Leaving My Birds?

[Redstorm1721]

:confused: I have a question? I have had my parakeet for almost 6 years. I have left her with the company of others while I had went away,with my family. But Now I have a parrot and a tiel,and am so affraid to leave them. I am feared that they will pluck and cry and not know what to do? I know I could teach my routine to my mother or sister how to take care of them. But they have never been without me? I might be going down to see my relatives 5 hours away. There is just no way to take them,and I have even thought not to go? But my husband said he would take care of them,and he works all night from 3 in the afternoon till 5 am? I know I could get my mom in the am,and at night to put them to bed soforth. But, My question is will they be okay? Has anyone else ever left them? I know I can't not ever go somewhere? I know I can't always take them. Oh what to do? This has been on my mind for far to long? Please help? Thanks Gail:confused:

[birdygirl]

i am sure your flock will be fine. Try taking trial trips when they are the sitters. Leave and come back an hour later. Do that a few times and then go longer and longer. They will learn that you are coming back. Sophie goes to her sitter and enjoys talking to her cockatiel friends that live their. Birds are adjustable. They will be fine and you should have fun.

[Redstorm1721]

Thanks birdygirl,but they don't have a sitter yet. The sitters will be comming here. I have left them for a few hours a day,but usually when they are in bed is when I have left for a few hours. I also have been gone during the day for arrends and all. But never over night and for 2 days? I am still very worried?

[birdygirl]

Don't be worried. I have left my flock for a day or two and they are fine. I have been to Arizoona for a week and they were fine also. SO I think your flock will be adjustable.

[Redstorm1721]

Okay, Well thanks I am a worry wart. LOL. I have heard so many story's about how they pluck when left and all that? Plus I am the only one who has ever took care of them. My kids are affraid of them LOL. Sunni has been worse about "not" Letting anyone else touching her. I think thats because there is no one else to help me. I wanted her to love all,but that just isen't in her mind. Just as soon as anyone else goes in her cage she will try to "bite" them. Then if I should put her on someones shoulder she will fly off and go to me. Even though her wings are cliped. She hits the floor Thank God its a rug. But she will not have anyone else be near her. This is so hard. I know I can't stay in forever. I feel bad if I haven't tended to them for a couple of hours? Well I will take your advice,and it is very good advice thank You. Love Gail

[birdygirl]

T=It should be Sunny's choice to go out or to stay in. Sophie won't let anyone take her out of her cage but if the door on top of the cage is open she goes out. Two days in the cage wouldn't be to bad for Sunny. My budgie is very particular and won't come out of her cage for anybody else but me. So don't worry and have fun.

[Redstorm1721]

Thanks. My keet never comes out. I always leave the door open but she will "never" come out. Sunni on the other hand would be out all the time if I let her,But I also have 2 dogs and that would'nt be to good. Even though she would take care of herself. But I never want to chance it. They do love my birds as they will lay on the floor with them,while they are in the cage. My pit will be jslous and want the seed. Funny I have spilled them before, and he is right there to clean it up. He loves seed. I try to get him in time by then its all gone LOL.and to late.

[JSimko]

Whenever we leave our birds, we board them at a pet store that we trust. The one that we bring them to keeps them in a clean back room, where they are away from customers. They get lots of attention and are fed a balanced diet. When we get back, the birds are very glad to see us and are not upset by their experience.

[Parrotgirl]

I think your parrot will be, I was worryed when I had to leave mine at home for a 3 day trip to the SJO wich was 7 hours away but when I came back she was just fine( I had left her with some friends). Now I have to make that trip once a month so she has gotten used to me leaving and then coming back.

[Redstorm1721]

Hearing all that does make me feel a little better. Jason a pet store sounds great. I do worry what "if" I am terrible. What if the other birds are sick and you know? Well the other part of this leaving my birds? Is my mother in law wants me to go to Italy with her for one month? I have told her I won't go. I worry my birds will forget me and that is way to long. I cannot bring them what so ever. Its out of the country.I am missing out on alot but well worth it I love my little family human, and dog and birds. My mother in law is from italy and hasen't been back in 50 years. She needs me to help her with lugage and talking and soforth. She is in her 70's but looks as though she is 50. She is hurt I might not go. I feel bad, but also I feel like I am leaving my baby's and I never did that to my children till they were all grown up. Even then I haven't been far. Oh what to do?

