- Why Choosing the Right Bird Sitter for Matters
- How to Find a Bird Sitter Near You
- Bird Boarding vs. In-Home Sitting: Which Fits Your Parrot Best?
- Questions to Ask a Bird Sitting Service
- How to Choose the Best Sitter for Your Bird
- Keeping Tabs on Your Bird While You're Away
- Easing Your Bird’s Separation Anxiety
- Bird Sitter Checklist
- Conclusion & Related Resources
It happens more often than you’d think.
One of my client once returned from a weeklong vacation to find her African Grey was missing half its feathers. It had worked itself into a frenzy while she was on vacation. Unfortunately, it turned into a lifelong habit.
The pet sitter? Sweet—but clueless about birds. That one decision set off years of anxiety and feather plucking. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find a sitter you can trust, ask the right questions, and protect your bird’s emotional well-being while you’re away.
Why Choosing the Right Bird Sitter for Matters
Why Bird Sitting Isn’t Like Dog Sitting
Birds aren’t low-maintenance pets. They’re intelligent, sensitive, and deeply social. In the wild, parrots live in flocks where they rely on constant interaction for safety, companionship, and learning. That flock dynamic doesn’t go away in captivity—it’s built into their wiring.
Because of this, pet birds need daily mental stimulation and a consistent routine to feel secure. Without it, they may feel abandoned or threatened, which can lead to destructive behaviors like biting, screaming, or feather plucking.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a bird sitter who understands parrot behavior. You’re not just hiring a pet sitter—you’re entrusting someone to step into your bird’s flock, even if just for a few days.
How to Find a Bird Sitter Near You
Start Early & Search Smart
Plan ahead—6 to 12 weeks before you leave. Bird-savvy sitters book up fast during holidays and school breaks.
Where to Find a Bird Sitter
🩺 Avian and exotic vets
🛒 Local bird stores
✂️ Bird groomers
💬 Bird-focused Facebook groups and forums
🐦 Local bird clubs
📱 Pet-sitting platforms like Rover or Care.com
📍 Community apps like Nextdoor
Don’t wait until the last minute—bird-savvy sitters book up fast, especially around holidays and school breaks.
Watch for Red Flags
If a sitter avoids questions about bird behavior or seems unfamiliar with parrots, keep looking.
Bird Boarding vs. In-Home Sitting: Which Fits Your Parrot Best?
What’s the Difference?
When choosing a bird sitter, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to keep your parrot at home or board them at a facility. Each option has benefits depending on your bird’s personality, stress level, and daily needs.
Quick Comparison:
| In-Home Sitting | Bird Boarding |
|---|---|
| Familiar environment = less stress | New environment may trigger anxiety |
| Great for birds with established routines | May offer 24/7 staff or vet techs |
| More one-on-one attention | Often more affordable for longer trips |
| Best for shy or high-anxiety parrots | May be louder or more chaotic |
Which Option Is Best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your bird’s temperament, medical needs, and your confidence in the person or facility. For parrots that thrive on routine and quiet, in-home sitting is often ideal. For birds that are social and adaptable, a bird-specific boarding setup may work beautifully.
Questions to Ask a Bird Sitting Service
Asking the right questions can help you find a parrot sitter who understands your bird's needs and knows how to keep them happy and healthy while you’re away. Here are some important questions to ask during your search:
1. What experience do you have with parrots, and what species have you cared for?
This question helps you understand their background and familiarity with different types of parrots.
2. How would you recognize if my bird is stressed or unwell?
This question ensures the sitter can identify common signs of distress or illness in birds, such as changes in behavior, appetite, or feather condition.
3. Can you describe how you would handle my bird’s daily routine, including feeding and interaction?
This allows you to see how well they understand the importance of maintaining your bird’s routine for comfort and well-being.
4. How would you handle an emergency situation with my parrot?
This question reveals their preparedness and whether they have a plan for dealing with potential health or safety issues.
5. What steps do you take to keep a bird mentally stimulated and entertained?
This shows if the sitter is aware of the need for enrichment and mental stimulation to prevent boredom or anxiety.
6. Have you ever administered medication or special dietary requirements for birds?
This helps assess their comfort level with providing any medical care or dietary adjustments your parrot might need.
7. How would you ensure my bird stays safe and happy while I’m away?
This gives insight into their overall approach to caring for birds, including how they balance safety and companionship.
These questions are designed to help you gauge the sitter's expertise and ensure they are a good fit for your bird's specific needs.
How to Choose the Best Sitter for Your Bird
Why References Matter When Choosing a Bird Sitter
Someone might sound great during an interview—but the real proof is in how they’ve handled other people’s birds. That’s where checking references comes in.
Talking to past clients gives you the inside scoop: Did the sitter follow instructions? Were they dependable? How did they handle unexpected issues? You’ll get a much clearer picture of their reliability—and whether they truly understand what birds need.
But references go beyond logistics. You’ll also get a feel for how the sitter bonded with the birds in their care. Parrots are emotionally complex animals, and it takes more than a full food bowl to keep them happy. Ask questions like, “How did your bird react to them?” or “Did your parrot seem calm and engaged when you got home?”
These small details can make a big difference in your peace of mind. After all, you’re not just hiring help—you’re choosing a temporary flockmate for your bird.
