Questions to ask when you are considering
boarding your bird

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It can be hard to leave your much-loved bird in the hands of someone else when you are away. How can you know who to trust? I hope that the questions below provide you with the guidance you need to make the best decision possible for you and your feathered family member. 

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Can you inspect the facility/home before boarding your bird? 

It's critically important that their operations are completely transparent to anyone considering using their services. You want to make certain that everything is being done properly. You may want to avoid places or individuals if you told that you cannot inspect their facility or home. Pampered Parrot strongly encourages a 20 minute initial consultation and visit. Please call ahead for an appointment. 

 

Do they require that all birds have passed an avian exam within 12 months before they are allowed to enter the home or boarding facility? 

If a boarding facility or individual who boards birds (for example, a vet assistant) offers to board your parrot before all test results are in, it would be wise to reconsider. The potential for spreading disease is ever-present. Pampered Parrot requires that all birds meet this fundamental requirement, for the safety and well being of all of us, birds and people alike. For details on what is involved in an avian exam, see our Home page. 

 

What steps do they take to thoroughly disinfect each cage before a new bird uses it?  

For a cage to be fully disinfected, it requires several steps::Larger droppings need to be removed, then the cage is saturated with a disinfectant designed for kennels, aviaries, and veterinarian clinics -- such as KennelSol or PetFocus, which are effective, noncorrosive, and generally considered nontoxic compared to bleach. See Cages for your bird to know how Pampered Parrot approaches cleaning cages and perches. 

 

Note: Examples of cleaning practices to be wary of: Powerwashing or scrubbing cages with soap and water does NOT sanitize them. A disinfectant specific to kennels, vet clinics, and aviaries must be used in order to effectively sanitizing cages. Steam cleaning as a final step will enhance the sanitation process (I highly recommend the steamer I use)

 

Have they ever had an outbreak of disease?  

It's a sad fact that some boarding facilities have had problems with outbreaks of diseases. These diseases range in severity, from treatable (if caught in time) to fatal. A few of the most serious contagious diseases are Psittacosis (Parrot Fever), Polyomavirus, and  Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). These diseases can be transferred to other parrots, and a few can also be transmitted to humans. Some boarding facilities are scrupulously clean and don't accept any bird until their avian test results show that the bird has no contagious diseases. Other facilities are not as careful. 

 

Pampered Parrot works with your vet to ensure that your bird has been cleared for boarding. I do recommend checking into this issue very closely.  

 

If your bird will be boarded in a cage provided by the boarding facility, are those cages stacked one on top of another? 

Our birds feel safest when they are on a top perch or high vantage point. Be sure to ask for this for your bird to help reduce some of the stress of boarding. 

 

Regarding a crowded boarding facility, some birds enjoy this setting. For them, it's the equivalent of summer camp, where they can be in the company of many other birds. Other parrots are more comfortable with fewer birds, in a quieter setting, and with space between cages. At Pampered Parrot, I do everything I can to minimize noise and stress, while providing a relaxing environment where your bird can play and sleep, and accept new experiences at her own pace.  

 

Are the food and water containers sanitized every time after being used? 

They need to be sprayed down with a disinfectant and allowed to set for several minutes (usually 10 minutes). Running them through a dishwasher will also sanitize the containers. 

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How many other birds will your parrot be boarded with?

If there are many other birds, it may reduce the amount of time and attention that your bird can receive, and could increase the risk of disease. Pampered Parrot accepts only a limited number of birds so that I can give each one the personal time and attention she needs and wants. 

 

Incidentally, because we can accept only a limited number of birds, I frequently fill up quickly during the summer months and Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays. I highly recommend that you book your reservation early to guarantee a space for your bird.

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If your bird will be given time outside her cage, will only one bird at a time be allowed out? 

Will your bird be constantly supervised when she is out? At Pampered Parrot, only one bird at a time is out of her cage, and I stay with her, encouraging her to safely explore and play. 

 

Also, is the play area thoroughly sanitized after each bird has used it? 

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Do the people wash their hands before touching a bird, and changing food and water containers?

 I always wash my hands thoroughly before touching any bird or changing the water and food containers so the birds remain healthy. 

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Can you visit your bird if you will be boarding for an extended time? At Pampered Parrot, you are welcome to visit your bird. 

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Do they have a valid Washington State business license? 

Ask for their UBI number and verify that it is active on the Washington State Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/corps_search.aspx. Pampered Parrot UBI number is 603-164-829. 

 

You may have additional questions that pertain to your bird and her specific needs. Call us with your questions to see if we can serve your needs. See our Contact Us page for our contact information.