[JSimko]

You can also look in the yellow pages for pet sitters. They are fully insured and will care for your pets. They go to your house a few times a day, feed your animals, spend a couple of hours with them and your pets never need to leave the house. They will also take your dog for long walks outside if you request that. Also it is nice to have someone checking on your house and getting your mail so it appears that someone lives there, so theives will think twice before breaking in.

[Redstorm1721]

Thats a great idea. I am going to call the pet store here, they are so wonderful with the birds and small animals. My hubby will be here to take the dogs out so will my daughter and son. But they are affraid of the birds. Not my hubby but he works like 14 to 15 hours a night? The poor guy only gets 7 hours to sleep and then right back to work. But he can take the dogs first thing in the morning when he gets home. I really don't worry to much about a break in. My pitbull is quite scarey when he barks and growls. But if they were to walk in he would probably like them to death. My little italian grey hound hids behind the pit. LOL So we will see what happens. Thank you all for such great ideas. I am beginning to feel I can leave. I am still so worried. But the ideas are great. I don't think I could of thought of them myself!

[JSimko]

It is nice that you worry, but I am sure the birds will be O.K..

[Amanda]

Hi Redstorm,

I understand how you worry about your FIDS ... I am the same way. Whenever we go for vacation (every summer), we hire a sitter to come in and look after our pets. They have been very good so far and looks after everyone well. And our pets (birds, cats & dogs) remember us when we get back ... so don't worry about your birds not remembering you.

This year though, I am going to try an "avian" sitter for Rio and Bijou. I've already contacted her and it sounds really good for the birds. She offers several options of "boarding" the birds.

First, has a large, bright bird room located on the second floor. It is a mixed flight with cockatiels and budgies flying freely among apple tree branches and natural, live plants. The lighting is full spectrum fluorescent tubes to give the birds a feeling of the outdoors and the benefits of sunshine. (This is indoors).

Then outside: There is a large, enclosed outdoor aviary with vines and gardens. Birds can enjoy the fresh-air, sunshine and breezes in this spacious enclosure. The outdoor facility measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 12 feet high and can house many different types of birds. It has screening and a covered roof. Since it is totally enclosed, it is safe from predators and heavy rains.

She also asks that every bird that comes in for boarding must have a current health certificate from an avian vet (to protect the other birds).

Anyway, this is just another option you might want to consider and look into. After seeing this facility, I know that Rio and Bijou will enjoy themselves ... and that puts less "stress" on me. I'm thinking that they will have more fun during their "vacation" time than I will

;)

P.S. Sorry this message got a bit long :rolleyes:

[Redstorm1721]

Hi Amanda, well I know we donot have anything like that here. I live in a very small town and very few pet stores. Never mind a vet. I had to bring my birds to an average vet,for check ups. Other wise I believe the closest one is a few hours away. I am so worried about this I am driving myself crazy. I was going to take a trip to the one really nice pet store we have. I am worried that they donot take in boarders.:( I also donot have a lot of money. So I have to really think about this? I have my mom and sister. I am not going to be able to take the trip to Italy. My mother in law does not know this yet? She will cry. That would be a life time experience for me. But I just can't leave my birds for such a long period of time. Thats when I feel they will forget me. Its stressful,but they are my baby's and its a really hard thing to thimk about. The farthest I have ever been was to South C. Which we only had pretty girl and my daughter took care of her. Parakeet. The kids are not affraid of her. Had her for almost 6 years and my son bought her as a mothers day gift for me. How cute is that. thank you I have a great outlook on everything maybe I can make a decision? and talk about a long message? LOL Gail

[Amanda]

Too bad they do not have any "avian" sitters where you live. I hope you find a good solution so that you can enjoy your opportunity of going to Italy and still have peace of mind about your birds. Good luck and let us know what you decide in the end.

[dlaura]

Hi Gail,
What a dilemma. However, you need to remember that you have a life to live too!

You should try making little trips like someone suggested above. It sounds as you have a mom (someone you would trust) who could come to the house and do just what you do for them. I too worry when we go away, but remember after a few days away you will feel more relaxed and will be a much happier companion for your birds. This way you could see how things go and then make your decision about Italy.

