Vacations vs. Staying Home

[spiritbird]

I really do not like to leave my birds alone or with a bird sitter. Are Vacations worth it? Some of you are fortunate to see more of the world and come home to happy, healthy birds. What is your secret?

[kendrafitz]

For us, it's preparation. I have trained some people on how to handle Rosie and the dogs are easy. We also bribe some people with the use of our house and if it's summer, pool.

I tell Rosie and the dogs we are going away before we go and tell her when we will be back. I explain who will be coming and how they are going to have so much fun.

It seems to work, bc everyone is usually pretty happy once we get home. We travel a few times a year, so they are all pretty used to the idea that we go and then come home.

Still doesn't alleviate Mommy guilt though!

[PeachyDoll]

Dianne, we are the same way. Our method is getting Rosie familiar with a couple of bird sitters that are also friends of ours. While they have bird sat for a couple of hours at a time we have not gone away yet. My hubby has been away for work and I took a couple of short trips this year. I do the same as Kendra, literally sit down and have a conversation with Rosie. Tell her how long I'll be gone, where I'm going, that I'll pick up some bird treats and to be good for Daddy. lol. It works for the most part and we do have speaker phone convos while we are away. We don't do it for too long maybe 2 - 3 mins and Rosie loves it. She knows it's me on speaker because she says Hi Boo! and that's my name and when hubby is on the line she wolf whistles and that's his name. She bobs her head and responds with a few gargles and kisses etc. We think that her gradually getting used to familiar faces for short periods of time will condition her for when we really take a week long vacation. Only time will tell if that's true.

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[Mr Peepers]

Dianne, we are the same way. Our method is getting Rosie familiar with a couple of bird sitters that are also friends of ours. While they have bird sat for a couple of hours at a time we have not gone away yet. My hubby has been away for work and I took a couple of short trips this year. I do the same as Kendra, literally sit down and have a conversation with Rosie. Tell her how long I'll be gone, where I'm going, that I'll pick up some bird treats and to be good for Daddy. lol. It works for the most part and we do have speaker phone convos while we are away. We don't do it for too long maybe 2 - 3 mins and Rosie loves it. She knows it's me on speaker because she says Hi Boo! and that's my name and when hubby is on the line she wolf whistles and that's his name. She bobs her head and responds with a few gargles and kisses etc. We think that her gradually getting used to familiar faces for short periods of time will condition her for when we really take a week long vacation. Only time will tell if that's true.

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If I birdysit the Boo Boo bird she has to come to me and I won't let her come back to you. It will be a BIRDNAPPING case.

[spiritbird]

I would love to spend a week or two in Costa Rica however the $$ is the problem. Then a bird sitter would be my friend across the hall from me who is a wonderful 89 year old animal lover. She visits with Kobe and Tango most every day. The minute she walks in the birds jump up next to the cage door. Guess I should be buying lottery tickets.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

We're off today, Casper went just now. We loaded his cage, his cleaning stuff, his toys and food into the back of the car whilst he was in his travel cage and then drove a couple of miles to our friends who are used to having him. He was very chatty until we left, then he flock called for a bit but is now perched up by his cosy where he usually sleeps, not saying a word (as you can tell we are missing him already and have phoned to see if he is OK). He will be subdued for a day, maybe two, but will then settle in to the new routine. His cage is near a huge set of patio doors so that he gets a great view of the garden.
Back in a couple of weeks, byeee.

[spiritbird]

Have fun on your trip.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Thanks Dianne
Have just done my packing which included shorts, tshirts and... thermal underwear. You never can tell on a summer boating holiday in the UK!

[Mr Peepers]

Thanks Dianne
Have just done my packing which included shorts, tshirts and... thermal underwear. You never can tell on a summer boating holiday in the UK!


Enjoy your holiday, I hope the weather is perfect for you. :th_smile:

I'm mad jelly you are vacationing I was suppose to be in Nova Scotia this week/and weekend but NOPE, work calls and demands.

[Lady]

Be safe and warm~ Take lots of photos so we can see what a wonderful time you and Margaret had.