Baxter's first road trip - any advice?

[GreatBlue320]

Hi Everyone!

Baxter will be taking his first road trip tomorrow (about a 5 hour drive).

He will be sharing the back seat with my son (in his secured travel cage).

For those of you who take long road trips with your fids, do you have any tips/strategies/words-of-advice you would like to share?

Thanks!

 

[chris-md]

Ear plugs? When I pick up my ekkie this weekend I'm for sure picking up earplugs for the hour long trip!

 

[Birdman666]

Actually, all of mine love the car... especially if they can see out a window.

I did an 1850 mile road trip with my five... but I used birdie car seats, (no travel cages) plus one on each shoulder... (Sally and Maggie, of course!) If your bird is harness trained, then you can just attach the harness to the birdie car seat, and he's all set.

There are lots of folks who are opposed to travel without cages.

Don't hate on me.

 

[GreatBlue320]

No hating on you, here, Birdman! I know opinions vary on how to travel with our fids. I appreciate you sharing your travel style.

Chris-md... you decided on Ekkie?! That's great! Can't wait to hear all about your new feathered friend! And see photos, of course.

LOL on earplugs... I took Baxter out for a little trial run in the travel cage this afternoon... he was making some noise, that is for sure.

I hope Baxter will settle down a little once we are on the road for awhile. I have treats and foot toys for him that will, hopefully, keep him happy and occupied. I also have the back seat folded down and his cage secured on top of it so that he can see out the window.

 

[chris-md]

Birdman, my teacup yorkie chills on my lap while I drive so I certainly couldn't say anything!

GB, I did! More out of opportunity than anything. Read about its nascence here http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/55119-overgrown-beak-ekkie-male-seasonal-plucking.html

 

[GreatBlue320]

Chris-md - I can't believe I missed your thread about your ekkie! Congratulations - I'm so very excited for you!

As I read through the thread, I completely related to everything you were feeling from the excitement at finding him, to the heavy feeling of responsibility when you committed to buying him, to the happiness you are now feeling in anticipation of his homecoming. I went through all of those emotions with Baxter!

Looking forward to seeing MANY photos and hearing about your progress together!

 

[itchyfeet]

I get why people prefer their birds in cages for road trips, but ours are out. I don't drive, and both Henry and Ethyl are harness trained, so whilst hubby is focused on the road, I can focus on the birds, who are usually focused on the scenery from my headrest.

Would it be a good idea to take a towel to cover the cage should he get a fright? Maybe a small spare container of food, and water in a drink bottle, so top ups of both are easy in the case of spillage?

 

[thekarens]

The problem with leaving them out is if someone else hits you and then the bird goes flying into you or the windshield. To me it's no different than not buckling in a child.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Shawna, I fully and whole-heartedly agree with Karen. I would never take my fids anywhere in the car unless they are in a carrier which is strapped in.

You can take a break or two with Baxter while doing your trip if you feel it would benefit him. Pull over, get him out for a bit, and then continue on your (safe) journey.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

I am late to the party but my Gilbert has adapted well to his car trips (he goes frequently). He rides in the back seat behind me, in his carrier, and he knows the routine. I call his name every so often and he answers. I ask if he is ok, and he kind of answers. I would put him in the front passenger seat but my dog crate is there. In 'normal' company I have to explain the traveling circus but I am among like-minded individuals in this forum, LOL!

 

[GreatBlue320]

Quick update... Baxter did great on his first road trip! I was worried he would be screaming for the entire 5 hours but he was an angel. He was even doing some new vocalizations I had never heard before! He was a very tired birdie tonight, that's for sure.

Thank you all for your input! I appreciate it so much.

 

[RavensGryf]

Great! I'm glad it worked out well. . Now is the time to get him accustomed to all the things you want him to be able to do in the future.
It's scary for birds who are set in their ways already, and not used to exploring. I admit my birds aren't used to it, and they get very stressed out and scared going in the carrier and out of the house. To them it is not a treat, it's "ohhh nooo!!!" The more easily 'moldable' baby stage goes away so quickly too if you procrastinate .