Use a Scorecard for Evaluating a Parrot Sitter
Experience:
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Has experience with multiple parrot species and understands their specific needs (e.g., diet, mental stimulation, signs of illness). | ❌ Little or no hands-on experience with parrots—might handle them like general pets without understanding their unique needs. |
| ✅ Can provide detailed examples of how they handled emergencies or challenging behavior in parrots. | ❌ Can’t provide real-life examples of parrot care or emergency handling. |
| ✅ Knowledgeable about bird behavior and body language, reducing stress and preventing issues like feather plucking. | ❌ No references or only has references from non-avian pet sitting jobs, raising questions about their bird expertise. |
| ✅ References from other bird owners, vets, or bird specialists to back up their experience. |
Emotional Connection or "Gut Feeling":
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ You feel at ease after meeting them and believe they’ll treat your bird with care and attention. | ❌ Your emotions may cloud judgment, especially if the sitter is inexperienced but personable. |
| ✅ They seem genuinely enthusiastic about birds, even if they are newer to bird sitting. | ❌ You’re relying solely on a “good vibe” without solid evidence of their bird handling skills. |
| ✅ Your bird reacts positively to the sitter during their initial visit. | ❌ Your bird may react well in the moment but could struggle with inexperienced care over the long term. |
How to Score It:
When comparing candidates, create a simple scoring system. Give points for each pro and subtract for each con. For example, you can assign:
- 2 points for each experience-based pro.
- 1 point for each emotional connection pro.
- Deduct 2 points for each experience-based con.
- Deduct 1 point for each emotional connection con.
By assigning scores, you can objectively weigh experience over emotion while still considering your gut feeling. This way, you can confidently choose a sitter who has both the skill and the personality to keep your bird happy and healthy.
Keeping Tabs on Your Bird and Sitter is Easier than Ever
Keeping Tabs on Your Bird While You're Away
Want to check in on your bird while you’re gone? These days, it’s super easy—and way more reassuring than relying on a quick text from your sitter.
🛜 Try a Smart Camera
Set up a small device like a Ring, Blink, or Petcube in your bird’s room. Many offer live video and even two-way audio, so you can talk to your parrot while you're away. For some birds, hearing your voice can be incredibly comforting.
📸 Ask for Daily Updates
Ask your sitter to send a quick photo or video each day—just enough to show your bird is eating, playing, and looking relaxed. A short note about their mood or habits helps flag anything unusual before it becomes a problem.
🔁 Use Both for Peace of Mind
Combine both approaches: use the camera for spontaneous check-ins, and ask your sitter for daily updates. You’ll feel more connected and in control, which makes it easier to relax while you're away.
It’s not about micromanaging—it’s about making sure your parrot stays safe, healthy, and emotionally supported until you return.
Bird Boarding vs. In-Home Sitting: Which Option Fits Your Parrot?
Should you choose bird boarding or in-home sitting? Here's a quick comparison:
In-Home Sitting:
- Your bird stays in a familiar environment.
- Less stress from changes in routine.
- More one-on-one attention.
Bird Boarding:
- Supervision from experienced staff.
- Potentially more affordable for long trips.
- May not provide as much personal attention.
Easing Your Parrot's Separation Anxiety with the Right Sitter
Leaving your beloved feathered friend behind when you go on vacation can be tough. But with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your bird is in good hands while you're away.
Remember to do your research, ask plenty of questions, and trust your gut when choosing a pet sitter. Requesting daily photo updates can give you peace of mind, and be sure to take steps to ease your bird's discomfort when you're away. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to enjoy your time away knowing that your bird is happy and well cared for.
In conclusion...
Even the best sitters can’t replace you—but they can keep your bird safe and happy while you’re away. A little prep goes a long way. And if your bird is prone to stress, plucking, or changes in appetite when you're not around?
That’s where our bird wellness favorites come in:
💧 Aloe Vera Spray – Soothes dry, itchy skin and supports feather health
😌 Parrot Calming Formula – May help ease separation anxiety and routine changes
🦜 Feather & Skin Wellness Kit – All-in-one support to help your bird stay comfy and calm
👉 Stock up before your trip so your sitter is fully equipped and your bird stays happy while you’re gone. You deserve to enjoy your getaway—without worrying about feather plucking, screaming, or stress. 💛 Let us help make it easy.
Related Posts:
8 Tips for Traveling With a Bird By Car
Road Trip With Parrots & Parrot Vacations
Link to this blog
Burroughs, D. (2024, October 3). Finding a bird sitter for a worry-free getaway. Finding a Bird Sitter for a Worry-Free Getaway.
Diane Burroughs, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in avian anxiety disorders, nervous bird behaviors, and overall bird care. With training in ABA therapy and certification in Nutrition For Mental Health, Diane has authored several books on bird behavior and offers expert consultations for resolving issues like feather plucking and bird anxiety..
Her work has been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and presented at Exoticscon. Diane also mediates the Feather Plucking Help group on Facebook, offering support to parrot owners. With over 30 years of experience, Diane has developed thousands of successful individualized behavior plans, promoting parrot wellness and excellent bird care.
TAGS: #BirdSitter #ParrotSitter #ParrotSittingNearMe
SHARING IS CARING! 📣
Love what you read? Help spread the word on Facebook & Instagram 🌟
💬 Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!
