How soon after acquiring a new pair of Gouldians would it be OK to leave them alone for 3 days with sufficient food and water in unspillable and unsoilable containers?
Is there any reason I couldn't go away for a long weekend, about 3-4 weeks after acquiring them, or would that be too stressful for them? After a breeder this week advised me to never leave them unattended under any circumstances, even after they've adjusted to their new home, I'm now beginning to re-think the species.
I had done some fairly extensive research in my spare time over the past 3 months in preparation for adding birds to my home, and during this process had decided on Gouldians. The cage, food, lighting and all accessories are all finally set up, I've done my "homework" -- perhaps too much -- and felt as ready as I'll ever be, and had planned to finally buy a pair within the next week or so. But suddenly this bombshell.
I haven't run across anything at all to indicate Gouldians are THAT dependent on attended care every single day of their lives. But if she's right, maybe Gouldians just would not be a good fit for me after all. Although I'd certainly intended to make alternative arrangements for any trips of more than 3 days, I hadn't contemplated having to do so for the occasional long weekend away, which I typically do 3-4 times during the year.
In planning for such occasions, I've already purchased 2 large plastic water tubes that attach to the outside of the cage (not the type with the tube spout and ball, but with a simple tiny level water trough at the drinking end). I was planning to fill both tubes, in case something happened to one while I'm away. I also have a "Tidy Seed" feeder that I had intended to hang on the cage exterior with 3 days worth of food (a 50/50 mix of Dr. Harvey's fabulous finch seed mix and Harrison's high-potency pellet mash). I assume they can do without the supplemental fresh fruit and veggies for 3 days, until I return.
Should I delay any such brief trips until they've had more time to "settle in" first? For how long -- 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize the birds, that's obviously paramount. Aside from the moral responsibilities, I've also invested far too much time and money into this to do anything to risk their well-being. But I am not prepared to impose on someone by asking them to look after the birds every time I need to go away for a weekend. I'd prefer to play that favor card only when I really need to -- such as when I'm away for a week's vacation.
Any pearls of wisdom from somebody with experience handling Gouldians?
Would this answer be the same whether I left them unattended in my home OR left them with a neighbor?
For this reason alone, I'd prefer to leave them at home, with lots of water and seed. Unless I can afford to hire someone to look after them. No hard feelings then if something goes wrong. It would be sad, but it wouldn't ruin a good friendship. So if just for 3 days, I say leave them at home. For anything longer, then pay someone to look after them.. preferably not a friend. 
