How long must a trip be before water is needed?

[yoelleoy]

So I got a new carrier bag. I am starting to get him used to it so it won't be a hassle to get him inside. One thing I noticed is that it has no space for water. I could probably engineer something ugly that works, but I was wondering how long must a trip be before water is NEEDED. I Imagine a 10 min trip would not need water, but I am unsure about a 2-3 hour trip.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Hi, and... good question!

I lean towards rigging something ugly. A water source is just so critical. Plus, I think it's comforting. And if you open the carrier to offer water, that could be hazardous.

It will be fun too see what people think!

 

[Kiwibird]

My general rule of thumb with Kiwi is if I wouldn't stop to eat during the trip, he doesn't need to either. So unless we'll be out for 4-6+ hours, I don't bother with food or water. Though, on exceptionally hot days if we've been out for an hour or 2, I will offer him a sip from the cap of my water bottle if he looks hot.

 

[Dopey]

Usually when I have a long trip (or any trip) I give the bird fruit with high water content (i.e. grapes, apples, pears).

 

[SailBoat]

Our Amazon is a regular traveler and we keep a water bottle in the SUV during the non-freezing times of the year. During Winter it is carried onboard with his travel kit.

Traveled all my business years and long ago found that you carry what you need for several days for you and if you bring your Parrot. And, yes, around town is different, but even then a few minutes can turn into several hours at a moments notice.

 

[Kiwibird]

And, yes, around town is different, but even then a few minutes can turn into several hours at a moments notice.

This is a good point!

In my initial response, I guess I assumed the OP would always have a water bottle with them, as I do. Also, Kiwi readily drinks from a bottle cap, thus negating the need for a outright dish should he look hot and like he needs a drink. I only really bring one dish for his pakobird and pretty much just for food on day trips. Water is almost always from our bottle. We've only done one "overnight+" trip with Kiwi and that was moving cross country. We typically stick to day trips not just because of Kiwi but also because overnight trips get pricey quick since you need a hotel, likely one or 2 meals at minimum eating out on top of gas or doing anything with an entrance fee etc...

 

[EllenD]

I always keep at least water with me on trips that are going to last for more than a short errand, meaning that if you're taking your bird with you to run a quick errand, like to a store or something, then okay, but if you are packing him up in a carrier to go for a hike or a road trip, then I don't care how long you are PLANNING to be, you absolutely must take water with you. Period. Obviously in the summer and the hot days of the spring and fall this should be automatic anyway, but I can't imagine taking one of my guys out for a hike, a walk, a road trip, etc. and not having at least some bottled water for them.

I tend to use the Aviator Harness if I'm taking my Senegal, Quaker, or Green Cheek on a walk/hike, bike ride, etc. and use the carrier for longer car rides, but either way I at the very least have bottled water. My bird carrier has a ferret/rabbit water bottle hanging on it's inside so they can get water whenever they want, and if I'm using the Aviator Harness for a hike/walk/bike ride, I keep bottled water in my pack, and usually some fresh fruit, veggies, granola, nuts, etc. for me and them in both situations. But you must always have water for them, as Sailboat said a 10-minute trip can quickly turn into a much longer trip for any number of reasons, and then you're in trouble...