Pet sitting parrots and other exotic pet birds

We’re not all about paws, claws, and fur at TrustedHousesitters, there are plenty of slightly more unusual pets dotted around our community. Exotic pet birds come all different shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors. They brighten up their human homes with their beautiful plumages, sweet songs, and cheeky antics, and can be an absolute joy to pet sit for.

To make sure you’re as parrot-prepared as possible, we’ve put together some suggestions on bird care and how to become an exotic bird person.

Ask the pet parents about their exotic pet birds 

Before the parakeet parents head off, ensure you’ve asked all the important questions before their feather family is left in your care.

Veterinary care and contact details

This goes for any house sit, but exotic bird care can include a few extra steps. Some pet birds may be part of a vet clinic that specializes in bird care. It’s also good to ask for the local general vet clinic and emergency veterinary hotline just in case.

Are they used to human handling?

As with any pet, you shouldn’t presume they’re instantly up for a cuddle (no matter how cute and squishy they are). If they’re new to a home or a rescue, they may not be socialized enough to interact with humans.

If they have been socialized, don’t stick your hand into the birdcage, always let the bird come to you. As intelligent and emotionally sensitive souls, birds want to feel as if they’re in control of a social situation.

Smaller birds should be treated as you would with any small pet  - always be gentle and delicate with them.

How do they mentally stimulate their exotic birds?

Exotic birds are smart squawkers. A 2021 study by the University of Colorado Boulder discovered that even the tiniest budgerigar can solve complex puzzles and respond well to different cognitive stimuli. Basically, these birds know what’s what!

Similar to dogs, exotic pet birds require daily mental exercises to keep them happy and to prevent any aggressive, destructive behaviors. This is even more important for solo birds who have their parents' undivided attention.

Ask their parrot parents if they play any particular games with their favorite feathered friend, such as hiding food in their toys, interacting with them by chatting to them, or if they’re happy for them to fly about the home. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about how to occupy your flapper, ask their parents or talk to their vet.

Food and water for exotic bird

Their drinking water will need to be changed daily (especially as some of the smaller tweets like to use their water bowls for washing). Don’t be alarmed if you rarely see your feathered friend drinking from their water source - in the wild, parrots and parakeets are known to only occasionally drink water throughout the day to not be caught by predators. Those instincts are still apparent in even exotic pet birds.

Food-wise, exotic birds will mostly eat seed mix which can be bought at most pet stores. Birds love a variety of seeds and nuts, so ask their parents if they have any particular favorites.

Never give human food to any type of bird without checking with a vet. It’s also important to know what’s toxic for feathered fellows, this list offers a few common examples:

• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Tea, coffee
• Alcohol
• Parsley (possible, unconfirmed)
• Allium family: garlic, onion, chives, shallot, leek (possible, unconfirmed)
• Eggplant
• Raw potato

Call their vet if your beak buddy sneakily snaffles any of the foods listed above, or if they eat anything you haven’t been asked to feed them.

Nail trimming pet birds

This is something that is often done by the vet at their regular check-up, or by experienced bird parents. Don’t attempt to do nail trimming yourself, especially if you’re new to bird care. When in doubt ask the pet parents or talk to their vet if you have any concerns.

Caring for small pet birds vs larger flappers

House sitting for any small exotic birds, such as budgie bird care, requires a few additional things to note. Big birds are likely to need more mental stimulation and interactions throughout the day. Whilst some species like macaws and African gray parrots may appear to chat with you, others can be a little bit more reserved.

Larger exotic pet birds can become destructive and aggressive if they’re bored, so have a good talk with the parrot parents beforehand to find out how they like to play with their parakeet.

Birdcage care

As gorgeous as they are to gaze at, birds sure do like to poop and they are not the tidiest eaters. This means their birdcages often take the brunt of their day-to-day routine. Whilst you may not be asked to do a full deep birdcage clean, you should replace to newspaper and bedding at the bottom of the cage every few days. This helps keep those twitters healthy, but also keeps the house from stinking.

Keep an eye on their body weight

Body weight is a key indicator of how healthy a bird is. Parakeet parents will often keep a weekly diary of their bird’s weight by using a gram scale (aw!). If you’re house-sitting for longer than a week or two, you may be asked to weigh them at least once. Tell the pet parents if you notice any significant drops in weight, they may need you to take them to the vet for a quick check-up.

Egg and baby bird care

Birds lay eggs (fact!) and it’s completely normal for female exotic birds to unexpectedly do so. When nature calls, don’t panic. Firstly, let the pet parents know if their pet bird has left a little surprise. Next, simply leave the eggs where it was laid, the female will know what to do. Taking the egg away can be harmful to the bird as they will try to lay another one - this can lead to chronic exhaustion.

In the rare case of an egg hatching, call their vet straight away as they’ll be able to guide you through what to do and how to care for mom and baby. 

Have we tickled your tail feathers? Fancy finding a house sit full of fluttery friends? Check out the latest pet sits available around the globe and find an avian adventure. If you’re keen to become one of our flock, here are our various pricing options to see which works for you.