16/06/2024
GOING ON HOLIDAY? THINKING OF BOARDING YOUR BIRD?
MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT CONDEMNING YOUR BELOVED BEAK TO A PAINFUL DEATH!
At this time of year, we get many requests asking for information about holiday boarding for birds. It's something you need to think hard about before you choose to take a bird into your home - where will they go when you are away enjoying your holiday?
We don’t board birds at Parrot Trust Scotland and there is nowhere we are aware of that we could recommend for bird boarding.
If you can't take your bird with you, it's always best to ask a trusted friend or relative to care for your bird, ideally in your own home. If they board with a friend and they have birds of their own, then we strongly recommend that they test their own birds and you need to have yours tested too.
All you have to do is take your bird to your avian vet and request the following tests:
* PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease) - PBFD is extremely contagious and there is no known cure
* Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis)
* ABV (Avian Borna Virus)
We appreciate that there is a cost involved in having your bird tested, however, this is the only way you can offer your bird, and others, some protection from the spread of diseases. It takes approximately two weeks to receive the test results from your avian veterinary practice.
We strongly recommend you DON'T board your bird in pet shops or anywhere other potentially untested birds are housed due to the risk of spreading disease. We are aware of several birds who have contracted fatal diseases when boarding at these kinds of facilities. The healthiest looking birds can be carriers of fatal diseases that can be spread to your dearly loved baby.
UPSHOT: IF YOUR BOARDING FACILITY DOESN’T ASK FOR A TEST CERTIFICATE, AND ALSO PROVIDE A CURRENT TEST CERTIFICATE FOR THEIR OWN BIRDS - THEN DON’T USE THEM – YOU COULD BE CONDEMNING YOUR BIRD TO DEATH IF YOU DO!
