Macaw travel on airplanes

[Sambamama]

Hi all,

I have a little information about how it's done, but I'd love to hear your experiences. I am looking at taking my macaw with me on a 3.5 hour flight to relocate internationally. I know for fact that some people can put their birds in the cabin if the crate fits under the seat. A lady I know did this with her cockatoo to the country i am going to. I also know that if they don't fit under the seat that they must go in temperature controlled cargo.

Do any of you have ideas on a good travel cage option for an adult macaw that would accommodate him for cabin travel? Even if I have to cut his tail feathers to fit inside the crate? Or is that too much trouble and should I just send him as cargo? i am torn and I need ideas if its just better to have him go in a bigger crate and go as cargo.

Thanks for your ideas and if you can tell me how you did airline trips with your macaw.

 

[MonicaMc]

When traveling internationally, parrots generally have to be in cargo, not in cabin. Considering how large he is, it would be best for him to travel cargo anyway because I don't think he'd fit underneath a seat! And that's one of the requirements for bringing a pet in cargo.

If you are moving to another country, PLEASE make sure you get all of the proper import and export papers required for each country as well as all the necessary vet requirements!!!


Someone moved from the USA to Germany(?) and thought they did everything correctly. Well, turns out that since she didn't do all the paperwork, she brought her sun conure over illegally, and when she wanted to return, they denied her the right to return with him! They said it wouldn't be an issue to fill out the paperwork and send him on later, only for them to turn around and say that since he was brought in illegally, he wasn't allowed to leave legally. --- Thnakfully, she did eventually get her sun back home!

 

[Birdman666]

If you are moving to another country, PLEASE make sure you get all of the proper import and export papers required for each country as well as all the necessary vet requirements!!!


Someone moved from the USA to Germany(?) and thought they did everything correctly. Well, turns out that since she didn't do all the paperwork, she brought her sun conure over illegally, and when she wanted to return, they denied her the right to return with him! They said it wouldn't be an issue to fill out the paperwork and send him on later, only for them to turn around and say that since he was brought in illegally, he wasn't allowed to leave legally. --- Thnakfully, she did eventually get her sun back home!

That's no joke. And I know of cases where the bird was seized and euthanized! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER IMPORT/EXPORT PAPERS, AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VET HEALTH CERTIFICATE WITH YOU!

 

[Sambamama]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. My question refers to the actual shipping method and details for the boy himself. I am already well aware of the paperwork and red tape. This not my first international rodeo. just the first time with a possible bird in the cabin. He is going with me, no way that he is not.

I need to know if anyone has taken an adult macaw in an airplane cabin: Yes indeed, there are airlines who allow birds in cabin, but I would like to know what container the bird was carried in. A cockatoo (what my friend took) is not the same size as a macaw.... Unless the macaw has his tail chopped. I really don't want to do that, but if he can go with me in cabin I wonder if a chopped tail is preferable to the cargo option?

So anyone out there, if your bird was sent in airline cargo then PLEASE let me know what size container you send the bird in.... Was it with or without a perch, soft sided or hard sided?

I appreciate any info from anyone who has actually out a bird on a plane. Of course I prefer to travel directly with him to keep an eye on him!

I want to reduce as much stress as possible, but I am not sure if waiting for his tail to come back over the next year is worse than a few hours of stress alone in the cargo area?

Help! Ideas? Other comments? Thanks again.

 

[Sambamama]

Please respond to my new poll! Thank you.

 

[ShellyBorg]

My girl was just shipped cargo and did great! I think chopping off there tail may cause balance issues and could start a plucking issue. With a good crate and wet fruit zip tied to the walls for entertainment and a supplement to water. He should do just fine.

 

[Sambamama]

My girl was just shipped cargo and did great! I think chopping off there tail may cause balance issues and could start a plucking issue. With a good crate and wet fruit zip tied to the walls for entertainment and a supplement to water. He should do just fine.

Awesome info. Thank you!