Pet Carrier vs Travel Cage

[Khaiqha]

Hey guys, I'm about to get an Alexandrine soon and I can't figure what to do for a travel cage. The Alex's long tail makes travel cages hard to come by, as they are all long as opposed to tall.

A solution I was told was to get a carrier with a top down door and stand it up, so that the length becomes the new height. I really like this idea, as I could have a sturdy, easy to clean and transport carrier.

But I don't know if this would be appropriate for overnight stays at another house. If I travel for three days, there may be times I would have to leave him caged by himself for a few hours. A tall travel cage would be better for that, if I can find one.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what would work better for my situation?

[FirstPenguin]

depending on your situation. A carrier and a travel cage should be two different things. Too me a carrier is something you should be able to move with easily, a travel cage is something that while somewhat portable should be big enough for a bird to move around and if necessary live in for a few days.

I have a shorter tail bird and this is our carrier.


We've lived with her away from home for a few days with just something like this.


If you're traveling short distances from a car to a door a travel cage might do, but being in more of a city environment I need both.

[Michael]

I prefer a sturdy travel cage. The price may seem like a lot at first but when you realize that it will last as long as the bird, it's not a crazy price to pay.

[Khaiqha]

Thanks for the advice, I think I'm going to go with a Celltei Pak. I don't think I would ever travel for more than three days with him, and the ease of transport would be really nice. I live at an apartment so it would be great to conviently take him with me to the study rooms/friends' apartments. It's funny how I stress about the price of a bird but open up the wallet immediately for toys and cages.

[FirstPenguin]

Thanks for the advice, I think I'm going to go with a Celltei Pak. I don't think I would ever travel for more than three days with him, and the ease of transport would be really nice. I live at an apartment so it would be great to conviently take him with me to the study rooms/friends' apartments. It's funny how I stress about the price of a bird but open up the wallet immediately for toys and cages.

I would seriously consider one of those break down cages. The celtei stuff is nice, I have one, in fact I went to the little place that they make them to pick it up, but I wouldn't leave a bird in one for any great amount. PLUS, if you're in a city, the celtei soft stuff isn't going to protect your bird in a crowd if a rowdy kid or a rude type bumps into you. Also those break down cages are light fit in a shopping bag. Just for reference I also have the aluminum kings cage travel cages, which are way to heavy to carry any distance.

[terri]

I like the second one, Its like a little replica of their own home

[Khaiqha]

My only concern is that the only callapsible cages tall enough have 1.25" bar spacing, which would be too big for an Alex.

[Khaiqha]

So I got the celltei, and I agree it is not a good idea to leave a bird in it for a long time. Gonna have to hunt down a travel cage with appropriate bar spacing.

Having said that, I do really like it though. Here are the pros:

-Seatbelts easily
-Lightweight
-Feels durable (limited testing)
-Travels well
-Convienent for emergencies
-Easy to clean
-Looks really nice

So far my alexandrine likes it as well.

[DustyTheGrey]

Those celltei bird back packs do look really cool.
We dont get them here in south africa and the shipping fees are way too much.

But actually when I thought about it, for weekends away, nothing beats a travel cage. But african greys dont have long tails so I can get away with a decent sized travel cage and still have it quite easy to handle.

Dusty goes on weekends away in his travel cage and it feels just like home, cos I can put his favourite perches and toys in there.
I think he would freak the hell out if I tried putting him in something that doesnt look like a cage.

[marie83]

Just for reference I also have the aluminum kings cage travel cages, which are way to heavy to carry any distance.

Totally agree with that they are really heavy to carry for anything more than a short distance.I went for the medium for my green cheek because it has a grill to prevent the bottom tray from accidently being pushed up. Its an ideal size for a temp holiday cage and is very strong and durable, but for short journeys/taking a bird outside it is a pain. Finding a secure carry cage with suitable bar spacing and easily transportable is a nightmare.