Boarding your conure

Hello parronts!

I know there are tons of posts on this topic, but I'd love to hear what you have to say regarding my specific situation.

I'll be traveling out of country for three weeks.

There are two situations for Kiwi:

Have a trust-worthy neighbor check in on her every other day. However he is a much older gentleman and cannot really bend very well, so he would have problems changing her litter. I do not want her poops staying in her cage for three weeks, nor do I want him to hurt himself.

Or, I can board her at my avian vet. It is VERY expensive, but it's worth it considering she'll have the vet right there, and her cage, food and water dishes cleaned everyday. However, they have a very small space, and will allow our own cage but not a very big one. Kiwi lives in a fairly large space now, I'm concerned down-sizing for three weeks straight will drive her nuts

What do you guys think? Any ideas..solutions for both?

I am so worried! I hate traveling without my babies (have to figure out what to do with our dog too) but I need to make this trip, it's extremely important to me

Thank you very much!

Usually I would say keep her home, but if she won't have company to interact with I think she would go a little nuts there too. She may even be scared since her routine will be off. If you can't find anyone who will spend time with her at your place then I would go with the vets.

I have a petsitter come twice a day. Does your avian vet have a recommendation for a pet sitter?

Home alone for 3 weeks sounds like too long, even if the neighbor comes once a day.
Combination of pet sitter and neighbor would be good if you can do it. Pet sitter at least once a day, and neighbor to visit and keep him company once a day.

If boarding at vet, ask if there is any way they give him out-of-cage time every day. One of the a-vets near me will keep them out all day on individual perch/playstands as long as they are tame enough and healthy. Are you in Florida by any chance?

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'll call my vet and ask about out of cage time. I'm hoping they will be able to accommodate that! I'll also ask about a pet-sitter!

When we went away we hired someone to come sit around for 4 hours with the birds a couple times a week. They had access to the tv, internet, and whatever food was in the house. We told our neighbors to keep an eye on the house though just incase!

Is there any mom $ pop bird stores/breeders near you? A lot of those places (where I live anyway) will board much cheaper than the vets, and as long as your bird is healthy and tame will be allowed out. Some have a bird commons area with stands and gyms where they hang out. He'd probably get more attention at something like that then your neighbor. Hope you find a solution

What about someone to housesit/petsit? Perhaps a friend who is happy to stay at your house for the 3 weeks and that way all of your animals would be able to stay put? Barry stayed at my partners for a few days while I was sick/on holiday and he was in such a mood with me when I got home! Haha

I have certainly thought of having a friend house/pet sit, but three weeks seems a bit much to ask of a friend. Maybe I'll employ three friends..one a week ..lol.. I'll let you guys know what I end up doing, and the results of it. Thanks again for all your great suggestions!