Travelling with a bird in a car might be difficult. Most birds likely prefer to stay home instead of going for a car ride. Learn effective tips on how to transport a bird in a car safely, ensuring your pet’s comfort and well-being throughout the journey.
You might need to travel somewhere with your bird. Whether you’re going for a quick visit to the vet or embarking on a longer journey due to relocation or have intentions to travel with your bird. Short car rides are usually no problem for most birds but extended journeys can cause them a lot of stress. It all depends on your bird’s temperament.
Choose the Right Travel Carrier
There are many different types of bird transport carriers available for transport a bird in a car and each has pros and cons. Moreover, not all types will be suitable for every type of bird. The travel cages for birds that are most frequently seen are:
- Backpacks
- Soft-sided carriers
- Hard-sided carriers
- Plastic bird carriers
- Acrylic bird carriers
- Flatpack Metal Cages
Each travel carrier has both advantages and disadvantages of its own. Additionally, different bird species need cages that match to their requirements and the owners’ preferences. When choosing a travel cage, it is important to take into account the species of your bird and the duration of time they will be in the cage. When looking for the ideal travel cage, remember the following things:
Size
The cage for traveling will be smaller than the one your bird has at home, as it needs to be lightweight and portable. Smaller carriers are perfect for transport a bird in a car as they can prevent injuries that may occur to your bird if it gets jostled during travel.
Nevertheless, it must be sizable to allow your bird to extend its wings without any limitations. It should also include a safe and strong perch that is suitable in size for your specific type of pet bird.
Hard vs. Soft-sided
Soft-sided carriers are easier to carry than hard-sided carriers as they are lighter and more flexible. If your bird enjoys gnawing on objects, this may not be the most suitable choice. Plastic is commonly used to make hard-sided carriers, often resulting in their bulky and heavy construction.
Travel Distance
Long trips may require bigger carriers to accommodate multiple perches, as well as food and water bowls. If you need a carrier to transport your bird to the vet nearby, a smaller size will be enough.
Durability
For larger birds like Cockatoos, the travel carrier must be able to withstand their powerful beaks. Opt for durable materials such as metal or acrylic over a soft carrier or backpack.
Ventilation
Make sure the carrier you choose has sufficient airflow. Ventilation can have the appearance of either mesh screens or wire bars, depending on the style you select.
Guide for Traveling Safely with Your Bird
1. Prepare the Carrier
After purchasing the appropriate carrier for your bird, you can start preparing it. During travel, items in your bird’s carrier may move, so make sure to set it up properly to keep it secure. Get rid of swings, toys, or objects that may move during transportation. Make sure to securely close all openings on the carrier to keep your bird safe.
2. Acclimate Your Bird to the Transport Carrier
You want your bird to feel comfortable and familiar in its travel cage. This will reduce stress because your bird won’t feel completely outside of its comfort zone.
Make sure to purchase your travel carrier weeks in advance of your car trip to allow enough time for your bird to acclimate to its temporary environment. You want to avoid your bird linking the travel carrier with negative emotions like fear and stress.
Instead, allow your bird to enter the cage on its own during playtime by keeping the door open. Utilize treats as a means to lure your bird into their fresh travel enclosure. In this manner, he/she will link it to pleasant experiences.
3. Take Test Drives
You should avoid having your bird experience riding in a vehicle for the first time on the day you start your trip. Help them acclimate to riding in cars by taking them on trial drives leading up to your departure.
Begin by sitting inside the moving vehicle with your pet bird in its carrier for a short time. When your bird feels at ease being in a moving car, start with quick drives around the neighborhood and gradually increase the distance of your trips.
4. Go to the Vet Before Trip
Before you travel, make sure to have your bird checked by a vet. Your veterinarian will assess your bird and approve its health for traveling with a positive signal. If you are going abroad, you might have to ask the vet to complete a health certificate confirming that your pet is fit to travel with you.
They might also offer additional recommendations to alleviate your pet’s travel anxiety, like supplements for stress relief. It is advised to schedule a vet visit approximately 2-3 months before your departure so your bird has sufficient time to adjust to any prescribed medications or supplements.
5. Preparing the Car for the Journey
Before embarking on a car journey with your bird, it is essential to ensure you are fully prepared for the trip. You need to ensure that you bring all the essential items and that the vehicle is suitable for your bird.
After getting your bird used to the travel carrier, you should check the temperature is suitable for them before taking them on a car trip. Make sure the car is at a temperature similar to your house, not too hot or too cold.
Make sure the cage is properly locked; that is important. You absolutely do not want the travel crate to be tossed around while driving in the car. Securely fasten a seat belt over your bird’s cage or carrier to ensure it is locked in place. In case of an accident, this will prevent the cage from moving forward and provide stability on the road.
6. Pack the Necessary Items for the Car trip
These items consist of food, water, a blanket, as well as additional useful items like wipes and paper towels.
If you are thinking about taking your bird on short car trips, it is beneficial to have an emergency kit ready in case you need it, even though you may not use any of the items. If your bird is traveling a long distance by car, be sure it has sufficient food and water.
Several travel cages are equipped with food containers, but if yours isn’t, you can simply scatter seeds or pellets on the bottom of the cage. Ensure you bring an adequate amount of food for any layovers or potential delays.
It is not recommended to use water bowls while traveling in a car. This happens because the water splashes and the container may be empty before your bird can even drink. Instead, choose a bottle, or take breaks regularly to manually provide your bird with water.
A blanket can be utilized to conceal your bird’s cage during extended travels. Having something covering them helps anxious birds feel relaxed.
7. During the Car Journey
Make frequent breaks during a lengthy car ride to see how your feathery friend feels if they are out of sight.
Make sure your bird is not very anxious, has access to fresh water and food and that its cage is not too dirty by checking on it during these breaks.
You might take your bird outside for some sunshine and fresh air if the weather is good.
Long distance trips can be difficult for birds that aren’t used to driving. For this reason, it’s crucial to gently expose your bird to the car as was previously explained.
Birds are susceptible to experiencing stress during transportation. Nevertheless, with proper planning and preparation, both you and your bird can have a stress-free experience.
Make sure to purchase a suitable travel cage to transport a bird in a car for your bird several weeks in advance of your upcoming road trip. By doing this, you can ensure that your bird feels protected and comfortable in its transport enclosure.
