Traveling With Birds: Pros And Cons

Birds can be great travellers, and many tolerate cars and planes well. Some birds even love the excitement of travel. However, birds that are rarely taken out of the house may be stressed by travel. Birds can be transported in small cages, or in bird carriers with perches and small food cups. It is important to plan ahead and ensure the bird has a safe container to travel in, and that the cage is secured with a seatbelt. Birds should never be left roaming freely in a moving car, and the cage should not be placed in an enclosed trunk. It is also important to consider the temperature and ventilation in the car, and to bring food, water, and toys to keep the bird entertained and comfortable.

Birds can be good travellers, tolerating cars and planes well

Planning and Preparation:

Before embarking on any trip, it's crucial to plan and prepare. Get your bird accustomed to the car by placing its cage or travel carrier in the back seat, which is the safest spot in case of an accident. Let the cage remain in the car for a while, then take short practice drives to help your bird adjust to the motion and feel of road travel. If possible, get your bird used to its travel carrier before the trip, carrying it around to simulate the travel experience.

Safe and Comfortable Transport:

The safety and comfort of your bird during transport are paramount. Ensure your bird has a secure and sturdy travel cage or carrier, specifically designed for birds. These can be purchased at pet stores or online, and should be well-ventilated and secured with a seatbelt to prevent injury in the event of an accident. A bird car seat can also be a great option, allowing your bird to be close to you and enjoy the scenery while catching any droppings.

Temperature Control:

Adjust the temperature in the car to ensure your bird doesn't get too hot or too cold. Use a cage cover for protection, and avoid having the heat or air conditioning blowing directly at your bird. In hot weather, provide adequate ventilation and never leave your bird unattended in the car, as the risk of heatstroke is very real, even for birds from hot climates.

Food, Water, and Entertainment:

Bring enough food and water for the entire trip, but avoid using dishes that can spill. Instead, opt for water bottles with drinking spouts or provide hydration through small pieces of fruit and vegetables. Pack your bird's favourite toys and treats to keep it entertained and provide a sense of familiarity.

Airline Considerations:

If you're flying with your bird, contact the airline to understand their specific regulations. Some airlines allow birds in the cabin, while others require them to be stored in the baggage hold or as checked baggage. Your bird should be quiet and odourless, and some airlines may restrict certain species, such as poultry. Be mindful of temperature restrictions, as many airlines won't allow birds to travel when it's too hot or too cold.

By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for both you and your feathered friend.

Plan ahead for a safe trip with the right bird carrier or cage

Birds can be great travellers, and many can tolerate cars and planes very well. However, some birds that are rarely taken out of the house may be stressed by travel. If you're planning a trip with your bird, it's important to plan ahead and choose the right bird carrier or cage to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

When choosing a bird carrier or cage for travel, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the carrier or cage should be secure and sturdy to protect your bird during transport. It should also be well-ventilated to prevent your bird from overheating, especially in hot weather. If you're travelling by car, choose a carrier or cage that can be securely fastened with a seatbelt to prevent movement or shifting. Some carriers come with welded brackets that allow you to secure the carrier using your car's seatbelt.

The size of the carrier or cage is also important. It should be large enough for your bird to comfortably move around but also lightweight and easy to transport. A travel cage should ideally be different from your bird's regular cage, making it more portable. You can acclimatise your bird to their travel cage by carrying them around in it, so they get used to the motion of travelling.

There are various types of bird carriers and cages available in the market, made from different materials such as wrought iron, heavy-duty canvas, plexiglass, or durable plastic. Some carriers have innovative features like sliding drawers for easy loading and unloading, shoulder straps for convenience, or removable perches and feeding bowls.

When travelling with your bird, it's important to take precautions to ensure their safety and comfort. Remove toys and swings from the cage to prevent injury during the trip. Do not place water dishes inside the carrier, as they can spill and cause your bird to become soaked. Instead, provide hydration through small pieces of fruit or vegetables. Cover the carrier with towels or blankets in cold weather, and ensure adequate ventilation and fresh air in hot weather. Never leave your bird unattended in the car, as they can quickly suffer from heatstroke.

By choosing the right bird carrier or cage and planning ahead, you can ensure that your trip with your feathered friend is safe and enjoyable for both of you.

