Hey all,

So I am in major need of a vacation and struggling with what to do with Jasper. I have no one in the city to help me.

My parents live in another province and are only able to commit to one week in August for looking after him. That leaves me no leeway for trying to find better prices on trips, and that specific week is horrendously expensive right now.

Next option is boarding. I've only boarded him once before, for 3 days. Felt absolutely awful but was happy it wasn't for too long.

If I take a week vacation I will need to board him for 10 days total (drop off day before, pick up day after) so I'm looking at over $250 (+~$50 more for renting a car to get him there/back), and the fact he'll be cage-bound that entire time. The boarding would be at the vet and they don't take them out of the cage.

Have any of you ever boarded your birds for this length of time? I'm worried to death he'll be depressed, bored, and miserable.

Any thoughts would be appreciated...being a single birdie mommy is hard sometimes

Don't feel guilty, we all need a holiday now and again.

We board Archie (Patagonian conure) at our vets when we go away.

He's just spent 7 days there and last year he went for 15 days.

He gets a bit grumpy after about 5 days. I think that's just because they love the routine of home and the company of his "flock" (that being us and the rest of our menagerie!)

He's always super happy to see us and very excited to get home.

He may not love his holidays but he's certainly no worse off for it


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Traveling is definitely an issue for some parronts. There is always the option of bringing him with you on vacation, I know some members here always travel with their birds, but of course that can bring problems of its own. With our cockatiels we just have a family friend come over daily and feed/water them. They are just fine with being in a cage for the week.

I've never boarded them, but at this point, it may be your best option for getting Jasper what he needs so you can get a break, unless you can (hopefully!) maybe find someone on here close to you that could offer their help. Boarding definitely is an added expense, and may stress/depress him some, but that's the harsh reality of traveling/vacationing and owning birds I suppose. Good luck in your search!!

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- Jackie, Boo Rue , Ash & Ember

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I've boarded Parker twice for approximately a week at a time. Look, if you need to get away you need to get away, it's not like it's an every two week thing. The important thing is that he is SAFE. I felt bad, yes, but I feel bad if I even leave our dog with my mom.

I wouldn't feel too bad about boarding him if you have to. He's well cared for, just a little claustrophobic for a little while. He will be fine.

As Chris says he would be safe. You can take the food you usually give him and perhaps write a crib sheet for the staff that will look after him. A little of his character and the things he does and doesn't like. He will not doubt bond with someone there during his stay, it is self preservation. If they can trust him they are usually happy to give a little out time. You can be assured that he will be in good hands. :-)

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Thanks guys, appreciate the replies Yeah the first time I boarded him I left a manual for them and brought his food, treats, etc. Will do that every time for sure.

Cheers!

I believe the hardest part is researching to find a safe and comfortable location to board, and the physical act of dropping off. Once all this is accomplished, it is easier to have a stress-free vacation. Some facilities have video available through "portals" so you can get a visual any time you wish.

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Your vet may also be able to provide you with the name of someone who will board them in their home, or a pet sitter for your home. They know a lot of bird people .You'll probably have to provide a clean bill of health, but your vet could do that.