Advice when leaving bird

[Tehacc]

I have had this lovebird for around eight months (unsure of gender, referring as "her"), and I absolutely love her.

My family and I work from home, so we always have her flying around the home, eating fresh foods, and bonding with us. She is always sitting on one of our shoulders or playing beside us. When she is inside her cage, we make sure the cage is in the same room as us. She is very bonded with us, but she also doesn't do too well with strangers.

Unfortunately, a critical situation has come up, so my entire family will have to leave in a couple of days for around 3.5 weeks, and we cannot bring her as we are flying for over 12 hours. One of our friends is taking her in, but I have some questions and concerns and would love to get some advice.

1. She does not do too well around strangers; how can we help her adapt? Since this is such short notice, it’s tough.
2. My friends are willing to keep her outside for 2-3 hours per day, at least six days per week. Will she be okay, considering she is used to being out and around at least 5+ hours a day?
3. Will she forget us?

I would love your advice. Thanks

 

[Zara]

I am sure your bird will adapt to a little less flight time. Increasing foraging activities within the cage can help keep her mind entertained.

Maybe ask your friend to join here so they can ask us for help when needed? It's easier to give advice on a situation rather than hypothetical ones

These are big changes for a bird, so being patient is key - for your friend taking care of her, but also fo you when you arrive home and she has to settle back into your home again.

 

[Tehacc]

Thanks, that is incredibly helpful and makes me comfortable leaving for a bit.

On the bright side, my friend has had parrots in the past, so she isn't completely new to this.