Birds hide illness even better than cats and react to environmental things people rarely think about. A bird brief is less about play and more about a safe, stable environment — and one hazard that can kill a bird in minutes.

Sitting a different animal?
This checklist is tuned for birds. For other species, see Cats, Rabbits, Reptiles, or the general pet sitter checklist for dogs and cats.

Fumes can be fatal

No non-stick cooking near the bird. Ever.
Overheated non-stick (PTFE) cookware releases fumes that are rapidly fatal to birds. So can scented candles, aerosols, and strong cleaners. Tell the sitter: no non-stick pans, no aerosols, no smoking, and good ventilation — keep the bird far from the kitchen.

This is the line that matters most on a bird brief. Many bird deaths in care are accidental fume exposure, not neglect.

Fresh food daily

Birds need fresh food and water every day, and uneaten fresh food removed so it does not spoil. List the pellet or seed mix, the fresh fruit/veg you offer, and what is off-limits (avocado and chocolate are toxic). Note how to refresh water and clean the dish.

Daily bird brief
  • Fresh water daily; clean the dish.
  • Pellets/seed — the specific mix and amount.
  • Fresh fruit/veg — what to offer, removed before it spoils.
  • No avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol — toxic to birds.
  • Spot-clean the cage; change paper liner.

Light, cover & sleep

Birds need a consistent sleep schedule — often 10–12 hours of dark, quiet rest. Tell the sitter when to cover the cage and where it should stay (out of direct draft and full sun). A disrupted light cycle makes birds stressed and irritable.

Keeping a bird calm

A new person is a big deal to a bird. Advise the sitter to move slowly, talk gently, and not force interaction or handling unless your bird is genuinely comfortable. For many birds, the right brief is "feed, fresh water, clean, cover at night — do not try to handle." Write whatever is true for your bird.

Frequently asked

Can I leave a bird with a sitter who visits once a day?

Fresh food and water daily is the minimum, so at least one solid daily visit is required. Social parrots do better with more interaction; finches and budgies tolerate less. Match the visits to your bird.

What household items are dangerous to birds?

Overheated non-stick cookware (PTFE fumes), aerosols, scented candles, strong cleaners, and smoke are all hazardous. Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol are toxic if eaten.

Should the sitter handle my bird?

Only if your bird is genuinely comfortable being handled and you have said so. For many birds, the safest brief is feed, water, clean, and cover — no handling. Spell out exactly what you want.