Eclectus on a plane... Help with travel.

[WinstonToBC]

Okay so I took my Sun Conure ,Ollie, on a plane last summer and the flight both ways is about 7 hours. 1st of all they will not let you take your bird out of it's carrier so keep that in mind, The calming and petting techniques will have to be done with your hand in the carrier. The last thing the airline attendants want is a loose, scared bird flapping about on the plane and possibly getting hurt or hurting someone.
Ollie did not make a sound on the plane, I find more likely than not your bird will be so stunned by what's happening they are usually more quiet than usual because the environment is new and scary and they are unsure which predators could be lurking about ready to eat them at a moment's notice. The one thing that could derail this is if you are flying too close to your bird's bedtime or during the bedtime. Our last flight home landed at about 8pm which is when Ollie (at home) is usually clamoring to go to bed. Sure enough as we were getting our luggage he started up despite me covering his cage.
I also, would not recommend covering the cage the whole time as I found Ollie did not care for that and I noticed him getting frantic in the carrier even though he was quiet but I could see he was about to start freaking out. I did cover it close to bedtime and that seemed to be a time he could relax and appreciate the cover. I do recommend Avi-calm powder but I would urge you to test it on your bird 1st as it could effect him differently and NOT make him calmer.
As far as air pressure in the cabin in concerned, I was worried about it too but Ollie did not seem to notice or it stunned him into submission but either way it didn't make him scream.
Another tip, if your bird seems to get antsy, that is when you should start giving him treats and not before that. I definitely did that and it seemed to work.
One more thing: If your bird does start screaming it's head off remember they can't kick you off the flight. It is what it is.

Thanks so much. I was wondering too about some bird sbeing quiet when unsure of surroundings. I arranged the flights to be during the day. The only bad thing is we are up super early to leave for the airport. Plane leaves at 5:45 a.m. but we arrive in Canada at 4:15 which will be 7:15 his time (time change.) I just hope I don't get kicked off the plane! Perhaps some apologies and an explanation as to why he is on the plane: I inherited my father's bird and that it has taken me a year to get it all organized.

 

[Sunnyclover]

Just wear a shirt that says "I inherited my father's bird and I apologise in advance if he is loud and annoying. Bare with me, this is uncomfortable for all of us".
Also, good luck to you and you sound like you're going to care for your inherited bird very very well.

 

[WinstonToBC]

I’m so excited for you that the time has finally come! Bumble is rarely noisy as long as she can see me, meaning she was pretty quiet when we flew, so I don’t have any thoughts about noise from the bird. Also, parrotlets =\= bigger birds when it comes to volume! But I’m sure everything will be fine in the long run. [emoji16]

Oh, and if the pressure changes were uncomfortable, she didn’t let on, so I assume they weren’t too bad.


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It has been almost a year! He has been with the most wonderful lady! I feel very blessed. She helped him through his depression from my father who passed away and then my stepmom who needed to be moved to a facility due to Alzheimer's. Winston lost his world that he has known for 30 years. But, this wonderful woman took him in and just gave him love. I have been visiting him everyday that we have been here. She says she has never seen him so happy to see someone and it is obvious he remembers me. He steps up, is laid back, talks to me, waves to me. I will definitely talk to him on the plane.

 

[Jen5200]

I’m so glad that the time has finally come for Winston to go home with you! I’ve never flown with any of my birds, so have no tips to share.... but wanted to wish you luck in your travels . It’s wonderful that he remembers you and is happy being with you - he’s lucky to have you.

 

[ChristaNL]

Some people even do chamomile tea---BUT I HAVE NO IDEA IF THAT IS LEGIT....

LOL, not sure if I read this the way it was intented, but yes chamolile is just a (mostly) harmless little flowering plant. Nothing drugsrelated.

-

All I can say: Have a nice flight!!

 

[Inger]

I’m so excited for you that the time has finally come! Bumble is rarely noisy as long as she can see me, meaning she was pretty quiet when we flew, so I don’t have any thoughts about noise from the bird. Also, parrotlets =\= bigger birds when it comes to volume! But I’m sure everything will be fine in the long run. [emoji16]



Oh, and if the pressure changes were uncomfortable, she didn’t let on, so I assume they weren’t too bad.





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It has been almost a year! He has been with the most wonderful lady! I feel very blessed. She helped him through his depression from my father who passed away and then my stepmom who needed to be moved to a facility due to Alzheimer's. Winston lost his world that he has known for 30 years. But, this wonderful woman took him in and just gave him love. I have been visiting him everyday that we have been here. She says she has never seen him so happy to see someone and it is obvious he remembers me. He steps up, is laid back, talks to me, waves to me. I will definitely talk to him on the plane.

Awwww that’s so sweet that he remembers you and is happy to see you! This is a wonderful story. And when will we get pictures? Or are they somewhere else and I missed them?


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[WinstonToBC]

I’m so excited for you that the time has finally come! Bumble is rarely noisy as long as she can see me, meaning she was pretty quiet when we flew, so I don’t have any thoughts about noise from the bird. Also, parrotlets =\= bigger birds when it comes to volume! But I’m sure everything will be fine in the long run. [emoji16]



Oh, and if the pressure changes were uncomfortable, she didn’t let on, so I assume they weren’t too bad.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It has been almost a year! He has been with the most wonderful lady! I feel very blessed. She helped him through his depression from my father who passed away and then my stepmom who needed to be moved to a facility due to Alzheimer's. Winston lost his world that he has known for 30 years. But, this wonderful woman took him in and just gave him love. I have been visiting him everyday that we have been here. She says she has never seen him so happy to see someone and it is obvious he remembers me. He steps up, is laid back, talks to me, waves to me. I will definitely talk to him on the plane.

Awwww that’s so sweet that he remembers you and is happy to see you! This is a wonderful story. And when will we get pictures? Or are they somewhere else and I missed them?


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For some reason I am unable to copy and paste the link to post pictures. But, I will be putting some in the photo album. He is so adorable. He had his vet check today and did great. We picked him up from where he is staying with no issue. He loved the one hour car ride and wow... could he talk. He was chatting the entire way. The vet said he will most likely not squawk on the plane. But, to make sure he knows we are there. I will put the carrier on my lap after take off. I can see him chatting a bit. The only time he squawked was when I got out of the car so am thinking it was a call... like... Hey, where ya going? Don't forget about me.

 

[ChristaNL]

Forget about you and Winston, no way!
Working up to his first long flight, a very important step in a birds life
(even if it is by plane)

 

[Inger]

Thanks for the update-I was just wondering about you two. Seems you already have a wonderful bond!


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[Dopey]

This story brings tears to my eyes.

 

[WinstonToBC]

Forget about you and Winston, no way!
Working up to his first long flight, a very important step in a birds life
(even if it is by plane)

I am certain he knows something is up... but in a good way. I don't think there will be any problems with him on the plane. Perhaps a few louder noises here and there which I would expect anyway. I hope he likes Canada!

 

[WinstonToBC]

Thanks for the update-I was just wondering about you two. Seems you already have a wonderful bond!


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Thank you. It has been quite the process but so worth it. I was pretty sure he would remember me but it has gone better than what I thought. Even the person he is staying with said she hasn't seen him so happy. He is going to be spoiled!

 

[WinstonToBC]

This story brings tears to my eyes.

Aaaaaw... Sorry for the tears. But on a more positive note, having Winston with me will be like having my dad closer. Winston says things and I can hear my dad in his phrases. Very sweet.