Gonna be going away....

Hi,

I think I'm starting to loose my mind. My husband and I are going to be going away in May. So that means I have to figure out what to do with my Joe. I know this is bad, but I have never taken him to a vet. My husband's idea is to take him to an avian vet the month before we go. So that we can board him at the vet's while we are gone. We use to have someone come over and take care of him but that is not an option at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

if you are going to board your parrot anywhere they will usually require a certificate of health (can be provided by your Avian Certified Vet) and it usually has to be current (within the last 12 months or so). Your husband has the right idea about taking Joe to the vet for a "Well Birdie check-up".

As for a boarding preference, most ACV will supply this service as well. The most important part of your boarding facility is that you are comfortable with them (and if not your vet that they have access to an ACV at all hours of the day, or night, in case of an emergency) that way you can go away and ENJOY your vacation.

I personally do not board my girls wth my vet, but rather at another location. This is a personal preference for me. At the vets they stay in a cage all day long while I am gone, with my place they are taken out, handled and loved. I trust my place completely and have no qualms in leaving the girls there anytime I need to.

You just have to find a place that you are comfortable with, and if there isn't another option that you like better I wouldn't hesitate to leave Joe with your vet if they offer this service.

Thanks textdot33....

I'm also facing a similar choice, though I'm only leaving for perhaps a week. Luckily I have some coworkers I trust who have bird experience who can come over to my home and take care of Auggie.

I'm probably going to have the same problem in December. My only choice as of right now, is for a coworker come and check on him every day for me. He'll make sure there is food and water, but unfortunately Leo will have to stay in his house for 4-5 days.

But this is still better that he's at home, than being taken to a totally different place. He's been moved around so much already, I don't want him to feel that he's being moved to a new house again, and upset him.

Um, can I pose a question here related to going away? I don't have a bird yet, but this is one of my big concerns. We are first of all trying to find a species of parrot that is generally known for being adaptable to new situations, as well as one who has been well socialized from early on. (maybe a Maxi Pionus or a GCC from a reputable breeder?)
Anyway, we have a motorhome that we use on most of our vacations. What do you think about taking a bird with us - putting in a safe traveling crate while on the move and having as large as possible foldable cage for when we get where we will be?

I think it's a great idea.

I also think that, given the appropriate precautions and preparations, a parrot could enjoy such a road trip. Smaller would certainly be better though - a GCC would be perfect: as Tex often points out they are big parrot personality in a small parrot body.