You've already packed your bags, arranged for transportation, and even booked a hotel room for your trip. But what about your feathered friend? Who’s going to take care of them while you’re away?
Leaving your bird unattended or in the wrong hands can be stressful and detrimental to their health. You don’t want to come back from your vacation only to find out that your bird is sick or has escaped. You need a reliable, experienced sitter who can provide your bird with the care and attention they need while you're away.
Bird boarding is a great option for pet owners who don’t have anyone they trust to take care of their birds while they’re on vacation or a business trip. Here are some reasons why you should consider bird-boarding services the next time you take a getaway.
What’s a Bird Boarding Service?
A bird boarding service is a facility that provides temporary care for birds when their owners are away. Think of it as a daycare center but for birds instead of children. These facilities offer a safe, comfortable environment for your feathered friend, with trained professionals to take care of them in your absence.
Who Offers Bird Boarding Services?
There are different types of bird boarding services available. Some are run by individual pet sitters who specialize in bird care, while others are part of a larger pet boarding facility. You can also find specialized avian clinics that offer boarding services for birds. If you’re unsure where to find a bird boarding service in your area, you can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or do an online search.
What Kinds of Birds Do Boarding Facilities Accept?
Worried about whether a boarding facility will take your bird? Don’t be. Most bird boarding services accept different types of birds, from parrots and cockatiels to canaries and finches. Whether you have a rambunctious little budgie or a large, talkative African grey, you can find a boarding service that has the right accommodations for your feathered friend.
What Services Do They Provide?
Bird boarding services provide a range of services, including regular feeding and watering, cleaning of cages and play areas, socialization and interaction with other birds (if requested), and even medical care if needed. Some facilities also offer additional services such as grooming and training sessions for an extra fee.
Why Entrust Your Bird to a Boarding Service?
Why do you need bird-boarding services? What makes them a better option than leaving your bird with a friend or neighbor? Here are some reasons why you should consider using them:
Trained and Experienced Staff
Unlike your relative, friend, or neighbor, who may not have experience in bird care, bird boarding services have trained staff who know how to handle birds. They’re knowledgeable about bird behavior, nutrition, and health, which means your feathered friend will receive proper care and attention.
Safe Environment
Do you know what types of cookware your neighbor uses? Or if your friend’s cat will be able to resist the temptation of trying to catch your bird? At bird-boarding facilities, none of these issues will be a concern. These facilities offer a safe environment for your bird, free from potential hazards that could harm them.
Socialization
Birds are social creatures and need interaction with other birds or humans to stay healthy and happy. When you leave your bird at a boarding facility, they’ll have the opportunity to interact with other birds and caregivers, which can be beneficial for their mental well-being.
Medical Care
In case of a medical emergency during your absence, bird boarding services have access to avian veterinarians who can provide prompt medical care for your feathered friend. And if your bird has prearranged medical needs, the staff at these facilities can administer medication and monitor their health accordingly.
Regular Communication
Most bird-boarding services recognize the importance of communication. That’s why many of them will provide regular updates and photos of your bird so you can see how they’re doing.
Peace of Mind
The most important benefit of using a bird boarding service is the peace of mind it gives you. You can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that your bird is in good hands and receiving the care they need. You won’t have to worry about them being neglected or getting into accidents while you’re away.
Preparing Your Bird for Boarding
You’re thinking you might use a bird boarding service next time you go out of town. But how do you prepare your bird for their stay? Here are a few suggestions.
Visit the Facility
Before booking your bird’s stay, visit the facility and talk with the staff. You’ll get a chance to familiarize yourself with the environment and ask questions. You can also see how the staff interacts with other birds and the level of cleanliness at the facility.
Book in Advance
Boarding facilities can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book your bird’s stay in advance to secure their spot and avoid last-minute stress.
Provide Information About Your Bird
Make sure to provide detailed information about your bird’s diet, health, and behavior to the staff at the facility. These details will help the staff provide the best care for your bird.
Bring Familiar Items
To make your bird feel more comfortable during their stay, bring along some familiar items from home such as toys or perches. These items will give your bird a sense of comfort in an unfamiliar environment.
Leave Emergency Contact Information
In case of an emergency, leave contact information for yourself or a trusted friend/family member who can make decisions on behalf of your bird. By following these steps, you can make your bird’s stay at a boarding facility as stress-free as possible.
It’s not uncommon for bird owners to put off going on trips due to the worry of leaving their feathered friend behind. But you shouldn’t have to become a homebody just because you own a bird. Bird boarding services offer a safe, reliable, and caring option for your bird’s temporary care.
So, take that vacation to the beach, attend that out-of-state wedding, or go on that business trip—when you come back, your bird will be there waiting for you, as happy and healthy as they were when you left them.
At All Things Birds, we offer bird-sitting services for pet owners who live in or near Santa Clarita, California. We have experience with all kinds of birds, from tiny budgies to large macaws. Our facility provides a comfortable, safe environment for your feathered friend, with trained staff who will care for them as if they were our own. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can provide the best care for your bird while you’re away.