Societys Feathers: Didn't get enough light or stressed?

[FinchLady]

Boarded my Societys at local animal clinic for 12 days while visiting family in Ohio. Have left them there several times. My only past 'complaint' was dirty perches and cage corners....think they only change cage litter, water and seed.....same this time, too. When I arrived the front office was empty except for the resident tom cat laying on the counter- not that I mind the cat but my birds were sitting on a nearby filing cabinet covered up (this was around noon today). Had been told my birds would not be left alone with the cat and were not kept in the front office- kept in Vet's office in another area without other pets. Was not given any explanation for why they were covered in the middle of the day. After getting everybody home, could see several birds have lost weight, one has been plucked, all have dull feathers. They aren't 'sick' but definitely out of peak condition (which is how I left them 12 days ago). Would lack of light cause their feathers to appear dull? Color edges are not clearly defined....like they have been molting. Already put them in front of a window and turned on a light near the cage. Have also given them hardboiled eggs and millet seed (they have been on pellets only). Anything else I should do? They are a bit jumpy and stressed.
*one good development: will be able to rehome 3-4 birds with a worker's grandmother....she is in the local bird club & keeps finches.

[mayble]

They would probably appreciate a bath.
I'm assuming the caregivers didn't provide them with that opportunity, which could account for the sad state of their plumage.

[FinchLady]

I wondered if the lack of bathing would cause them to look so ragged. My white bird has dirty tail and wing feathers. I gave them a bath right after we came home and another one a few minutes ago. They definitely missed their bath time- all 9 tried to jam into dish at one time- had to change water couple of times. Also gave the cage and water cups a thorough cleaning with a toothbrush- Yikes, it was a mess! Can a dirty cage/water cups make them sick?

[Nerien]

If you pay this clinic for boarding your birds, I'd have a serious talk with the manager. Obviously they did NOT provide the care you and they agreed upon. Dirty food and water cups are inexcusable. Period. Whether or not they do the extras, like baths, is a different matter, but basic care is non-negotiable.

And perhaps look for a different solution the next time you need to go away, since this place is obviously not trustworthy.

[Sally]

I agree, they did not do what they agreed to do, like keeping the cage in the back away from the cat. Wonder if they kept the cage covered to try to avoid attracting the attention of the cat? At any rate, I would think it is time to find another boarding place for the future.

I'm moving this thread to the Health section, rather than the Marketplace.

[mayble]

Can a dirty cage/water cups make them sick?

Absolutely!
I agree with the others - it's time to pitch a fit and find a new place to care for your birds.

[finchmix22]

Ditto! Even my neighbor's daughter, age 16, cares for my birds at the expected level and she does it as a favor, not even for money!!

[FinchLady]

Listened to your advice and dropped by main Animal clinic (same veteranary group at another location). Staff voiced the same concerns you did and said care was 'totally unacceptable'. I had a personal apology from the Vet and a consultaion with their Avian Specialist (I didn't know they had one!). I was shown the 'pet suite' where my birds would be boarded.....absolutley no roaming tomcats (or other animals) or people traffic of main office area. Oh, and one other thing: my birds will never again be boarded or seen at the satellite clinic. The Vet gave me a sack full of summer squash as I was leaving (Hey, this is the South!) lol

Glad I took your advice and spoke up.....apparently second-class service is something they take quite seriously.....had the impression they've had other care/ tom cat issues from the other clinic recently.

[Nerien]

Great! Glad to hear that the main office listened to what you had to say, and agreed with you that what had happened was unacceptable. Sound like they will provide proper care for your birds, and hopefully straighten out that other office so that no one else's pets are mistreated there.

Good for you for speaking up, I know it's not an easy or comfortable thing to do, but sometimes you just gotta make waves to set things right.

[FinchLady]

It was uncomfortable....I'm not a confrontational person. However, Forum input reminded me it's not just my Babies- someone else will have the same poor care if I don't speak up.
(You folks have really pushed me out of my 'shell'...in a good way) lol

[Martie]

Coming in late here - but wanted to send Kudos as well! It is hard to speak up - and even harder to do it well - but sounds like you did a wonderful job.

Also wanted to mention that keeping the cage covered has other issues as well. If it was very dark at all inside, the birds would not eat or drink well - if at all. Some years ago, we had a several-day power outage in the Winter. The birds in my basement birdroom did fine with the cold - but it was the dim light that was the real problem. Most would not eat at all and we had to rotate work lights around the room to keep them going.

[FinchLady]

I didn't know that! Now I'm really glad I spoke up.
Next weekend we will be boarding again at the main office where Avian Specialist, Theresa, works....feel much better having a specialist there and liked the Vet at that office, too. Will let everyone know how it goes.

Also wanted to mention that keeping the cage covered has other issues as well. If it was very dark at all inside, the birds would not eat or drink well - if at all

[FinchLady]

Update:
Boarded my Societies at the main clinic- which is closer to our home and more convenient Wow, what a difference! Cage and water/seed dishes were clean. Birds were healthy and happy....they were so 'comfortable', Cocoa laid 3 eggs! (I was only gone 4 days). Staff was much friendlier than the other clinic...overall, 'cleaner', too. I liked the onsite avian specialist and the Vet....they were more caring than other office.
'Speaking up' really did pay off!

[wellingtoncdm]

Glad you had a better experience. What a relief that must be!