Bird Transport?

[Manard]

So, I'm planning on taking Pablo to the vet for a checkup, and I'm wondering how I should transport him? The avian vet lives quite a drive away. The cage he lives in is quite large, thought it might be possible to fit it in the car. If we do manage, should I cover up the cage with a towel so he doesn't get scared by what he sees, or would that make it worse?

We do have some laundry crates, and perhaps some cardboard boxes. Thought, bringing the cage would probably give the vet a better insight.

So how do you bring your birds to the vet? Any stories about what works/doesn't for you?

 

[strudel]

All of my birds' regular cages wouldn't fit in a car. I have a small cage I bought for transport and I also have some cages that my adopted birds came with which I haven't gotten around to giving away/selling yet so I can use one of those.

When I brought my galah home when I adopted her, I sat her on the front passenger seat next to me, so she could see me and what was happening and I could reassure her. Also my budgie sat next to me. I put my chook in the "boot", in a cat carrier.

It's really up to you where you think he'll be happiest, taking into account his personality and everything. (if you put the cage on the seat, put the seatbelt around it).

 

[Manard]

Don't have a cat carrier or anything like that. And Pablo is scared of anything he hasn't seen before, pretty much. I think I might put two baskets together, or perhaps a cardboard box. Something that he can partly see out of. Thanks for the replies. He would probably be alright just sitting with me, but that might be a bit dangerous if he gets spooked by something and begins flying around.

 

[EAI]

At Petco, I've seen some large carrier for birds that I would think is acceptable for a Quaker. If not, a smaller cage (like the minimal sizing for a Conure) should be fine. The trick is to add a water and food bowl and at most, 2 perches.

I cover Arrow's and Esther's travel cage with a towel for their vet checkups, I've been starting to uncover one side to get them used to care rides and I plan to progress the steps until they are comfortable being uncovered in the car.
In between their checkups, I use the same cage and take them outside for sun and to get a bath. This also helps with their socialization to new things--which is also why travel cages are great!

 

[weco]

A small canary/budgie cage would probably be fine.....even though some might say a cardboard box would be OK, there's always an escape potential.....

My birds like to lookout & watch the scenery go by, so I never cover my traveling birds.....if Pablo has not been riding before, you might want to take him on a few short trips, so his first trip is not upsetting.....for snacks during the trip, I give my birds grapes, apple slices & orange slices.....good luck.....

 

[strudel]

Another suggestion that somebody mentioned for emergency evacuations is a plastic picnic basket, those ones with the lid. You could get a bird to the vet's in one of those.