Boarding Parrots

[Pampa]

I am thinking about parrot babysitting. I have several large cages I can put in a spare room and can board them at my home or I can travel to someone’s home if it is is the town where I live. I live in a rural area so we have no breeders or anyplace to board a bird except one pet store that is noisy and busy and frankly not all that clean. We only have one avian vet in the county. Sitting for my Pampa was always a problem because I don’t know anyone interested or knowledgeable about birds. I was afraid to take her to friends or family because of fear they would burn candles, cook with Teflon or something. I always had someone come twice a day to feed, water, clean and she never got out of her cage while I was away. I don’t leave often or for long so it worked out okay. So anyway I think there may be a market for my services.
I have no idea what to charge or pitfalls, dangers, liabilities. I do not want to put my birds at risk of disease or other people’s birds if one boarder brought a disease. I am open to suggestions and ideas and what to charge. Being a rural area I would probably charge less than you would charge in a big city.
Thank you all in advance.

 

[Jen5200]

It’s an interesting idea - and it sounds like there is a need. I know that I would love to have someone that I trust to take care of my birds. I wonder if an avian vet would be able to give some advice about potential illnesses and how they are transferred, quarantine practices. I know that some avian boarding facilities require a recent certification from a vet before being brought to their facility. I’ve never boarded mine, so I can’t speak to rates (we don’t have anywhere near me that does boarding).

 

[Squeekmouse]

I wish you lived closer to me!!!

 

[wrench13]

On the surface it might be a good idea, just make sure you tick off the medical, physical and LEGAL boxes when you research it. And it has to make financial sense too, or why do it, right? Are you sure neighbors and fmily will not mind room(s) full of screaming parrots of various sizes? All things to really research and look into.. Kep us posted, Good Luck.

 

[Pampa]

Thank you Jenn and Salty.
Because I don’t live in an unpopulated area I don’t think I will have many birds. I’m not sure if I am going to follow through with the idea.