Parrot Backpacks and Carriers

[Michael]

Alright, share with us why it works for you? I'm curious.

[Rue]

LOL...I thought I did!

The Flying South (thought it was called the Avian Adventure before - not to be confused with the cages...that's another company I think) backpack is my favourite (other than appearance). The square bird cage gives the parrots lots of room around it, and I think a 'familiar' setting. The canvas offers protection from the elements if needed...and shade...

No one can get 'at' the bird with dirty hands, etc., so the bird is protected from curious strangers. Children are less likely to get bitten since the bird isn't as accessible to them.

The cage cannot be opened while you're wearing it. You need to take it off and open it from the back, so very secure in that regard.

If you're gone for a longer walk/hike, you can stop and add the food bowls for water/food...

Easy to clean.

The Celltei model is much better looking. You can't even tell it's a bird backpack at first. However, none of my three birds are as happy in it as the Flying South one. I think it feels more closed in, or cave-like to them...they can't see out as well I don't think. They fret more while they're in it, even though they're all used to the other backpack. I don't think it's as safe either...if the bird decides to chew on it while you're wearing it, you might not notice...

It's also easier to open (anyone can open it while you're wearing it) and there's an increased chance of potential escape.

[Rue]

Found this photo too. The Amazon in the Celltie. As you can see, she's not too happy about it.

[Giantmoa]

I just want to put out there that small bird cages are not good for travel (unless they are specifically made for it and are secure) my 'tiel didn't like her carrier (she got all worked up and stressed in it) so I just used the spare small cage to move her. bad idea. It was bulky and awkward to hold and when I was carrying it back to the car from the bird sitters and a man stumbled into me causing me to drop the cage. the bottom popped off and she was out and flying in record time. It took us several days to retrieve her after that but luckily all ended well. Now I have this weird plastic carrier that I don't care for too much but at least it works... and I can be certian that it won't fall apart! lol, don't know how I feel about about those bird backpacks though. I don't like the idea of the bird behind me and in front is just kinda awkward? I'd rather just have a hard shell carrier to carry at my side... but otherwise I'm sure it works well =)

[HyperD]

My sennie is fine with the pak-o-bird... That is how I brought her from the breeders (4 hours drive). She did make a bit of noise on the way but I think that is more out of unfamiliarity with her new surroundings and flock...


Since then she will go in it, if she had a choice she wouldn't go in it (i.e. if it was lying around) but she goes in when I ask her too.


And it can be put on the back like a ruck sack or drapped around the neck so she is in front of you. I prefer to keep her in front although I do get some odd looks from passerbys sometimes

[TheNzJessie]

i have always used a cat carrier for my birds since way before joining this forum. and i now take my rainbow lorikeet out on the aviators flight harness. i personally do not see a better set up than this.

i dont use a cat carrier for my budgie because he can fit though the squares but they had exactly the same cat carriers but for a rat. this is perfect for him. i have never been able to find them again....so i hope the one i have does not break in any way

and plus for this price...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pe ... 258637.htm
$300 for one of those carriers....thats more then what his cage cost...the cat carrier cost me $49 and $5 for a perch...

[Rue]

Yes, you definately have to be careful what you use, that is secure.

I suppose I should have distinguish between regular transport, like a carrier, and taking your bird out for a walk, which would be a backpack. Can't really take your bird for an outing in a cat carrier...

[TheNzJessie]

aviator flight harness

[BirdbrainJan]

I've used a clamshell-type plastic carrier for Franklin so far. It's roomy enough inside that I can set his tabletop perch in there, and a water bowl when we reach our destination. It latches really securely too, so I don't have to worry about it popping open.

He traveled in that to my parents' house for dinner and socializing, and did very well in it. It has a little hatch in the top that can be opened to let him climb out when he's ready. Once he's comfortable in the new environment, it's easy to open up the clamshell, and it lies flat, making two contained play surfaces, for toys and things. He can also perch all along the edges. I think I paid about ten dollars for it way back when I got it for my bunny!

[Natacha]

But for regular transport I think the solid carrier provides more protection. The backpack things I think are just weird.

So if the backpacks are weird, what do you think of parrot strollers?
While I would be willing to take a walk with a bird in a backpack (and if we are talking of taking a walk for the sake of taking a walk (or going hiking), then I would be definitively more partial to the backpack than cat carrier by the way (and this is what I believe Rue was getting at)) than in a stroller - THAT is weird

Flight harnesses aren't for everyone and it might take a while to get your birds use to it so it is always good to have alternatives - while I normally use my converted cat carriers for regular travel involving a car (vet, bringing birds to bird club meetings or to be bird sat at my mom's, etc), I really don't think they are practical when just wanting to go for a walk, where the backpack might be more useful.

Oh and Rue, I think the reason you couldn't find anything was because you were looking for Avian Adventure? I believe the name is Adventure Pack. I posted the first link it found but it does seem to be for sale on quite a few websites so people, if you are looking at getting it, please shop around.

On the same note, I do have a friend on another forum who swears by her Adventure Pack but she did say she invested some money into making it more secure as she did think it needed a few adjustments (although what they were I cannot say).

As for travel cages - I have one but it's certainly not for everyday travel. If I ever go somewhere for a few days and want to take one of my guys - that cage is what I'll take so I can avoid having to bring along a temporary cage and travel carrier (as I don't like the idea of my birds having to spend a few days in a cat carrier).