Traveling. No 1 to take care of finches.

[solo_birdlover]

Hi.

I'm thinking about going to visit a friend (almost a day's drive) and will probably be gone for about 2 weeks. I have a couple of finches that I can't find any one to take care of - or can't trust others with taking care of them- while I'm gone and I don't know what to do. I'm sure leaving enough food isn't a problem but I'm worried about water. I know it's not only the food and water I should be worried about though. I think 2 weeks is too long to leave a finch alone but I don't know what to do. I even thought about getting a monitoring system that can give live feed so I can watch them on my phone but it seems like it's not an easy thing to do. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Colt]

See if a local pet store (mom and pop not big box store) or a vet will board them for a minimal fee.

[solo_birdlover]

Thanks for the reply, colt. I guess I have to look for someone who does boarding and for a reasonable price.

[lnlovesorange]

You don't have anyone you trust enough to just check on them? I mean I wouldn't really trust anyone to actually care for my finches, but, like every third day come and change the paper, make sure there's water and food? If there is absolutely no one, then I would try what the others said, see if there is a boarding place.

[delray]

If you don't have anyone that you feel comfortable watching them, maybe take them.

[Colt]

Honestly the papers wouldn't necessarily have to be changed. But I would definitely recommend someone checking on them to be sure they have water and food and there haven't been any accidents...

[wildbird]

I'm in the same situation. If I was going on a trip driving, I would take them with me. If you are driving, you might try taking them out in your vehicle for a short ride and see how they are. You can tie the cage down with one inch cargo straps. If you expect to be driving at night, you will need to see how they are with that too. Another option is that there are pet care people who will come to your home how ever often you want and do whatever care they need. Sometimes you can find them in a phone directory or classified ads in the paper. Find one that has taken care of small birds and check their references. Look for someone who has been in business for quite awhile with references that they are very dependable. Some are bonded & insured. If there is anyone in your area who rehabs wild birds, they may be able to help you. If you use a pet store or boarding facility, be sure they have small birds, know how to care for them, & visit the room they would be kept in. If there are any bird breeders in your area, they also may be able to help you.

[vokeeca]

Hello, finch-loving friends.

I have a similar question re: travels. I've always had friends come to take care of my birds, even if I'm gone for one night. I'm now in a position where I have a lot of upcoming summer travel and cannot keep asking the same five friends to bird care. How long do folks typically feel comfortable going without having their birds supervised---two days? three? My seven zebra finches have a large water bottle, so I'm (slightly) less concerned about their water situation than their food and bath time.

Any help is appreciated!

Atticus, Whitey Bulger, Jem, Scout, Big Agnes, Maya, and Nelson.

[Sally]

I have routinely left my birds for 2-3 days at a time without problems. I hang two water tubes on each cage, so that if one should leak or whatever, there still is another one in place. I use vacation gravity feeders, so seed is not a problem. When I am gone, they don't get baths nor do they get fresh egg food/veggies. I do put spray millet in each cage. I recently had planned to leave them for 3 days, and then it stretched to a fourth day, and they were still fine. Of course, there is no way to save a bird that gets caught in the cage or a nest or any of the myriad other things that birds can get caught on, but that could happen even with a pet sitter coming in every day.

For longer periods, I have a trusted pet sitter who comes in once each day. Check with vets and pet stores for references for a good pet sitter, or check on possible boarding situations. I found my pet sitter when she had left a flyer at the local feed store, and when I asked about it, the employees at the feed store said this woman was excellent (and she is!).

[vokeeca]

A vacation feeder, that is just what I need! Sally, can you recommend a particular model feeder? Please do share a recommendation. And---thank you for your feedback. It's quite helpful.

[Sally]

vokeeca

This is what I use, and it is carried by numerous vendors:

http://www.glamgouldians.com/product-plasticfeeder.php