Bird-sitter?

[snowboardmandy]

Hi everyone,

As you know if you've seen the photos, I'm a happy birdie-mom again! However, with that comes all the worries over my little fid....

I'm going for a 4 day camping trip in 2 weeks. I have a few different options for Obie while I'm away, and though any of them are workable, I'm not really sure which would be the best...

Option 1: take him to a friend's house for her to watch him. She has bird experience, but also 2 dogs that are inside dogs and well, after what happened with Arwen I'm wary of combining birds and other pets.

Option 2: Leave him at home, but have my neighbor upstairs come by and feed/check up on him from time to time. He wouldn't have much out-of-cage time this way, but he would be in familiar surroundings.

Option 3: Take him to the breeder's. They still have his brothers and other bird friends...I know he would have a good time and be well taken care of, and have plenty of play time but would it be too traumatic for my lil guy (he's only about 13 weeks old) to be reunited with his friends, only to be separated again? He was so sad the first time he left.....

Anyhow, just wanted to get some other opinions....thanks!


Mandy

[linda040899]

Mandy,
That's a very simple question to answer. I would take him to the breeder and let him stay with her while you are gone. He will most certainly have a good time!

He's young so he not only missed the breeder, he missed all his siblings, as well. This is his first time on his own. Give him a bit of time and you will find he's very happy with you. :)

[Tango's_Mom]

I would take him to the breeder as well, that way the person caring for him, will have plenty of experience, you know he will be safe, you won't have to worry about something happening to him around the dogs or while he's alone at home, another option is that some avian vets board birds, you could look into that option as well.

[snowboardmandy]

oh, and question 2: What is a fair price to pay someone for bird-sitting services? I have absolutely no idea...

[Janie]

Mandy, the first time I had to leave Big Boi and Shy, I did take them back to their breeder and her daughter cared for them....and did a great job. :D I paid her double what she charged. :D She wanted $5.00 a day and I gave her $10.00. Now that they are happy with my hubby and sons, I can leave them with them if I am gone but at that time, they did not accept anyone but me and that was the best solution and a good one. :)

As to what they charge, ask them. :)

[kimsbirds]

From a breeders point of view, I prefer that any past clients bring their babies here for birdiesitting, and I charge 7.50 a day per cage. I get to reestablish a relationship with my former fids AND I get a glimpse at their cages/toys/condition/health while they're here. If I find anything amiss or of concern, I mention it when they pick up their birds.
I'm sure Obie will be thrilled to join his siblings!! A lil holiday...what fun !!

Have a good holiday, and don't you think that you'll worry the LEAST if Obie stays with his breeder???

Kimmie

[mandy]

I'd agree... take the fid to the breeded.

[bellarains]

Mandy,

My vet charges $11.00 per day for all three birds. I would also take your baby to the breeder if that is an option though. S/he knows her, and you know she'll take good care of him/her. I'm sure whatever she charges, it will be fair. I haven't heard of anyone charging too much for boarding. Shoot, somedays I'd like to pay someone to come in even when I'm home:lol

[snowboardmandy]

Thanks for the info :) I will contact the breeder today and see if they will be available that weekend. I just ask about pricing because EVERYTHING is so different and more expensive up here in Alaska (most fruit is about $4-6/lb in the grocery store). A friend of mine paid me $50 to watch her dogs for about 30 hours...all I did was let them out to play in the yard 4 times and feed/water them. I told her it was waaayy too much money, but she said no no, it was fine. Granted, I did drive to her house 4 times, but I would think a bird for 4 days is way more work than that, so I wasn't sure how much to offer...