Actually, it's best to follow the lead of the scouting motto - “Be prepared!” Start researching your options when you have time, not when you are in a panic because you must suddenly leave town to deal with a family emergency or unexpected work challenge.
Where to start? Ask friends with parrots and your avian veterinarian for recommendations. Visit boarding facilities. If possible, have a trial run, leaving your bird overnight to see how well the parrot and the facility are matched.
How will you know? To evaluate a boarding facility, ask these questions about place, people, and procedures.
PLACE
-Does the boarding service specialize in caring for parrots?
-Is the boarding space clean and the air fresh?
-Is it a large space or a standard-size room?
-Is the temperature controlled?
-What natural and artificial light brightens the area?
-With a small species, your parrot may be able to stay in its own cage. If not, ask to see the type and size of cage your parrot would be placed in.
-How often are cages cleaned?
-Can you bring a supply of food and the favorite toys your parrot is used to?
-Will your parrot be able to spend any time outside of the cage? If so, where and what safety precautions are in place?
-Are boarded parrots kept apart from each other as well as resident birds?
-What policies and practical measures limit disease exposure and aggression?
-What security measures are in place in the entire facility as well as the boarding space?
PEOPLE
-It may seem obvious, but do the management and staff really like parrots and understand their needs?
-Do management and staff listen to your concerns and respond to your questions?
-What is the ratio between staff and birds in residence as well as boarding birds? Is the number adequate?
-Is staffing reduced on holidays and the weekends?
-How many different people will interact with and provide care to your parrot?
-How do management and staff communicate with each other and with you if a specific problem arises?
PROCEDURES
-Are health tests or exams required before your parrot can be boarded?
-How do management and staff keep track of information about your parrot regarding medical, dietary, and behavioral needs and concerns?
-Do management and staff provide hands-on care when aware of these concerns?
-Does management convey your concerns to staff and vice versa? (good in-house communication)
-Are you called and are experts such as a veterinarian or a behaviorist brought into a new situation or one that requires ongoing attention?
-Do you have a plan you want the facility to follow in case of an emergency with your parrot?
-If you board your parrot for an extended time, how do management and staff communicate with you regarding your parrot's welfare? By phone? Email? Video?
-Are you informed about facility plans for general emergencies or evacuations affecting the facility?
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