Leaving budgies home alone

[lukethedude]

Hi all,

I have two male budgies, both about 8 months of age.

I have to be away on business in late July for about a week and since I live in a new city, I have no one to come and check on them.

Food and water won't be an issue, as I'm already only refilling both only once a week and will be leaving extra for them to have shoukd they need it.

They have a bit of a dom-sub relationship but they nuzzle and swing together as well. I'm not worried about them fighting. I guess my primary concernnis that they may get a bit bored or stressed out without their daily out of cage time.

Any tips?

[Marianne Marlow]

Luke,

You should not only be refilling their food and water once a week.

Can you imagine drinking from water that had been hanging around for an entire day, let alone a week?

Also, do you make sure there are not seed husks on top of the seed trough? You need to do this at least twice a day if you have normal seed posts and and once a day for a special kind that leaves the husks outside to make sure the seed is still getting through.

In answer to your question, NO, I do not think they will be okay left for a week alone. Not at all.

I'm sorry if you think this is a harsh reply, but the welfare of your birds in first and foremost in my mind.

Marianne

[splodge]

I agree with Marianne here Luke. Water needs changing at least once a day. I do ours first thing and then at bed time, there's always poo and feathers floating about in there. The same goes for seed. I blow the husks off every day and change fresh food.

Budgies need company, exercise and welfare checks. A week is too long. Personally, I'd be uncomfortable with 24 hours!

[Marianne Marlow]

Not only do I change water every day, I use aviclens to make sure it's as clean as it can be.

Yes, splodge is right about exercise and welfare checks. How big is their cage?

Where do you live lukethedude ? have you thought about perhaps taking them to a pet sitting service?

Also you wont be able to tell just by looking at them from a distance if they have lots weight due to not being able to get to their seed. Not until it's too late.

I lost a bird while not knowing that she was not eating. As a consequence I now weigh all of my birds weekly.

This has helped immensely as I have a fussy hen that goes on hunger strike if I change something in her cage and she doesn't like it. This has happened 3-4 times in the last 2 years.

[feathers]

Hi Luke I also agree with not leaving them alone, I would be very hesitant about leaving them overnight let alone any longer.

Just ask yourself would I be alright being shut up in my bedroom for a whole week? I think you know the answer.

Have you asked around at work I'm sure you must have some contacts that would be happy to help if not some vets offer boarding, please try asking around.

[samwiseg]

Hi lukethedude and welcome

Can only echo what other members have said as birds do need daily care however, if you dont have family or friends near you to look after your birds then try a Pet Sitter service.

Have had a quick look and found some info on the Parrot Society here that might help you

It may also help if we knew roughly where you are to assist further

I do hope you find a solution please let us know as some may be able to help you on here

[Hezz]

Get in contact with your local vet; often they will have a member of staff who will help out at a pinch. The bird should definitely NOT be left to their own devices for a whole week, regardless of the food and water issue. That is a whole different issue. Please, please reconsider what you are thinking of doing; it really is not good for the birds, as mentioned by members already.

[milliej]

Hi Luke, I think it depends on a few things, I have two birds which don't get free flying time because we have a little terror terrier who'd have them in a flash if she could!
I change my budgies water every other day depending on the level and the condition (if they've dropped seed in etc) although I think that depends on the type of water container we use? I have a hand vac so hoover off the husk every morning. Just check and see what needs doing really.
You're obviously busy, out at work and budgies are good companions so it will benefit both them and you to take time and care as & when you can.
When we've gone away, we leave a key with a neighbour and a friend pops in to keep an eye on them but the last time she spilled the seed and it was everywhere, she hadn't bothered to hoover it up! (she's still a friend tho ) I can only suggest what the others have, ask your vet, a neighbour, a friend, a work colleague, newspaper for a local pet sitting service or a pet shop? If you don't mind saying where you live (the city) there may be someone who can help. There will be someone out there willing to help, it's just finding them which I hope you do for your peace of mind and the budgies welfare.

[mintysowner]

Where abouts do you live? Only if you were close to me I'd be happy to have them for the week, but obviously depends where you live

[milliej]

There you go one offer already and.....my husband and I will be in Reading, Berkshire from 23rd July for 5 days. If your in that area I could always pop in and feed them etc for you?

[Marianne Marlow]

You guys are so kind.

Hopefully Luke will log in soon and see these responses.

[Billy's Dad]

I can't believe this post,who would seriously contemplate leaving 2 birds on their own for as long as a week. 
I get paranoid if I have to leave Billy for a few hours.
As others have already said, their seed needs to be checked/replenished/husks removed at least once a day (I do it at least twice) and water needs to be fresh every day (I use freshly boiled water each day).
Please don't do this and try to find someone who will either look after them or at the very least check on them every day,and can you update us with your location as a member on here may be able to help or offer some solution

[Billy's Dad]

Jun 26, 2015 10:16:27 GMT Marianne Marlow said:

You guys are so kind.

Hopefully Luke will log in soon and see these responses.

I hope so,but doubt it.

[ffiscool]

What a worry.....

[suesbird]

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent area I could help.