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gracebowen
08-11-2016, 21:54
Not actually on the trail though. Leaving them at home. Just wondering if anyone here has ever left parrots with a sitter to hike?

How did they handle it? Any tips to make it easier?

For those who dont know or understand this is a serious thread and a real concern.

Parrots bond to people; can miss them and can show depression type symptoms such as lack of eating, grooming and playing. Also screaming all day.

saltysack
08-11-2016, 22:25
Not ultralight but here you go!!http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160812/c3e96660b19d58a1541c1159dfab19c8.png

Only kidding I have an African Grey...I have a wife and kids to take care of him when away but most avian vets board birds and meet there attention needs...


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gracebowen
08-11-2016, 22:44
My family will take care of them for me and they will only get slightly less care than I would give them.
My male is bonded to me and to his lady Rex.

The weaned baby is awaiting a new home and the new babies havent fledged yet.

When you return does your grey still want your company? Right away? Or it takes a few days?

Since he has Rex im thinking he should be okay as far as "depression" goes. Rex has not bonded to me yet.

Whats the longest youve ever been gone?

My daughter is showing interest in them and will probably stay in my room while im gone.

gracebowen
08-11-2016, 22:47
By slightly less care I mean instead of fresh veggies daily probably 3 or 4 times instead. Probably a few less snacks too which could be seen as a good thing. I probably give them too many potato chips :)

saltysack
08-11-2016, 23:47
My grey doesn't require much...unfortunately he lost a leg a few months from a raccoon attack but is doing great on one leg...amazing how adaptive they are. He loves being outdoors mimicking all the sounds. I'm in the process of building a bigger more secure double layer outdoor aviary. Hers a pic of my son holding him after he was discharged from the vet after his raccoon ordeal...damn was that expensive!! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160812/3e5b5474c83ffe886c48d534485afac9.jpg


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saltysack
08-11-2016, 23:49
As long as he gets a few nuts and veggies in his food every day he's happy to be left alone talking to whom ever will listen...


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gracebowen
08-12-2016, 00:20
Thats amazing. They do adapt well. Im a little less worried about it now.

Feral Bill
08-12-2016, 00:26
A friend's parrot usually got a house sitter who knew his needs when he was away. The one time he was boarded he got an avian infection and nearly died. Lost an eye too. Have you got someone who you trust to care for your bird?

gracebowen
08-12-2016, 01:13
Yes. My family. Mom and 2 teens.

Traveler
08-12-2016, 05:33
At Polly Cracker's Parrot Summer Camp, your parrot will experience an adventure of a lifetime. A range of activities from boarding, pillaging, and walking planks will help your parrot learn a number of new phrases and thrill your in-laws with a colorful new vocabulary.

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M3a94530b81bb08be16413ce38ec47d3eo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=236&h=166

garlic08
08-12-2016, 07:13
A hiker I know sold her parrot to a more stable family before her first thru-hike. She knew that leaving a bonded pet for months at time, year after year, was not a good thing to do to the pet. There were no other bonded caregivers available. Almost 15 years later, the family she found still loves the bird and all is well.

gracebowen
08-12-2016, 11:55
My AT hike is going to be my only long distance hike.

Uncle Joe
08-12-2016, 14:08
Perhaps you can send some videos back to keep that connection going.

saltysack
08-12-2016, 17:01
I wouldn't sweat leaving them...when we were building our new house he stayed with my brother in law for about 6-8 months and when I picked him up he acted like nothing happened...yelling the same profanity when I returned...didn't miss a beat....


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4shot
08-12-2016, 20:01
I have nothing of value to add. But was wondering why not hike with the parrot though? Their food can't weigh much. People take dogs all the time although few finish. Imo, "hiking with parrots" might be the coolest trail name ever. unless you hiked with an African plains animal. "Hiking with Hippo" or "Rhino Whisperer" would pretty much preempt the whole silly trail name thing because what could ever be more epic than that? Although "Hiking with parrots" still ain't bad. Just food for thought.

gracebowen
08-12-2016, 22:11
The extreme temperatures would be a worse worry. They could freeze to death or get heatstroke.

They would be cooped up in the cage all day and get no exercise. I would have to carry them the whole way.

I might for a section hike but not a thru hike. They need fresh fruits and vegetables daily which is hard on the trail.

It would be cool but not practical.

martinb
08-13-2016, 19:58
I've got an Umbrella cockatoo, she's hardy as heck and would love it on the trail. Unfortunately, I haven't seen too many parrot-friendly tents.

saltysack
08-13-2016, 21:00
I might take one my ultra light birds....they would take care of the shelter mice....no need to pack food!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160814/4576c5f199caef848f2b92b418d1c558.jpg


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Fredt4
08-13-2016, 21:27
A friend took her parrot everywhere. One day a a dance on top of a mountain it felt it needed to fly. We searched for that bird for the rest of the night. Next day we danced and she was no longer a care taker. Such is life.

gracebowen
08-13-2016, 22:43
Theres that too. The possibility of escape.

saltysack
08-14-2016, 12:48
Theres that too. The possibility of escape.

I don't think anyone is serious about taking the bird on trail! Doubt you will ever see a "Parrots on the Appalachian trail" sub forum. Mine has flown away 3 times....a miracle we still have him...


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zelph
08-14-2016, 13:08
I don't think anyone is serious about taking the bird on trail! Doubt you will ever see a "Parrots on the Appalachian trail" sub forum. Mine has flown away 3 times....a miracle we still have him...


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Many never do get them back.
In a suburb of Chicago I was privy to see a pair of Feral Parrots flying about in the trees next to a cemetery. Didn't know what they were at first. Had to google wild parrots in Chicago and sure enough.....

Feral parrot

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_parrot

martinb
08-14-2016, 20:06
Are you doing proper wing clips? Flight-wise, mine is helpless as a newborn with wing feathers gone.

gracebowen
08-14-2016, 22:08
I don't believe in clipping wings. It's a personal choice all parronts have to make.

If you clip that's your choice. It's my choice to not clip mine.

The only exception I've ever made is a baby clip to slightly limit flight to make it easier to bond and only one time after they learned to fly well.

I hope your baby can at least safely glide to the floor if they fall.

gracebowen
08-14-2016, 22:10
By the way what do you have?

gracebowen
08-14-2016, 22:16
Oops I never said what mine are. Mine are cockatiels

MisterQ
08-15-2016, 14:18
I just hope he won't be pinin' for the fjords while you're gone.

gracebowen
08-15-2016, 19:47
I just hope he won't be pinin' for the fjords while you're gone.


I dont under stand what you mean.

gpburdelljr
08-15-2016, 20:33
I dont under stand what you mean.

He was referring to an old Monty Python Skit

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4vuW6tQ0218

gracebowen
08-15-2016, 22:04
Ok. Thx. I hope not too.