As far as Italy, maybe you could ask your mother in law to shorten the trip to two or two 1/2 weeks. This way you will get a memory for a lifetime, your mother-in-law will have the help she needs to get around, and you would not be away for "too long" as you fear. Never fear, your birds will not forget you.

[Redstorm1721]

Oh thank you so much. I am so worried because they are still baby's. I really want to go too. I already have the pass port and new lugage,that she bought me. Still I haven't said anything to her. I am so scared to. She has planed this for years. She is in her 70's and walks 10 miles a day. She has the bones of a 24 year old. Is in such good health and yet she is a little scared to go alone. Don't blame her. I think between my mom and hubby things will be okay. I can also ask my sister to help out as well. He sister in Italy, has a special thing on her phone so I can call a few times a week.It will only cost about a few cents to do that. I am also going to talk to the pet store here and see what they say? Thanks for your thoughts and help I am so happy that everyone wants to help me. I will let you all know what happens?

[JSimko]

I don't know if you can do this or not, however you may want to get a small dog crate from a pet store like pet value. They fold flat for storage and are the perfect size. The one that I have was only $36.99 and could be used for a few days or a couple of weeks, depending on size. They have a pull out tray for easy cleaning and mine gets a lot of use. It is also small enough to fit in the back seat of a car. It may be worth looking into if you need to board them or want to take them on short trips.

[Redstorm1721]

Thank you very much. Where did you purchase this?

[birdygirl]

They have them at petsupplies plus. It is safe to travel and your birds would be safe for a trip.

[Redstorm1721]

Well, I have spoke to my mother in law,and we are not going till next spring. That took a big load off my shoulders. She said it is really to hot right now and she just got her papers back from boston. I told her I was very worried about my birds. She said no worry and we will go in the spring of next year. So I am very happy about that. So I will post my worries then. LOL. Thank you all for being so very helpfull. Gail

[birdygirl]

Ok. Spend that time gettignt hem used to you leaving and coming back.

Allison

[Redstorm1721]

Yes. I have been doing that. I am in and out all day. She knows the sound of my car,because she starts to sing real loud even before I am in the house.

[dlaura]

Yes, birdygirl ....I ditto that thought.

Gail, you need to work on getting them used to other people. This way it will not be so hard on them or you!

[Redstorm1721]

I am trying. They are around all of my family,but my sunni just does not like anyone but me? My kids try to go near her when I am in another room and she trys to attack them. Pretty girl loves everybody and Pearl is happy with everyone. But Sunni hates everyone except me? I was alway in fear that she might be like that,so I made sure everyone handled her and oh she is not happy with that? If I am in the room and give her to my hubby or daughter she will fly off them hit the floor and run to me climbing up my leg till she gets to my shoulder and kisses me till I am laughing.....She looks at me like don't ever leave me? She is in no way going to trust anyone no matter what we do. I have been teaching her since the first day to go to others and she just doesn't like it. ) :

[JSimko]

My Tweety is the same way. I can put her on someone else, but she hits the floor running to get back to me.

[dlaura]

Hi Gail,
I have been wanting to suggest something to you, but was hesitating.....................but have to tell you about our experience.

Our B&G was of course bonded to Jason before coming home and my husband & I had visited pet shop a few times to visit him. Taz had no problem with Bob at pet shop. I was intimidated by Taz at the pet shop. On the very day Taz arrived home I began to work with Taz by feeding him, talking to him, and working on handling him. The best way to a parrot's heart is thru the stomach. Surprise, Taz, once home, refused to go to my husband, Bob - in a very big way. He would scream, shreik, snap at Bob, flap his wings and puff up - until Bob would walk away. At first this made me feel good that I was accepted, but did not do much for Bob. So, I begin to hold Taz next to Bob and talk with both of them while sitting next to Bob on couch. When Taz would attempt to reject Bob I would tell Taz to be good and allow Bob to stroke his head. I would say NO in a firm voice if he snapped or something - talking in a soft voice after and telling Taz it is OK that I love "daddy" and it was OK for Bob to pet him.
Eventually Bob was able to have Taz come "up-up" onto his arm with assurance from me. Now the whole family can handle Taz.
It is really much better for all!

