If you have a bird that you consider your buddy, being able to contact them when you are away can provide great peace of mind. Birds form strong bonds with their owners and can get quite anxious when separated. Having a way to get in touch with your feathered friend allows you to check in on them and even interact from afar.
Set up a webcam
One of the best ways to keep an eye on your bird while you are away is to set up a webcam in their room. Look for a webcam that has two-way audio so you can not only see your bird buddy, but talk to them as well. Some things to keep in mind when selecting a webcam:
- High video resolution for a clear picture
- Wide field of view to capture the whole room
- Night vision capability so you can check in anytime
- Motion alerts to notify you of activity
- Cloud storage and access for convenience
Position the webcam so you have a good vantage point of your bird’s cage and surrounding play areas. Make sure the wifi connection is strong in that room. Test out the camera to ensure everything works properly before leaving your bird alone.
Webcam Recommendations
| Webcam | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Nest Cam | 130° view, night vision, motion alerts, two-way audio |
| Ring Indoor Cam | 1080p HD, motion activated notifications, two-way talk |
| Eufy Cam 2 | 360° view, AI tracking, no monthly fees |
| Wyze Cam | Color night vision, motion tagging, local storage |
Have a friend check in
If you don’t have a webcam set up, the next best option is to have a friend or family member stop by regularly to visit your bird. Make sure it is someone your bird is familiar and comfortable with. Provide them with detailed instructions on your bird’s care and diet while you are away. Consider asking them to:
- Spend time interacting with and socializing your bird each visit
- Refresh food and water daily
- Clean the cage as needed
- Check for signs of illness or injury
- Give your bird any medications if needed
You may want to have more than one person on call in case your primary contact is unavailable. Make sure they have access to get into your home and understand your bird’s routine and needs.
Hire a pet sitter
If you don’t have a friend or family member who can regularly look in on your bird, consider hiring a professional pet sitter. Look for someone who has experience caring specifically for birds. Some things to ask potential pet sitters:
- What types of birds have you cared for?
- Are you comfortable administering medications or minor first aid if needed?
- How often are you available to visit per day or week?
- Do you have any references from past bird clients?
A professional sitter can follow any special care instructions you provide, keep you updated with photo and video check-ins, and give you peace of mind while you are away. Rates vary based on frequency of visits and care requirements.
Average Pet Sitter Rates
| Type of Visit | Average Cost per Visit |
|---|---|
| 30 minute visit | $15 – $25 |
| 1 hour visit | $20 – $30 |
| Overnight stay | $50 – $125 |
Try interactive bird toys
In addition to having someone check in on your bird, consider setting up some interactive toys that will keep them entertained and engaged when you are not around. These types of toys allow your bird to have some control over their environment and get mental stimulation.
- Foraging toys – Fill with treats so your bird has to work to uncover them
- Puzzle toys – Must be manipulated to reach the reward inside
- Noisemaker toys – Activated by motion or pecking
- Shredding toys – Satisfy natural chewing instinct
Rotate different interactive toys in your bird’s cage to pique their curiosity and prevent boredom. Be sure to monitor use of any new toy and discontinue if your bird shows signs of stress or aggression.
Recommended Interactive Bird Toys
| Toy | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Planet Pleasures Piñata | Paper mache foraging ball |
| Bonka Bird Toys Bell Swing | Colorful bells with varying pitches |
| Caitec Wrecking Ball | Durable wood blocks for chewing |
| Petsvv Crinkle Ball | Fun crinkly sound when batted around |
Use technology to interact from afar
Technology provides a variety of ways you can interact with your feathered friend remotely. This helps ease separation anxiety for both of you while you are apart.
- Smart bird feeders – Connect to wifi and allow you to chat through a speaker
- Interactive bird games – Play games like peekaboo on touchscreens
- Treat cam – Dispense treats on command over your phone
- Bird monitoring apps – Get notifications and hear chirps on your phone
Just be sure to introduce any new tech gradually and gauge your bird’s comfort level. Stop using any device that seems to stress them out or impede normal activities.
High Tech Bird Toys
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Petcube Play 2 | HD camera, night vision, two-way audio, treat dispenser |
| Squawkz | Learning games, peekaboo, songs and voice effects |
| Bird Buddy | 16000 word vocabulary, reporting and analytics |
| CleverPet Hub | Touchscreen games, treat dispenser, progress tracking |
Use radio or TV for company
Leaving a radio or television on for your bird provides soothing company while you are gone. The sounds of human voices and music can help relieve stress and prevent boredom. Just be sure the volume is kept at normal levels to avoid startling your bird if a loud commercial comes on. Place the device safely outside the cage where your bird can hear but not reach it. Recommendations include:
- Talk radio – Calm voices provide comfort
- Nature sounds – Soothing background noise
- Audiobooks – Stimulating changes in voice tones
- Music – Avoid heavy rock and stick to mellow tunes
Rotate the types of audio daily to provide variety. See what type your bird responds to best. The companionship of these sounds can mimic your own voice to help your bird buddy feel less lonely when you are not around.
Consider birdie daycare
For longer trips or busy periods, enrolling your bird in birdie daycare can give the social interaction they crave. Reputable daycares provide:
- Opportunities to bond with other birds
- Mental stimulation through toys and games
- Out of cage playtime and exercise
- A set routine each day
Ask about group size and how new birds are screened for illness before integrating. Smaller play groups with a balanced mix of species generally work best. Pick up is typically before nightfall since parrots should sleep in their familiar cage.
Average Birdie Daycare Rates
| Duration | Average Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Half Day | $15-$25 |
| Full Day | $25-$40 |
| Overnight | $40-$60 |
The social time and stimulation of daycare can do wonders for your bird’s emotional health while providing you reassurance. Just be sure they are comfortable with the number of other birds and noise level before leaving them for extended stays.
Conclusion
Birds form deep connections with their owners and should never be left isolated for long periods. By setting up a webcam, enlisting a sitter, using interactive toys, trying birdie daycare, or leveraging technology, you can remain in contact with your feathered friend while you are away. This provides companionship for your bird and peace of mind for you knowing your buddy is happy, healthy, and feeling social even when separated.
