Just when things were going well

[bird-brain]

As you guys all know, my baby cutie pie fid Cabo has been doing great, and newly fidnapped conure Sky is a velcro bird but settling in well. I have to leave them for at least a week, maybe longer. :( I have been their primary person but everyone here does one on one time with both of them and have since day one.
My sister is battling cancer and not doing well with her chemo and I need to go help take care of my 3 year old nephew. They live out of state (10 hours drive) so visiting my birdie babies wont be an option. I know both birds are very fond of my family in general but I am so worried. Cabo's music has to be on by a certain time every day and if you take him out too close to noon it blows it nap and he doesn't eat well that afternoon and is grumpy. Poor Sky is just getting here and if you saw the way she navigates obstacles to get to my shoulder you would be sad too. I feel like I am leaving two year old children in the care of strangers! My kids are 20 and 17 and genuinely love all of our animals so yes I am over reacting. Evening have always been "daddy time" with the birds so that at least will remain consistent as Wayne is staying here. The family is taking shifts with my sis and mine starts Sunday. Today, I had the children handle them way more than I did and will continue this throughout the weekend. I know both birds rely on me and any suggestions about transitioning them would be appreciated.

[dieflying]

i'm sorry about your sister :(

my instinct says they'll likely do well with familiar faces around and it's even better than having someone only dropping in once or twice a day to check on them.

however, i've never left my baby home while i was gone, so i can't speak from experience. i'm sure someone else has way better advice than i do.

[Enko_chan]

I am sorry to hear your sister isn't doing well, positive thoughts to you and her and the family.

As much as you can, let your family who will be taking care of them, spend more time than usual with the birds before you go. Also, call them and have your birdsitters put you on speaker phone... It may seem silly, but when I was in Florida for two weeks last spring, Chris took care of the birds and we did this every day. They really did respond to it.

So long as your birdsitters know that they can call you anytime day or night if something is needed, they should be able to keep the fids happy. The only other thing I could think of is having them come with, but not knowing your situation inside and out, I can understand many possible reasons why that isn't acceptable.

You have a good heart to care so much for your family- both human beings and feathered beings. Positive thoughts coming your way!

[Janie]

I'm very sorry to hear about your sister, sending thoughts and prayers your way.

I truly think your babies will be OK. They'll miss you, of course, but sounds like they'll get good care in your absence. Take care....

[bookworm0550]

i'm so sorry about your sister. i also think your babies will be ok. don't worry, i'd be the same way too. they once spent the night at my sister's place and i kept calling like every hour to check up on them like a lunatic

[bird-brain]

yeah, I think I'll be doing that frequent calling thing too. On the bright side, I am going to the craft store on the way up so I can occupy my down time there with birdie toy making. I have two typed pages of instructions I gave my kids today and they just rolled their eyes and were like "COME ON MOM we handle these guys everyday!!!" Yes they do, but they don't understand the idiosyncrasies of these birds....They are gonna have a new appreciation for their mommy when this is over I think. Thanks so much everyone for your positive thoughts and well wishes!!

[Jally]

I'm sorry to hear about your sister :( You're a good sissy for being there for her.

Recently, my daughter was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks and my guys only got to see me at bedtime. Now, my hubby and I have 13 birds, but Peanut is my little guy! We have a special night time routine that no one else can do. And, I'd get home just in time for our nightly routine then have to put him to bed :( I missed him just as much as he missed me!

Anyway, he is fine...a little more clingy than usual, but fine nonetheless. And, I think your guys will be just fine, too.