I think that you may be (unknowingly) encouraging your bird's behavior when they jump down off who ever you try to leave them with and they run back to you. Laughing and getting kisses - may be giving your bird the wrong idea that this is what you want them to do. Don't get me wrong, I understand how wonderful it is when they only want you ----- but it also tends to confine you if you want to leave them for a while. Also, if you were to be sick with Flu or a bad cold, wouldn't it be nice to know that someone else can step in and take care of your babies - and you can rest?

Believe me, even though Taz responds to me and loves me very much - I can never replace Jason in Taz's heart. So, try to get yoyr birds to adjust to your family (at least) and I assure you everyone will be happier.

For instance, when your bird jumps off the person you leave it with,,,,,,,,,,pick the bird up and gently return to that person and explain that it should stay there. You will be right back. Each time you can increase the time you leave the bird perched on that person. Watch the shoulder and if looks like bird is going to follow you step toward it and shake your index finger back and forth and repeat "no - no - stay there" Maybe even leave the room and let your person pick up the bird from the floor if it tries to follow you- the bird may allow that if you are not around. It will be better for all around if you try to make your birds a little more independent. While you are doing this training you should put your dogs in another area of house so bird is not distracted.

Good Luck.

Let me know how you make out.

Sincerely,
dsimko

[JSimko]

Great idea.

[Redstorm1721]

Okay I agree with all that you have mentioned. I also think that you have misunderstood me? My dogs are most of the time in another room. My birds have their own room. When working with my birds its always alone or with my family members. I don't remember ever saying I think its funny they jump down and run to me then kiss me all over and me laughing. I do remember saying when Sunni kisses me all over I laugh,sometimes when she is naughty I have to turn my head so she doesn't see I think its funny? But when she jumps down and runs to me I do put her back to my husband. Bob and i went to the store everyday to get her. We waited till she was all handfed and went to see her all the time till she was ready to come home. Bob works nights at 15 hours a night. Its very hard to do anything when I have no one here. She is scared of the kids bacause they also work nights and we don't see them till the weekend. I am all alone here day and night. Its very hard for my birds to just go with anyone when I am the one they see all the time. I don't think I laugh at her when she does wrong. Not ever in front of her, and I never let her get away with it. So if you only knew one person, it will take time to adjust don't you think? You see I have a disease, and it takes over my life and this is why I donot work or go out much, as its very hard for me to walk and get around. My family and my birds are my life. With out them I would rot here in a chair and probably no one would even know?I have a muscle disease,and its very hard to get out and be with others I am embarrest to have people see me this way. My birds are the best thing since slice bread. My husband does what he can and he is the one to work as I can't. I think I am doing a pretty good job as my birds mommy. I don't do to much different with my children. So I bring up my birds the same as my kids. I am very luck to have had children as I was told I never could? But I am making it and do the best I know how. I am sorry for being so defenceive. I do take things to heart and being here is my only get away. I look forward to talking to everyone here and its the freedom I have.Not being able to walk or do much suxs but I am happy to have this let lose I have. Sometimes I do forget what I have wrote Part of my disease. I am sorry for that. So please understand they are all I have. Thanks Gail

[Redstorm1721]

Ps. Going to italy would be the first time ever going anywhere far. As far as not being able to walk well we have that covered. I hate telling people of my disease as I want to be like everyone else. So now do you understand why I am this way?

[Mrs.Birdy]

DSimko (diane):

That was some great advice about getting a bird to accept someone. I am going to try it with Marcel and my daughter. He still doesn't accept her and ruffles his feathers up and goes into attack stance when she's near him. I see I may have to be a little firmer with him. I do baby him alot. He had accepted my husband, son and I immediately, but when my daughter came home from college for the summer, he thought of her as an "invasion". My daughter feels so bad.

I will try what you mentioned......saying NO and waving my index finger, etc. She already tries to give him treats, he accepts them from her, and when he's done eating, he starts his aggressiveness again with her.

I'll let you know if it works somehow.

P.S. SHe is the only one he does this to.....he's even fine with strangers or people outside the family.


