Carrier time - maximums?

[Ben]

Hi,

Obviously this will vary from bird to bird but how long would you say a Senegal can comfortably be left in a bird carrier?

The reason I ask is my Bird is being delivered on Sunday morning and according to Google maps it is approx a 6 hour drive!

I read Michaels article about Truman being in a carrier for around 8 hours so I guess He'll be ok, just panicking a bit!

Plus I've just been advised that the cage (that is being delivered at the same time) will require assembly so he'll also have to stay in there while its being built.

[lzver]

Congrats on getting your new Senegal this weekend! You must be so excited!

I wouldn't worry too much. I'll let Michael provide any further thoughts/advice. I think experiences like that are stressful for birds, but I think they are more resiliant than we give them credit for. I find we tend to worry more because they can't really communicate with us and there is no real way for us to really know what they are thinking/feeling.

Just think, once you get him home and into his new forever home, does 6 - 8 hours in a smaller carrier really matter?

[Kim S]

Thank god for living in a small country. Within three hours you can drive from the most northern to the most southern tip.

[MandyG]

My Amazon was fine when I got him, he spent at least 6 - 8 hours in his carrier. They had sent him with watery foods (celery, apple, etc.) and I gave him a little water once we got him into the car for the 3 hour drive home. He was definintely eager to get into his new cage when we got home but it didn't seem like he was very stressed by the end of it. I think he's likely calmer on a plane than I am!

[Michael]

Yeah, stop worrying. This is a baby bird right? Ok, older birds can get a panic attack from new situations they've never been in before. If it's a baby, honestly I don't think it will care much at all. They are used to being in a tight nest and the case they live in with the breeder is unlikely to be that much bigger than a carrier.

Just make sure you don't have air conditioning, fan, or windows blowing directly into the carrier cause 8 hours under a draft could get it stressed and sick.

I've had Kili living out of her carrier for 3 day straight on trips. I've had her out for entire days in the carrier as well. Really not a problem. Just start getting them used to it young and maintain it. This is why I always try to bring Kili places with me even if I don't have to.

[Ben]

Thanks for all the help everyone, I'm much happier about it now.

My main worry was what if the driver got caught in traffic for several hours which could effectively double the carrier time. Its unlikely, but possible. Knowing that Kili has lived in a carrier for an entire day makes me feel much more secure and happy about the situation.

Oh, he/she wont be called 'Darwin' anymore. I decided that that name would suit a bigger bird more, so am going with 'Jabba'.

To be honest I'll be relieved when he arrives. I shall snap off some pictures and introduce him on Sunday.

Thanks again!