Traveling?

[Cjdooley]

I am planning on getting a Cockatiel, but am worried because about two weeks after the planned purchase I am heading off on a 8 hour car ride followed by a month stay at an alternate house, then the trip back. I would love to take the bird with me, but is it safe to take it so soon after I get it? If so, what carrier should I get for it? I am on a bit of a budget, and space is an issue. I'm kind of worried, because I don't want to stress or injure the bird by forcing it into this situation. What are your thoughts?

Thanks

[Michael]

I think ideally you should hold off on the purchase until after you return (see if the breeder/store can board it for you for the time being if you can't get a different one later). But if you insist, I suppose you can take it with you. It will definitely be harder for it to adjust having been around you for such a short time and it may be dangerous to have it flying around at an away from home location (not to mention other risks such as teflon, other pets, plants etc that may not be a threat at home).

I suggest getting a travel cage like this if you can't bring the at home cage along for it to live in:



http://trainedparrot.com/Travel_Cage_Review
http://trainedparrot.com/Travel_Cage

[Cjdooley]

Hi! I will be able to take the birds normal cage, all toys, food, etc, but will not be able to transport all of it in seat of the car with me it due to it's large size. I have stayed in the other house before, and know it is very bird safe, so I'm not really worried aout what will happen once we arrive, I'm mostly worried about the travel itself. Would the bird be comfortable in a small carrier? If so, what size? If not, I should probably just wait.

Thanks!

[Michael]

Traveling with a bird is not that big of a deal really, just not in the first few months you have it. It's best to let it get used to your permanent home for longer before going elsewhere. For an adult bird the bigger the carrier the better generally, but for a baby, a small enclosed carrier is actually best because they feel more secure. A newly weened bird most likely won't be accustomed to perching so sitting on a flat bottom carrier will just get it tossed around with every bump. An older bird holds onto its perch and rides along pretty well. My Cape Parrot was shipped to me from the breeder and took nearly 8 hours in transit. However, he was all covered in Poo and tired after all that. I wouldn't do that to a baby bird unless necessary. I left on a 3 day trip within a couple weeks of his arrival. He was better off at home (with someone to feed him) than coming along. Now, I might take him on something like that.

[Cjdooley]

Alright, thanks for your help! I'll probably just hold off or maybe get a reliable friend to take care of it while I'm away.