Travel Tips
Traveling with companion birds can be a challenge, a headache, a test of nerves, or a lot of fun! Many of the larger parrots make good traveling companions, and some of the smaller ones, like cockatiels, also enjoy road trips. My truck-driver brother used to take his cinnamon-pied cockatiel along in the eighteen wheeler with him. The bird learned to say, "10-4, come on, big truck!" and "What's your 20?"
More than likely your trip isn't going to be in a big rig, but the same safety rules apply to all modes of over-the-road transportation. Some birds, like my brother's cockatiel, enjoy being on the road, but others are too nervous to successfully handle the stress of traveling. Small, flighty birds like canaries or finches may find a long trip too nerve-wracking but might not mind a short day trip at all. Keep your bird's personality and temperament in mind when planning your trip.
To help make your trip as pleasant and as safe as possible, I've put together some common-sense rules for taking your feathered family members along for the ride. (Note: If you are planning to fly, check with the airlines for any and all information they offer.)
Safety First!
Never allow the bird to ride outside of its cage! Many dangerous things could happen to an unrestrained bird inside a moving vehicle. Someone could sit on the bird, it might fall out an open window or be crushed when a seat is let back, or the bird could distract the driver and cause an accident. Always keep your companion bird in its cage while the vehicle is in motion.
Secure the cage in place. Either use a seat belt to firmly position the cage, or fasten it in some other manner that keeps the cage from moving. An unsecured cage could be tossed around should the driver have to apply unexpectedly the brakes or have to swerve, and the bird could be injured. Never place the cage directly in front of an air bag. Some birds have died as the result of inflating air bags crushing both the cage and the birds inside.
Remove all toys and swings from the cage before the trip. Items moving around inside the cage with the bird could cause injury.
Take along plenty of the bird's regular food and water. You may want to pack a cooler with fruit, veggies, pellets or seeds, and bottles of the water your bird is used to drinking. Don't forget to toss in a few things for you and your family, too!
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