Wing it like a pro: Tips and tricks for bird sitting

Whether you already know what bird sitting entails or you’re completely new to friends of the feathered kind, here are nine bird care tips that will make caring for your beaky buddy a hoot.

Our top bird sitting tips

1. Make it personal

Our feathered friends come in all shapes and sizes, and bird sitters are likely to meet a flock of beaky buddies with varying needs. Care should be personalized not only to the type of bird you’re looking after, but also to each as an individual. 

Patrick the parrot might love exploring outside his cage while Beatrice the budgie may be happier perched on your finger. For some, simple tasks like feeding and cage cleaning are enough, whereas others might require a more hands-on approach with lots of playtime and interaction. 

Either way, pet parents should provide clear instructions on how best to care for their feathered family members.

2. Follow feeding instructions to a T

Pet parents will also explain how to feed their beaky babies, which will vary depending on the type of bird and their dietary needs.

Make sure your feathered friends have access to clean water at all times and remove any fresh fruit and veg if left uneaten at the end of the day. If pet parents recommend treats, this is a great way for a bird sitter to form a connection with their beaky buds.

3. Keep fingers outside the cage 

While still establishing a relationship with your new feathered friend, pet sitters should take things slow. The cage is your beaky buddy’s safe space and anything too intrusive could be deemed a threat. 

4. Handle them with care

If pet parents have asked you to handle their feathered family members, do so with care (and wash your hands after). Pet birds often form a close bond with their owners but can be wary of strangers offering their hands out (no offense). 

If you feel uncomfortable handling birds, chat with the owners about other ways to interact with their pets – there are plenty of games you can play with birds inside their cages!

5. Secure the room

It’s common for pet birds to spend some time flying around the house to stretch their wings – pet parents should give clear instructions on where and how often this should be done. 

As a bird sitter, your job will be to ensure they’re let out in a safe, enclosed area. Doors should be shut, windows locked, fans turned off, and any other pet pals should be moved to another area of the house.

6. Stay calm

Pet birds are incredibly in tune with their surroundings and some even learn to mimic the words and expressions they hear from us. That being said, loud noises and shouting can signal danger to them, and a scared bird might attempt to flee or even attack if they’re feeling threatened. 

7. Birds need their beauty sleep

To keep them from turning into grumpy feathers or getting sick, make sure your beaky friends get a solid 12 hours of shut-eye every night. Avoid making too much noise during this time and cover their cage so they can snooze in peace. 

8. Beware of what you do around them

Strong smells and chemicals from cleaning sprays, smoke, fragrant candles, air fresheners, hairspray, and perfume can all be damaging to a bird’s respiratory system. 

9. Don’t simply wing it

When discussing bird care with pet parents, be clear and upfront about your experience and what you’re prepared to do. Some birds need expert care and treatment while others are happy as a lark with just food and a clean cage. If pet parents do ask you to handle their feathered family members or let them out of their cage, make sure you’re comfortable doing so before you agree to it.