Help--whether or not to travel with my finches

[Musetta]

So, I am going back and forth on this issue. I am driving to Indiana next week (approx8-9 hour drive) to visit my sister. I am trying to decide whether it would've better for the finches to take them with me or to leave them in Maryland under the dubious if well-intended care of my husband. Husband has never been left alone with the birds before. He has agreed to feed and water them/take care of their basic daily needs. But he doesn't want to clean their cages, and I am afraid that, as they are basically in their own room of the house (to keep them from the keen interest of my cats) they will not get much, if any, attention. On the other hand, if I take them with me to visit my sister, they will be in an environment with plenty of human interaction (and, of course, under my care). I know, I know, the finches probably don't care nearly as much about interaction with me as I do with them, especially since they have each other, and traveling would be stressful on them, I'm sure. I am just really nervous about leaving them for the first time! I will be gone a week and two days. So, which is the lesser evil? Leave them with Husband, who works in DC and is not home for most of the day and who is already tasked with caring for my dog, cats, and plants (poor man), or take them on my road trip where I can see to their care? I should say that I will be doing the drive in a single day (one way). And my sister is happy to have them as house guests. And the cages would fit in my car (2 of the 30 x 18 x 18 flight cages, two birds per cage). What should I do?? I thought I had made up my mind to leave them here until I talked with Husband about it today and was reminded how little he knows about finches. I am sure he will be good about changing their seed and water, but there are so many other little things to do for their health and comfort on a regular basis! Not to mention their cage will not get cleaned for a greater span of days than i would like. Maybe I am just being an overprotective new momma? I know I can leave him a list of instructions, but I would also feel bad thinking that he has to come home from a long day of work and an hour and a half one way commute, and in addition to watering the plants, feeding the cats and the dog, taking out the dog, and periodically changing the cat litter, he would also have to see to the birds. Ok, now I am rambling. Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone?

[Bhatta]

You have not mentioned how many days you will stay at Indiana. In my opinion, keeping them at your home is better. Changing the newspaper/paper placed at the bottom of the cage once a day/two would be enough for 7 days; cleaning the cages everyday is not essential (in case of situations like you). Travelling 7/8 hours will be very stressful to them. Further, a new home and interactions with lot of new people will make them more stressed.

[Ameza]

Hiya.

I think it would be better to leave the little guys with you husband.A long travel in new environment can really stress out the birds and a car ride can get really hot and uncomfortable for the fids.

I would leave them at home and just make sure your husband remembers to care for them. You can make him video call you each day and show you the finches, lol, then you can make sure they're alright

I know how you feel though, I was really protective of my fids when I first got them, but my mom has successfully cared for them a few times for me

[Musetta]

Ameza, thanks! Good idea with the video chat. I already have him show me my other animals when I am away. I'll just add birds to the list!

[debbie276]

Leaving them behind with your husband would be the best in my opinion. In and out of different weather conditions and temperatures will not be good for your little finches. I'm sure your husband is more then capable of taking care of them for a short week or two.
Go visit your sister and enjoy your getaway.

[Musetta]

Argh--I'm going to miss them (and my other animals. And my husband, haha). But I suppose there is something relaxing about taking time off from my zookeeper duties ;).

[finchandlovebird]

I too vote to leave them w/husband. It'll be fine

[Sally]

Changing the environment is stressful on the birds, and stress can lead to illness. I'd leave them at home, and to cut down on the workload for your husband, I'd say he only needs to change the papers/clean the cages once a week, on the weekend. I know many finchkeepers who work and clean their cages no more often than once a week. With all my cages, mine certainly don't get daily cleaning, it is once a week at most. All he would have to do is a visual check, change the water tubes, check the seed/replenish if necessary. This would take a matter of minutes. The birds can do without extras like eggfood, veggies, treats, baths during the week. The birds will survive, your husband will be grateful for less work, and you can enjoy your vacation. After all, vacations are supposed to be about getting away from it all!

[Toddmin]

Definitely leave them at home. If you are concerned about them being given food/water, purchase a vacation feeder )or even some sort of outdoor feeder), and instruct your husband to still make sure they have water and seed.

As for cleaning the cages, I change the papers in mine about once a week, and even less for the birds taking care of newborns or sitting on eggs (so they don't get so scared they abandon the nests).

[dfcauley]

I agree with everyone else. Maybe you could lay newspaper thick in the bottom and all your husband would have to do is pull out the dirty paper every other day. Then it would be cleaner at the bottom for them. Go enjoy your time with your sister!. Leave them home.....

[Musetta]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice! Now I feel better about it. Although I think there is little chance I can get him to change the substrate in the tray, no matter how "easy" I make it for him. He's already on cat litter box duty. But I will just be gone a little over a week, so maybe it won't get too messy...

[Musetta]

Just an update, for anyone interested: I got back from my trip today to find that finches AND Husband all survived! Ameza, I literally had him show me the finches (as well as my other animals) via FaceTime every single day I was gone--so thanks again for the suggestion! But I am just so proud of him for taking excellent care of all four of my little winged creatures .

[Sally]

Glad your trip went well, and now you have a well-trained pet sitter husband! Lucky you, I have to hire one. A pet sitter, that is!

[debbie276]

Wonderful news!
Welcome back!!

[finchandlovebird]

Oh Sally, Go for it! Hire a husband !!!