it.

absolutely true.....