Carrier for a CAG. So many choices!

[Lullx]

I'm trying to figure out the best carrier for my situation, and would really appreciate some feedback and suggestions!

I'm bringing home my CAG in June/July and don't have a carrier for her yet.
For my smaller birds, I use a soft-sided carrier that would normally be used for... Maybe a very small dog? But I know that a soft-sided carrier is a big no-no for CAGs and their mighty beaks.

I've been eyeing the Caitec Paradise Perch and Go Travel Cage for a long while, but worry that it would be too small or otherwise not appropriate for a congo grey.

My next choice is a Fold 'n Go Travel Cage, but I worry that the bars are too thin, and it may not be sturdy enough to withstand a worst case scenario- a car accident.

I want to take my grey for rides often to get it used to being in a car and going to new places, and I absolutely refuse to let her just hang out in the car without being securely inside of a carrier that is secured into the back seat of the car. I won't take that chance.

Finally, I was thinking of modifying a simple cat carrier and installing a perch inside, which would be easy enough to do. My concern with that is that it's too enclosed. I want my Little One to be able to enjoy the ride and see what's going on. I also want her to be able to get some sunshine and feel included. I worry that a cat carrier won't provide that for her. I hope to take her to a few establishments that would allow me to take her inside (like my local cafe), and have her feel safe inside of a cage where she can still see what's going on and enjoy being out of the house while I enjoy some tea, and give her a nice place to retreat to when she's had enough attention when out on her harness (she will always be harnessed when outside of my apartment; not taking that chance either).

I do think I should have a modified cat carrier for winters here in NY, however. I feel like that would be easier to insulate and keep her warm than the other two choices. But of course, if anyone has any ideas on how to keep a grey warm in either of the other two carriers, I would LOVE to hear them!

And of course, if you know of a carrier that would be better for a CAG, please do share!
I was looking at a King's Cages carrier, but have heard that they're rather heavy, which isn't good for me. I'm a weakling haha

 

[Birdman666]

I'd go with the fold n go myself.

It's bigger and cheaper.

 

[Lullx]

How sturdy are they once put together though? I'll pay extra if it means keeping my little one safe. I never see them in stores here to inspect in person.

 

[Lullx]

I think I'm going to end up getting the folding one anyway. I found it online for $32 and plan to make comfort panels for the sides to help LO feel more secure with false walls. If it's too flimsy for a grey and a car ride, I can always use it for my smaller birds to take them outside and get some sun easier.

 

[labell]

I have two of the folding ones, they are great. I use them to take the fids outside for sunshine and fresh air. While I love the looks of the acrylic ones and thought about those I ended up thinking it would actually get to warm in there and not really allow them to soak in some vitamin D.

 

[Lullx]

So they're pretty sturdy then?
I also worried about possible overheating in the acrylic carrier, but man they look really nice!

 

[labell]

Yes they are sturdy enough, eclectus and greys are similar in that they don't chomp on bars like amazons and mini macaws do. I have put Brady YNA in one many times and she does fine in them as well.

 

[Lullx]

That's great to know, thank you so much!

 

[akrrm]

I like the folding carrier, I didn't even know they made those. We have the regular plastic pet carriers for our parrots. Their beaks fit perfectly in the openings on the sides and they just get chewed up.

My cockatoo has been back and forth to the vet since the beginning of February and to keep her warm I just use a king size flannel sheet folded in half and wrapped around all sides of the carrier, then I wrap the seatbelt around the carrier.

Congrats on your new family member.

 

[Lullx]

I'll be sure to put a toy in for her to chew on so she doesn't go for the bars. I was worried about her possibly chewing on the plastic of a regular pet carrier. I'm not sure if she's going to be a chewer or not, but I'm counting on the former.
I found a really cool pet carrier that has cage bars on three of the four walls, but the front door is plastic and has very large oval holes which look like she might be able to stick her full beak and maybe part of her head through ): So that got crossed off my list quickly.

 

[Puck]

I have the Caltec paradise and I LOVE it! There are bars on two sides so no chance of overheating. I also have the Pak O Bird backpack, but the Caltec is my carrier of choice for all outings as it allows them to see more of the works but they can easily be covered if scared. Definitely my fav carrier--I will be getting a larger one for my Rosie as well.

 

[Lullx]

I'm worried the smaller one is too small for my grey, but the big one is macaw sized and just way too big for me to comfortably carry. The pictures all show timnehs in the smaller carriers, and congos are a bit bigger. Not to mention the bigger one is like $200 ):

 

[Puck]

Yeah I think the small one would be too small for LO. Here is Sammy in it.

 

[Lullx]

Oof, yeah, that's way smaller than I thought. Well, that makes that decision easier haha