What should I pack and prepare when boarding my bird?
First time boarding Picasso while I'm away. What should I send with him, and what info does the boarding facility actually need from me to take good care of a macaw?
Great that you're prepping properly — it makes a real difference for both Picasso and the facility. Pack and provide:
Send with him:
- His current food (enough for the whole stay — never switch diets around boarding)
- A couple of familiar toys and any comfort item
- His regular food/water dishes if the facility allows
Information the facility needs:
- Feeding schedule, amounts, and any current food refusals
- Routine: wake/sleep times, out-of-cage habits, body-language quirks
- Fears/triggers and warning signs vs. normal behaviour
- Avian vet name + number, your contact + a backup, and written authorization for emergency vet care
We have printable lists in the bird boarding packing list and the boarding drop-off checklist. A detailed care sheet is the #1 thing that lets a sitter give macaw-level care.
Send his usual food (don't switch diets right before/during boarding — stress + new food = tummy trouble), a couple of familiar toys, and a written care sheet. Label everything. Consistency is the whole game.
Care sheet essentials: feeding amounts/times, his quirks and fears, words/sounds he uses, your contact + a backup, and his avian vet's info with written permission to seek care in an emergency.