| This past year, I packed up and moved across | | | | greencheek conure. If your bird does exhibit car |
| country with a flock of five parrots. It was a three | | | | sickness, there are several things you can do to help |
| thousand mile trip, and a very eye opening | | | | ease the effects including: covering the carrier, trying |
| experience! I learned the importance of a good travel | | | | the carrier in both the back and front (safely buckled |
| carrier, and realized how many questions there are | | | | in) seats of the car, and if all else fails, shredded |
| about appropriate carriers, so I decided to write a | | | | ginger root prior to the trip will help ease any |
| short article detailing the important aspects of a good | | | | stomach upset |
| carrier. | | | | Be sure to always secure your birds carrier with a |
| A travel carrier is an essential accessory for a bird | | | | seatbelt or other device Like little children, a bird in a |
| owner. Whether it be car trips, road trips, or traveling | | | | front seat could be vulnerable to injury if there was |
| by plane, your bird will need a comfortable and safe | | | | an accident and air bags were deployed. |
| way to travel with you. Travel carriers do not need | | | | Also be sure to bring adequate food and water for |
| to be as big as your birds regular cage, but should be | | | | your feathered companion. It is recommended that |
| large enough for the bird to fit comfortably and | | | | juicy fruit, or an ice cube, takes the place of water |
| move around a bit. Keep in mind the duration your | | | | on a short journey, as the bird will still receive |
| bird will be in the carrier- for a shorter day trip, a | | | | necessary liquids without worry of water spilling. On |
| smaller carrier is fine. For a longer trip that the bird will | | | | extended travels, your bird will need out of cage |
| spend one or more days in, a larger carrier is | | | | time, so a portable play gym or T-stand is |
| recommended. | | | | recommended. There are several models available |
| Types of Carriers | | | | that break down, making it easy for you to carry. |
| Depending on what type of travel you plan, there | | | | Before vacation day, it is recommended that you |
| are many types of carriers available for your use. | | | | make sure your bird has been properly groomed. |
| Airline approved carriers are a must for flight. | | | | While articles say that your bird requires a health |
| Commonly used carriers include cat and dog carriers, | | | | certificate before any travel, this is largely untrue. If |
| modified to hold a perch and food dishes. There are | | | | you are driving with your pet, you will not need to |
| bird specific carriers available, including collapsible wire | | | | provide proof of health inside the US. If you are |
| carriers with grates and locking trays, or heavy duty | | | | flying or traveling by other means, it is required that |
| stainless steel carriers available for those with big | | | | you have a recent (within 30 day) health certificate |
| beaks. For shorter travels, there are hand held | | | | for all animals. If your bird is fully flighted, a harness |
| carriers that have a mesh front, suitable for smaller | | | | for the journey is necessary to ensure your bird will |
| birds going on short trips that aren't apt to chew. | | | | not escape. I personally chose to clip all my birds prior |
| Whatever your desire, there is a model available that | | | | to travel, as I wanted to be able to grab them |
| will suit you and your bird. I personally chose a wire | | | | quickly without worrying about putting on a harness |
| knockdown model, that allowed the carriers to be | | | | in an emergency. |
| stored easily when not in use. A great space saver! | | | | Always keep safety in mind while traveling. Keep |
| Setting up the Travel Carrier | | | | your bird in the carrier while the vehicle is in motion. |
| Choose a perch that will provide firm footing for your | | | | Climate and altitude changes can affect your pet, so |
| bird. Stay away from slick woods like manzanita, and | | | | be sure to have weather conditions checked ahead |
| go more towards perches such as rope. I | | | | of time. It's best to avoid crowds, and never let your |
| recommend perches like grapevine, cholla, or rope | | | | bird out of your site. It is also advised to reserve |
| that will allow your bird to have a good grip. A perch | | | | your hotel ahead of time, so that you can be sure |
| should be installed towards the front of the carrier, | | | | the place you rest is pet friendly. I found that Drury |
| to accommodate the birds tail and in case of a | | | | Suites Hotels were very accommodating and pet |
| sudden stop, the bird will not be thrown forward, but | | | | friendly. |
| will be able to lean forward and grab the front of the | | | | It is also recommended that you bring along |
| carrier. When choosing a toy for the carrier, choose | | | | emergency contact numbers of both pet sitters and |
| one made out of soft material, or preferably a side | | | | your avian vet. Carry your avian first aid kit, in case |
| mount toy so that it does not move when the | | | | of an accident. Documents such as proof of |
| vehicle is in motion. | | | | ownership, breeders name/address, medical records, |
| Getting Ready to Go | | | | and a recent photo of your bird is recommended. |
| Your bird should be comfortable and used to his | | | | Some owners have taken a further step and also |
| carrier before any long trip. Putting his favorite toy | | | | micro chipped their avian companions. If you have |
| and treats in the carrier will help put him at ease. | | | | done this, be sure to have the chips information in a |
| Once he is used to his carrier, it's advisable to take | | | | safe place, and take it on your travels. The chance |
| the bird on several short trips, prior to the real trip. | | | | that you will need all this documentation and |
| This will let you see how the bird reacts to the | | | | information is slim, however, the information would |
| carrier, and also to the trip. It is not uncommon for | | | | prove invaluable in case of an emergency. |
| some parrots to experience car sickness, like my | | | | |