Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is Avian Suites™?
A: Avian Suites™ is a facility which cares for your birds(s) when you are unable to do so in your home. There are many reasons bird owners are unable to care for their pets at home for a limited period of time. The primary reason is travel, however, because birds have delicate systems, it is sometimes necessary to remove a bird from home for reasons such as remodeling, painting, flea spraying, carpet cleaning, furnace failure, etc.
Q: Why Can't I Have A Neighbor Watch My Bird(s)?
A: Birds can mask illness symptoms. Usually, illnesses begin with the bird just not acting like itself and rapidly turning into more severe distress. Someone who is not familiar with your bird's behavior may not notice these symptoms and immediate and correct action needs to be taken to avoid serious illness. Also, a bird can damage a blood feather or tear a nail during play and urgent and appropriate action is critical to ensure the bird's safety. It can be frightening when birds become ill or injured. Your bird's health depends upon the care of individuals who know what to do. Our staff is trained and comfortable with what actions should be taken in these serious situations.
Q: ...But My Neighbors Have Birds Too.
A: Your neighbors may have obtained their birds from sources which are different from where you obtained yours. Because there are few preventative vaccines available to the avian community, exposure to birds from other environments can put the birds at risk. Since healthy appearing birds can also be carriers of diseases you never know what you might be exposing your bird to. In human terms, the situation is similar when children from different homes intermingle at daycare, school or camp.
Q: Why All The Worry About Illness And Disease?
A: There are eleven primary avian viruses which can infect your bird. Even healthy birds can be carriers of infectious diseases. Avian veterinarians are slowly gaining more knowledge about them and some vaccines have been developed. Until you can effectively vaccinate your bird against each of those diseases, the only way to protect the health of your bird is to keep it isolated from other birds. Avian Suites™ has developed a combination of containment and sterilization systems which, in conjunction with required veterinary care, will help to ensure the health and safety of your bird.
Q: How Will You Keep My Bird(s) Safe At Your Facility?
A: Avian Suites™ has carefully worked with veterinarians and bird care specialists to create an environment which meets the health and safety needs of birds. Your bird(s) will stay in a private room with only birds from your household. Our rooms are maintained at temperatures slightly warmer than normal household levels to help your birds adjust to the stress of being transported and finding themselves in new surroundings. Each room is ventilated with its own isolated system. Room air is filtered through an ultra violet sterilization unit which destroys bacteria and viruses. Our technicians follow clinical procedures for bird handling developed by avian veterinarians. Each technician is clothed in disposable gowns which are left in the room in which they are used and shoes and hands are sprayed with a disinfectant as the room is left.
Q: What If My Bird Gets Sick While I'm Away?
A: We will notify you as soon as possible and we will bring your bird to the avian veterinarian you specify when you dropped your bird off. If it is after hours, your bird will be taken to the emergency clinic. The client is responsible for any charges incurred for the medical care and treatment of their bird. Payment will be made to us when the bird is picked up.
Q: I Don't Want My Bird To Be Lonely...It Enjoys Time Out Of Its Cage.
A: Avian Suites™ is aware of how much interactive and out-of-the-cage time birds require, which is one of the key reasons your bird will have its own room. By birds having their own rooms, we are able to offer out-of-the-cage time and "playtime" with the birds in a safe environment. Every staff member spends quality time with each bird every day so they are never lonely. You are also welcome to bring a radio or tv if your bird would enjoy them.
Q: I Worry While I'm Away, Can I Call To Check In?
A: Absolutely! You are welcome to call Avian Suites™ anytime.
Q: My Bird Has A Huge Cage, Do I Have To Bring It?
A: Avian Suites™ provides cages which fit each bird's individual needs from cockatiel to macaw. We do request that you bring each of your bird's favorite toys and perches. We believe it helps the bird adjust more easily to its home-away-from-home when it can play with familiar toys. See our Boarding Information section for more info on cage types and sizes.
Q: Do I Just Make An Appointment?
A: Call us to make a reservation for your bird(s). To avoid people bringing in their birds as other guests arrive and/or depart, we ask that you make an appointment with us to establish specific times for dropping off and picking up your birds. This enables us, for health and safety reasons, to minimize exposing birds from different households to one another. If you have an emergency situation, for example, your furnace failed or you have to make an unexpected trip, etc., special arrangements can be made.
Q: What Do I Need To Bring When I Drop My Bird(s) Off?
A: Avian Suites™ requires that each bird have proof of having a thorough examination from an avian veterinarian in the last twelve months. You will also need a carrier for your bird(s), as well as perches and a few of their favorite toys. Also, please bring a supply of food and treats for each of your birds sufficient to last the duration of their stay with us. A refrigerator is available for perishable foods. With your advice and consent, we supplement daily your dry formulated food with fresh fruit and vegetables for your bird(s). Please plan on spending some time during the drop off period with us to explain each of your bird's personal care instructions, special needs, and an overview of their personalities and vocabularies or fill out our boarding questionnaire.
Q: Will I Learn About How My Bird(s) Did During Their Stay?
A: Avian Suites™ will keep a written diary which summarizes each bird's daily activities and experiences during their stay with us.
Avian Suites™ is open by appointment only. This is to ensure compliance with the strict sterilization standards we are committed to maintaining for the welfare of our clients' companion birds.
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