My petsitter comes and checks on all our pets, 3 times per day, when we are on vacation (she comes 3 times because of our dogs). But, due to insurance reasons, we are not allowed to have the out of their cages (the birds, that is). Our petsitter carries liability insurance, but if our birds aren't caged, it doesn't cover her.

Our Cockatiels aren't demanding, but they prefer to be in our company. If you want a bird that doesn't need or want much attention, I would concentrate on finches, and even maybe research other birds that are not condusive to being handheld.

Good luck!