I have a question for you Macaw Owners

[mtdoramike]

How do your transport your Birds to the vet? I have a small Senegal, which I use a small pet carrier for that purpose. But my Sennie isn't nearly as big & doesn't have that LONG tail. I would be afraid of breaking it's tail feathers.

 

[Mondos Parents]

We use a metal Dog Carrier. It's about 2'x2'x3' lg. with a perch. Bob fits well.

 

[MikeyTN]

I hold mine sitting in the back seat while my partner drives me. Otherwise dog crate if im alone. I hate to stick him in crate as he hates it...so when I make appointments I make sure both of us are around.

 

[triordan]

i have a plastic dog crate, the top comes off so its easy to get him out

 

[MikeyTN]

By the way, its NOT safe to drive with a macaw on your arms. The first time I took him on my own he was well behaved. Second time he freaked out cause he knew where he's going. He started going ballistic.... he started nipping, flopping, crawling on my head, etc. It almost cause me to be in a accident....I was very close to wrecking my suv. In order to save both of us I had to throw him into the passenger seat from my head cause I couldn't see. I hated to do that but I didn't want to wreck and kill both of us either. Ever since then we learned to have both of us present or kennel is the last option for him. Only him gets the special treatment, everyone else goes in the carrier.

 

[merlinsmom13]

Although that is sooo not funny, isn;t crazy the things we do for our birds. I kinda would like to see the video of this ride.

 

[MikeyTN]

Although that is sooo not funny, isn;t crazy the things we do for our birds. I kinda would like to see the video of this ride.

Video taping that incident would be the last thing on my mind....lol

 

[mtdoramike]

By the way, its NOT safe to drive with a macaw on your arms. The first time I took him on my own he was well behaved. Second time he freaked out cause he knew where he's going. He started going ballistic.... he started nipping, flopping, crawling on my head, etc. It almost cause me to be in a accident....I was very close to wrecking my suv. In order to save both of us I had to throw him into the passenger seat from my head cause I couldn't see. I hated to do that but I didn't want to wreck and kill both of us either. Ever since then we learned to have both of us present or kennel is the last option for him. Only him gets the special treatment, everyone else goes in the carrier.

Wow, now that would have been a site for sure.

 

[azdesertrhino]

I bought an old large bird cage and used the components to build a travel cage that was 32L x 16W X 24H.

I recently got an acrylic cage made to the same dimensions. We have a fold up wagon that the cage fits in perfectly.

Good for taking Mac out for a walk. Fits in our vehicles well also.

 

[mtdoramike]

That sounds very cool. Could you post a pic or three of your setup?


Thanks,
Mike

 

[azdesertrhino]

That sounds very cool. Could you post a pic or three of your setup?


Thanks,
Mike

I'll get some pix loaded up to Photobucket this weekend and post them up. Been really hectic today.

On a side note, Mac is getting to the point where he can get a little lift/flight. Really have to decide what to do regarding trimming wings etc.

Anyhow, that's a story for another day/thread!!

 

[azdesertrhino]

Camera messed up, going to pick up a new today.

I haven't forgotten!!

 

[doodadz]

the macaws each have their own travel cage--a large plastic dog carrier w/ a perch attatched in the lower half for easier perching. the toos never go anywhere together at the same time so they share a heavy travel cage. I will say that I wish the dog carrier was heavier. have had to stop on the side of the road SEVERAL times and have the conversation...."if you two don't stop it back there in the back I am going to have to open a can of **&&!!! and make you stop! keep your hands and lips away from each other's cage! there will be NO touching so i don't even want to hear THAT smack!" we have a 2 min conversation, things get quiet, and the journey continues. --they just love the vet trip.......

 

[Lithiumflower9]

I did have a large plastic dog carrier... But on one of my vet trips my greenwing got bored (and I think he wanted to see what all was going on and say Hi!) and took a large chunk out of the side so it was no longer safe. Before that I had one of the collapsible metal dog carriers but it didn't last long either my gw decided to rebend the wires to his own design. So now I take him with a flight harness and he has a travel perch he sits on in the suv (pvc thing that fits over the seat and he can see everything I put a piddle pad on the seat and ground so he doesn't get poo on stuff). He does better with this. He does well with this and I don't have to worry about him taking a chunk out of another cage or doing some other rearrangement. I did make it a point to get him use to going to the vet and took him in just to visit with the staff, sit in the waiting room for a bit and the ride. I also had to teach him what not to chew on... leather seats.

 

[mtdoramike]

the macaws each have their own travel cage--a large plastic dog carrier w/ a perch attatched in the lower half for easier perching. the toos never go anywhere together at the same time so they share a heavy travel cage. I will say that I wish the dog carrier was heavier. have had to stop on the side of the road SEVERAL times and have the conversation...."if you two don't stop it back there in the back I am going to have to open a can of **&&!!! and make you stop! keep your hands and lips away from each other's cage! there will be NO touching so i don't even want to hear THAT smack!" we have a 2 min conversation, things get quiet, and the journey continues. --they just love the vet trip.......

Wow, that sounds like a thrill a minute.

 

[doodadz]

it's like riding the bus to school when we were kids....keep them occupied and they don't get into trouble ...much...we sing. it used to be "if i had a hammer.." now it's country or classic rock. i still have folks reaching thru the bars for seats, belts, or other birdie family members but i figure its just payback....

 

[MikeyTN]

doodadz,

WOW, you take them together to the vet....I think I would have a heart attack if I ever try that....I take mine all separately....It's bad enough taking all the dogs in at once and the cats. 2 Huskies and a Chihuahua. 2 rescued cats. I think we scare people when we walk in the clinic with the pooches, the clinic brings out extra help. And I'm right there saying Rocco don't do that, Alexis be nice, Bucky don't you dare lift your leg! IF I had multiple birds with me, I dunno what I would tell them....lol

 

[doodadz]

It's a challenge but think of all the xtra watercooler conversation that your troupe provides!

 

[azdesertrhino]

Sorry it took so long to put these up, work has been more fun than 1 person should be allowed to have!!

 

[cd4565]

wow thats an awesome set up.