fig
Hatchling
Posts: 42
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Post by fig on Feb 17, 2015 17:40:12 GMT -5
I was away visiting a friend for 6 days. My boyfriend took care of the birds. When I checked in with him, he reported that Skye was rather down, wouldn't step up for him or chatter...nothing. I got home late in the evening...all my babies were in bed, covered for the night, so I wouldn't see them til morning. When I uncovered Skye the next morning, he just stared at me...I went to pick him up and he just tumbled into my arms, letting me cover him with kisses. He purred! Sweet reunion....  |
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Post by aaron on Feb 17, 2015 18:49:13 GMT -5
Awww... very sweet. Gotta love that Quaker purr. It's the best.
Was this the first time you had been away from Skye?
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fig
Hatchling
Posts: 42
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Post by fig on Feb 18, 2015 7:51:01 GMT -5
I've been away from him before, but previously he wasn't so despondent. I was away in November, and I guess this separation was just too close to the other. He must have felt I was gone for keeps.
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Post by aaron on Feb 18, 2015 8:45:30 GMT -5
Sometimes it seems a little silly, and maybe you already do this, but I really think it helps to explain to them where you are going and why you are leaving and they can't come with you and that you are coming back and how long you will be gone. They at least understand that you are trying to tell them something but in most cases I would expect they pick up quite a bit of the meaning of what you are saying... Can't hurt. Glad you two have been reunited!
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Post by julianna on Feb 18, 2015 14:33:18 GMT -5
Awww that is so sweet. Actually it is probably more emotional for me than for my Oscar when I return from vacation. Just to see him do his little quaker dance makes me smile soooo big. I usually can hardly wait to pick him up. When I leave him I always tell him that I am going "bye bye far far away". Not sure if he understands but I like to think he does and I hope he knows that I always come back.
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fig
Hatchling
Posts: 42
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Post by fig on Feb 18, 2015 15:32:31 GMT -5
One thing we do is this...my boyfriend tells them that "Mommy will be home in (number) days" and holds up his fingers...counting down each day. I do think that they understand this, especially Isaac, the African Grey, who gets really sad with me gone.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Feb 18, 2015 16:22:39 GMT -5
I cant really go anywhere - I dont even stay away overnight. When I am gone for a while (like being in hospital) Shah stops eating on the 3rd day and wont come out of his happy hutch. I would like to go somewhere just overnight but by the time I pack him up and take him to the vet, it's not worth it - he doesnt like it there. So I made the choice to stay at home and just do day trips. I know of someone not too far away from me who has a quaker and am working up the courage to see if she could mind him just for an occasional night here and there.
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Post by aaron on Feb 18, 2015 18:37:48 GMT -5
Luckily we have my parents to take Cupcake when we go out of town... they have a Cockatiel and basically understand and handle birds pretty well... they all get along really well (although the birds take turns being out of the cage-- we don't trust them together). But, for example, if we ever all travel somewhere at the same time, with my parents included, like if my fiancee and I decide to have a destination wedding of some sort (eloping becomes more and more likely as time goes by), I am not sure what we will do. I would honestly like to never have to board Cupcake anywhere... I think she would find it really upsetting. But she has a great time at my parents' house. Sometimes when we pick her up I think she would really rather stay there. |
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Post by julianna on Feb 19, 2015 13:22:59 GMT -5
I am very fortunate to have a sitter near by for Oscar. She has two conures and a quaker. Oscar doesn't mind going too much.. least I do not think so... cause he has someone there who speaks his language. I usually bring his cage over there so he knows something familiar. Oscar does not get along with the other birds so they take turns coming out of the cage to play. All three other birds fly so when they are out I am sure Oscar is in another room. He is too possessive over his things and does not want any other bird near them. You might recall the story when the conure landed on Oscar's cage and in 2 seconds Oscar had bitten the conure's toe off.
But hey.... I am very lucky to have a sitter as this will allow me to travel whenever I want. Mind you it isn't cheap as I pay her $30.00 per day. But when one really wants a break... you have to pay for it.
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