This checklist is for a first stay at Purrfect. If Kim confirms something different for your bird, follow the booking-specific arrangement.
The complete first-stay checklist
- Secure carrier or own cage
An appropriately sized travel option that closes reliably. - Health certificate
A PBFD-free certificate for every bird under two years old. - Special diet
Prescription food, non-standard pellets or seed, and clear portions. - Cooked meals and treats
Your bird's usual cooked food and favourite rewards. - Medication
Enough for the stay, with the prescription and written instructions. - Familiar toys
A small selection of toys or puzzles your bird already uses. - Preferred perch
Bring it if size, texture or position matters to your bird. - Named cage cover
Useful when a particular blanket is part of the bedtime routine. - Care notes
Diet, handling limits, sleep habits, temperament and emergency contacts. - Own cage, if agreed
Optional: birds can use a rental cage instead.
1. A secure travel arrangement
Every bird must travel securely, either in their own suitable cage or in an appropriately sized carrier. Cat carriers are commonly used. A carrier stays closed until staff have taken it inside Purrfect's double-gated indoor bird area.
If bringing the home cage is impractical, ask about Purrfect's rental cages when you book.
2. Food that is not part of the standard rate
Purrfect supplies Avi Complete Maintenance for parrots and species-appropriate maintenance food for other birds. Food and fresh water are served twice a day and refilled when bowls are empty.
You need to bring:
- favourite treats;
- cooked meals;
- special pellet, seed, allergy or prescription diets;
- simple written instructions for portions and timing.
Pack enough for the full stay. Purrfect will follow the diet you specify, but it cannot reproduce food that was not supplied or agreed beforehand.
3. Medication and instructions
Kim and her qualified staff can administer oral and prescribed injectable medication, eye drops and ointments by arrangement without a medication fee. Hand-feeding is an additional quoted service and the owner supplies the food.
Keep medicines together, clearly identify the bird they belong to and provide the dose, method and time in writing. Tell Kim about any handling technique that is safe at home and any approach that should be avoided.
Discuss medication before arrival. Purrfect cannot accommodate a bird whose veterinarian has recommended overnight veterinary hospital care.
4. Familiar comforts
Owners often bring familiar toys, puzzles, perches and covers. These are welcome, but the useful question is not “how much can fit?” It is “which item does my bird actually choose at home?”
Purrfect provides stands, perches and covers. Bring your own cover when a particular blanket is part of the bedtime routine, and put the bird's name on it. Every bird is covered from 20:00 to 07:00.
5. Health records
Purrfect cannot accept a bird with psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). Pack a PBFD-free certificate if your bird is under two. If your bird appears unwell on arrival, you will need a veterinarian's health certificate before check-in can proceed.
Include current contact details and any relevant veterinary instructions with the care notes. Routine deworming should follow your own veterinarian's advice.
6. Own cage or rental cage
An own cage is welcome but not compulsory. Rental cages are available from budgie size through large macaw and cockatoo size for R10 per night. They are washed with soap and water and disinfected with F10 between guests.
Reserve the cage at booking rather than assuming one will be available during December or Easter. The rental stock can limit availability before the bird area's overall capacity is reached.
7. One page of useful care notes
Keep the instructions practical enough to use during a busy care routine. Include:
- what and when your bird eats;
- which treats are meaningful;
- whether they seek or avoid human contact;
- whether anyone may take them out of the cage;
- flighted or clipped status and handling risks;
- sleep and covering preferences;
- medication and symptoms that need attention.
You can put the main information into the booking request, then bring any detailed medicine schedule at check-in.