Just as a quick note. If/when you get your bird checked for parasites you might ask (even though a vet should suggest) that it be checked for Giardia. This can cause plucking in some birds, sometimes but not always may also cause loose or bad smelling stools. It can be caused by contamination by other birds but also even by flies spreading it through contact with food/water etc. Leaving standing food may cause no problems but may also become contaminated even without obvious bird fecal matter in the bowl. Instead being contaminated by insects or airborne particles. Again not saying that your bird has this problem but it would be good to have it tested and to change food as often as possible. If your are worrying about the waste of good food then try feeding smaller amounts and watching to see how much your bird actually eats in a day and trying to adjust the amount given to match the amount eaten. That way there is much less chance of contamination and also not as much waste of food. (Sometimes can even help to make less of a mess to clean up if there isn't an excess of food to pick through/play in/dump out.

And I know what you mean about finding someone to watch your pet while away. Sometimes it can be very hard to do and can take having someone actually get used to being around your pets and their care for longer periods of time until they can be trustworthy enough to follow your instructions and care for your pet as you wish it was cared for when you are away.

Good luck.

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