:confused:

[dlaura]

Dear Gail,
This is why I hesitated to tell you of our experience with Taz.
I truly was not trying to offend you or anything. I felt bad that you could not get away for any length of time to vacation because you worry so much about your birds. I am very sorry to have made you feel bad - I was just tryng to help - and I did not know your health issues.

About five posts up you said, "If I am in the room and give her to my hubby or daughter she will fly off them hit the floor and run to me climbing up my leg till she gets to my shoulder and kisses me till I am laughing" and this is what I was referring to.

Our dog and cat are in different area of house when we are not around, but when we are home they are allowed in the family room where birds are.

I thought maybe our experience might help you to get your babies to accept others. It honestly didn't occur to me that your husband is gone a lot and your children are not around much either. I was responding to your ?s about how you could go about maybe going to Italy. Thought that you wanted and were physically able to go. Again, I apologize and feel terrible that I upset you and hope you will accept my apology.

I am so happy that you have your birds to keep you company all day and understand your concerns about leaving them. They really are family - I feel the same way and can't imagine when Jason moves out of the house how I will do without Taz and of course Jason! It is great to have this site to talk to others and find others in same situation. Again, I am sorry and I hope you will still visit this site and keep us company.

Sincerely,
dsimko

[dlaura]

Thanks Mrs. Birdy.

I will watch to see how it works with you and your daughter. Maybe the next step would be for your daughter to offer the treat while she is holding the treat and Marcel only gets it when he steps up onto her finger. She would talk to him gently while he eats treat. You would take him back just as he finishes the treat and praise him for going to her. The next time leave him a little longer and so on and so on. I hope it helps! Good Luck.

Diane

[Redstorm1721]

Of course I will, I am very thankfull for what you have told me. I took it all wrong. Of course I am not always right how I bring up kids or anything for that matter. I know I jumped about this I am sorry. I hate to tell people of "my" condition and didn't mean to use that for you to ever feel sorry. I guess I am feeling a little sorry for myself. This is terrible of me and I also am sorry. I get very defensive at times and that is wrong. You ment well amd I should of took time to answer. Sometimes I am home way to much and I don't really know too many people. I want to sound "normal" as people call it. I am not and am disabled. I can walk at times and am in remission. When that happenes I always think I am not sick anymore and then it comes back. Its kinda like M.S. Only its so painfull I have to block it out. I am used to it and have had it for about 5 years. The dr. says i maybe was born with it but it came on during stressfull times. Oh well I have a family and that acounts for everything. It could be worse. I do sometime feel sorry for me and I didn't mean that! Thanks for all the info and I will try that. Gail

[dlaura]

Good Morning Gail,
I am glad we are friends still! How are you and the birds this morning?
Angel is still plucking the area around her chest and her legs. I got her a new bigger cage, keeping her bathed and all - so who knows. I plan to work on what she eats - improve her diet and such.
Amanda posted a "I yam what I am" thread and it gave a good recipe that I will try - whenever I find the time.
Have a good day.
Diane

[JSimko]

Question for Mrs. Birdy. Does your daughter wear perfume or some kind of hand moisturiser. If so that could possibly be what the bird does not like.

[Redstorm1721]

Hello, I can tell you that I changed my hair color, and Sunni didn't like it. She would look at me out of the corner of her eye and scream and act so weired. She puffed up her feathers and flapped her wings. I had to put her back in her cage till she was used to it. She didn't even want to come out either. After a while she was okay and back to herself.

[JSimko]

Most birds hate change.

[dlaura]

Hi Gail,
So, what color did you change to and from? It is cute how our birds act when we change something. My birds absolutely hate when I polish my nails. They tolerate clear polish -but if it has any color to it - the try and bite of this intruder.

Our birds usually stay away from me a day or two after I have had a perm or a highlighting. I think it is the smell that they don't like. So, I just wait for them to come around. Guess they have their feelings and opinions too.
Diane

[Redstorm1721]

How funny. I am a red head and it is getting so grey. I started to get grey when I was 30! Anyway I went with a little darker. Oh she hates it,LOL. I also put on fake nails and she also tried to bite them off. She put her head sideways and tried so hard to get them off. So cute. Anyway our birds do tell us in their own way how they do not like it LOL.