Hello,
New caique owner in need of your thoughtful advice. We've had Ollie for about 5 months now and she was 4 months old when we brought her home. She's been a great addition to our family as we spend lots of time with her and have taught her a few tricks, but lately I have been getting anxious about her future. We travel about a month in total per year (spread throughout the year) with most trips lasting a week or less but occasionally there will be some longer ones such as the two week long trip we are planning for this summer. During this time, we will board her at a reputable bird shop so that she will have company with the many other birds and people in the shop. We feel this is a better choice than having a single caregiver stop in once or twice a day to check on her. Myself and the children have really connected with Ollie and enjoy our time together but I'm afraid that we might be away a little too often for her best interests. Also, in about six years, after my children are all away for college, my wife and I will likely take some longer trips, up to a month. So, I'm now wondering if it is in Ollie's best interests to remain with us. Alternatively, I'm wondering if a second Caique might be the answer so that she has a buddy with her while we are away. I honestly am not too excited about this option as I don't personally need to own another bird for my own interests but would consider it for Ollie. So . . . a couple of questions.
1) is it wrong to own a bird under these circumstances (taking the bird with us on most of these trips is not an option)?
2) are other single bird owners and multi-bird owners out there spending much time away and how is it going?
3) will a second bird help with matters or will I end up with two stressed out birds?
I do get great enjoyment from taking care of her and it would break my heart to have to give her up (I'm getting a little teary eyed writing this) but I really want to do what is in her best interests. Thanks for any advice you can give!
Wally
New caique owner in need of your thoughtful advice. We've had Ollie for about 5 months now and she was 4 months old when we brought her home. She's been a great addition to our family as we spend lots of time with her and have taught her a few tricks, but lately I have been getting anxious about her future. We travel about a month in total per year (spread throughout the year) with most trips lasting a week or less but occasionally there will be some longer ones such as the two week long trip we are planning for this summer. During this time, we will board her at a reputable bird shop so that she will have company with the many other birds and people in the shop. We feel this is a better choice than having a single caregiver stop in once or twice a day to check on her. Myself and the children have really connected with Ollie and enjoy our time together but I'm afraid that we might be away a little too often for her best interests. Also, in about six years, after my children are all away for college, my wife and I will likely take some longer trips, up to a month. So, I'm now wondering if it is in Ollie's best interests to remain with us. Alternatively, I'm wondering if a second Caique might be the answer so that she has a buddy with her while we are away. I honestly am not too excited about this option as I don't personally need to own another bird for my own interests but would consider it for Ollie. So . . . a couple of questions.
1) is it wrong to own a bird under these circumstances (taking the bird with us on most of these trips is not an option)?
2) are other single bird owners and multi-bird owners out there spending much time away and how is it going?
3) will a second bird help with matters or will I end up with two stressed out birds?
I do get great enjoyment from taking care of her and it would break my heart to have to give her up (I'm getting a little teary eyed writing this) but I really want to do what is in her best interests. Thanks for any advice you can give!
Wally