Keep the bird cage secure and steady in the car

Keeping your bird's cage secure and steady in the car is of utmost importance for the safety of both you and your bird. Here are some tips to ensure this:

Choose the Right Cage

Select a sturdy travel cage that is smaller than your bird's regular cage, making it lighter and easier to transport. Ensure it is still large enough for your bird to stretch its wings without restriction. The cage should be durable, well-ventilated, and secure, made from good-quality materials without any design flaws. For short trips, small birds can be transported in a cardboard box with holes in the lid for air, but they must be monitored as they can chew their way out.

Secure the Cage

Use a seatbelt to strap the cage into the car. Thread the seatbelt through the handle of the cage and lock it securely. This will keep the cage steady and prevent it from being projected forward in the event of an accident. Alternatively, place the cage securely on the floor behind a seat. Never put the cage in a closed-off trunk, as this can be scary for the bird and may cause suffocation.

Prepare the Cage

Remove toys, swings, and anything else that can shift during transport to prevent injury to the bird. Use twist ties to ensure all openings are closed and secured. Do not place a water bowl in the cage, as the water will likely spill. Instead, provide hydration with small pieces of fruit or vegetables.

Practice Runs

Before the actual car journey, get your bird used to the travel cage by introducing it during playtime and enticing them inside with treats. Do some practice runs in the car, starting with short trips and gradually increasing the duration. This will help your bird get accustomed to the motion of travelling.

Check-ups and Essentials

Regularly check up on your bird during the journey, especially on long trips. Look out for signs of motion sickness, such as stress, aggression, or open-mouth breathing. Pack the essentials, including food, water, a blanket, and other helpful items.

Adjust the car temperature and ventilation for the bird's comfort

Birds can make great travelling companions, and many birds can tolerate cars and planes very well. However, some birds may experience anxiety during travel, especially those who are not used to leaving the house or being transported. When travelling with a bird, it is important to ensure that the car temperature and ventilation are adjusted for the bird's comfort. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Firstly, avoid direct sun exposure by parking in a shaded area and using sunshades on the car windows. This will help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car and prevent overheating. Next, ensure there is adequate ventilation in the car to provide a constant supply of fresh air for your bird. Keep the windows slightly open, especially during hot and humid weather, to allow for air circulation and maintain air quality.

In cold weather, pre-warm your car and cover the bird's cage or carrier with towels or blankets for added insulation. You can also place a preheated magic bag or a hot water bottle under the cage to provide extra warmth. Ensure the cage is secured with a seatbelt to prevent movement and avoid placing it in the enclosed trunk, as this can affect ventilation and temperature regulation.

During hot weather, your bird is at risk of overheating and heatstroke. Never leave your bird unattended in a car, even if it is for a short period. Ensure the car is well-ventilated, and if necessary, create a wind barrier by covering the cage with a blanket or using a portable fan to generate airflow.

By following these steps, you can ensure your bird remains comfortable and safe during car travel, minimising any potential stress or health risks associated with temperature and ventilation.

Bring food, water, and the bird's favourite toys for the journey

When travelling with a bird, it is important to bring food, water, and their favourite toys to keep them happy and healthy. Birds can be great travellers, but some may experience stress or anxiety, especially if they are not used to leaving the house or travelling.

For food, it is best to pack all of your bird's favourite snacks. Fresh browse (safe-leaved branches) is a great option, as it keeps your bird entertained and provides them with something to chew on during the trip. You can also bring small pieces of fruit or vegetables to provide hydration, as well as nutrition. If you are travelling by car, it is recommended to bring your bird's regular water bowl and a bottle of fresh water so that your bird can drink at rest stops. Avoid placing water dishes in the transport cage, as they are likely to spill and cause your bird to become soaked and chilled. Instead, a rodent drinker, which is a bottle drinker mounted on the bars with a stainless steel drink tube, can be a good option for providing easy access to water during travel.

In terms of toys, it is best to avoid bringing them on the journey itself, as they can cause injury to the bird during rough trips. However, once you reach your destination, providing your bird with their favourite toys can help create a sense of familiarity and comfort in a new environment. This can be especially important if your bird is feeling anxious or stressed due to the travel.

Planning and preparation are key when travelling with a bird. By bringing their favourite food, water, and toys, you can help ensure your bird has a positive and enjoyable travel experience.

Frequently asked questions