A trip to the avian vet for a checkup is a good idea to make sure your bird is healthy. It would also be a good idea to bring along her health certificate as well as proof of ownership. Her wings should be trimmed and it certainly wouldn't hurt to have the nails trimmed at the same time.
If you are traveling by car your bird should be in a travel cage & the cage should be fastened in place on the back seat by the use of a seatbelt. If your bird is not in the cage or if the cage is not fastened in place, and you are in an accident, the bird and/or the cage will become a dangerous projectile which could cost the life of your bird and injury to someone in the path. Chances are that you will not be involved in an accident & the bird sitting on the back of your seat will be just fine – but the possibility is always there and I feel that my bird’s safety is worth the extra time involved to buckle her in.
If this is your first time traveling with your bird, it would be a good idea to get her used to the travel cage as well as the car before you leave on a long trip. Take her on outings a few times so she will be comfortable with the arrangement.
The cage that you use should be the largest that will fit in the space you have in your vehicle. Hanging toys that swing should be removed during the day when you are traveling to prevent your bird from being injured when it swings.
If you are planning on staying in motels along the way, it is wise to make reservations and be sure you get their OK to bring a bird into the room. Please be extra careful to make sure that your bird does not do any damage to anything in the room while there.
If you are camping, you must make certain that your bird has a draft free place to spend the night and that he is kept out of the smoke from your campfire.
Bring your bird’s normal pellet and seed mixture as well as treats with you. You may not be able to purchase the familiar brand while you are away and this is not the time to change foods. Bring some of your local water with you or purchase some bottled water so that a change in water does not occur.
If you are flying with your bird you should be aware that the airline might not allow you to bring her in the cabin with you and may insist that she be put in the luggage compartment. Some airlines may allow one or two small pets in the cabin if the carrier will fit under the seat. Of course advance arrangements would have to be made for this. You should have the carrier set up with one perch – close to the bottom to keep his feet off the ground and a small amount of food. Usually a bit of fruit is good because that will provide both moisture and nutrition.
If you make the proper plans and arrangements in advance there is every reason to believe that you and your bird will have a great vacation together.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop by the Bird Forum anytime.
After many years of pet bird ownership, I have decided to write e-books about the care of some of these wonderful birds.
