Lightweight travel carriers

[Fiwi]

I have a Avian Adventures Poquito Hotel for my Eclectus, Emmett. It's great for long trips and when we're sleeping over. However, I'd like to get something for short trips to the vet, pet store, etc. I've been looking around and like the Caitec Perch & Go. I'm wondering if it's too heavy. I really want something lightweight and not too cumbersome.

Another product I love is the Celltei Pak-O-Bird, but it's SO expensive ($150)!

So, then I got thinking. Emmett isn't a destructive bird. How about retrofitting one of these pet travel backpacks from Pet Gear Inc? They are only about $40. I could make a travel perch with an acrylic base to fit snugly in the bottom--attached w/ heavy duty velcro. What do you think?

Any other suggestions I should consider? TIA!

 

[roxynoodle]

I really want one of those backpacks, too.

I just use the plastic airline approved large cat/small dog ones with the metal grate doors, and put a towel in the bottom for transporting my birds. You can buy them at Walmart or similar stores. They are cheap, sturdy, sit nicely on the passenger seat, and have a handle on top for carrying. If it's cold out, I wrap it up in a large towel or blanket for the times we are between car and building.

 

[Fiwi]

I thought about those, but to get the height I want I have to go to an all-around larger size. I want him to have plenty of head-room. I know he'd appreciate more visability too. I just found another I could retro fit. It's called the Snoozer Wheeled Pet Carrier. It has more visibility. Check it out:

Roll Around Snoozer Dog Carrier - Roll Around Travel Pet Carrier - Pet Carriers & Purses

 

[roxynoodle]

Mesh concerns me because they could chew through it. I was looking at the backpack one with the stainless steel mesh.

When the bird is standing on the bottom of the carrier though, they aren't very tall. Mine don't even come close to hitting their heads on the top. Rowdy often hangs on the door, and Pete sometimes does, but they have been fine. I use the smallest size one for Rowdy and the next size up for Merlin and Pete.

 

[Fiwi]

Good to know. I will try one before I shell out a lot of money for the SS mesh backpack.

 

[roxynoodle]

Even little Rowdy went through 3 balsa wood blocks today, and Pete can crack walnuts with his beak. Just knowing what birds can chew through quickly makes me reluctant to use mesh that is nylon (or whatever it is). I picture Pete or Merlin chewing right through it and then being loose in my truck. I wouldn't want them to accidentally fly away when I got to the vet.

Some people use the acrylic carriers, but some here report it gets very hot on warm days with the sun coming through the car windows. So they look very nice, but are possibly dangerous to use.

 

[Fiwi]

Well, I ended up going with the Caitec Perch & Go. I was concerned about it as I put it together. I was afraid the polycarbonate would break. However, once I figured it out, it went together easily and is very sturdy. It came with a cheap plastic perch, so I replaced it with a Polly's Pet Cholla Wood Perch. It's lightweight and fits nicely in a shopping cart. Emmet and I love the visibility and b/c it has wire doors on the front and back it doesn't get hot like the all-acrylic carriers I've seen. I can also run the car's seatbelt through it to keep him safe! I'll post a pic later of him in it.

 

[KatherineI]

I realize that you already bought something else, but for others who might be wondering or doing research...

I have a Celltei Pak-O-Bird and I LOVE IT! On the few nice days we've had, we've been able to take Loki out in it and let him get some sunshine through the steel mesh. I wouldn't worry about the mesh (but advise everyone to upgrade to the steel mesh), as it will hold up for a good while. As with anything, you will eventually see wear and tear and possibly some bite marks, but the way it's designed, it's a little difficult for them to get a hold of the steel mesh in a way that makes it easy for them to chew. And Loki chews everything!

They are expensive, but they are also extremely lightweight all things considered. They also sell fleece covers so if you live in a colder climate, you can take them where you need to go with them (such as the vet) and they'll be fine. You can wear it like a backpack/front pack or on your shoulder. The backpack/front pack is nice if you go camping and take your bird, or just for walks in general. It's good to get birds out and exposing them to things if you're able to. Since I live in the rainy and currently chilly PNW, aside from taking him to the Vets, the only time I've been able to truly utilize it is when the sun is out and it's over 50. I can't walk with him as the breeze would make him way too cold, but it's not bad for 30 minutes of porch time - which is becoming more frequent as spring comes through. But we also utilize it when we need to clean his cage and he decides he doesn't want me too and won't stay on his plays stand.

I just highly recommend it.

 

[goalerjones]

Just an FYI, Angie, the woman who runs Celltei (Pack-O-Bird Backpacks) will be at booth 760 at the Orange County (California) Fairgrounds at the pet expo next weekend (April 20-22) if anyone wants, like me, to see one of her backpacks in person.