S.o.s traveling with my sun cornure

[Scott]

I feel bad for hijacking this thread but oh well. I plan to bring the 30 day vet certificate and the ESA letter on board with Ollie and I. We did make sure to not get the seats with the space up front but rather the ones that we can but Ollie's travel carrier under the seat as you suggested. I was under the impression that as an ESA Ollie would be permitted to come out of his carrier some of the time if he's on a harness no? I'm hoping anyways but if not then he'll live.. just as long as we can take him! My baby's 1st plane ride. I'm so excited!

No problem, the OP has not yet returned. This thread may turn up in a member's search and give helpful info!

I would ask a flight attendant whether taking Ollie out of the cage is acceptable. Really don't know the finer points of conduct in the cabin (unless it becomes a security event) and the concerns for the effects on fellow passengers will be crucial. Be sure and give us a trip report to learn your experiences!!

 

[Sunnyclover]

I will definitely report back. This is all very exciting...can't wait to see how it plays out.

 

[PickleMeDickles]

I made my one of my dogs a service animal last year, I do have bad anxiety and no one has ever said a thing. She was dropped off in front of our house at 9-10 months of age in heat, under weight with mange and 3 bullet holes. I did it on an online site. They also do ESAs. I could have pieced it out on Amazon and it would have been much faster and easier and MUCH less expensive. I have ID with her picture on it and a vest, etc. My girlfriend made her dog into an ESA and nobody has questioned her either, but the process did take a few weeks. They have a "licensed therapist" that will provide a letter if you don't have one.

That has always been my plan if I ever needed to move into a rental, but I have amassed so many animals I will be working at 90! Everyone is a rescue except 2 dogs & 2 horses.

If anyone is interested I can provide the website that I utilized to see what their "kits" include, but again, I would definitely just do Amazon if possible. Good luck with your trip!

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

No, he was in a separate 'travel' cage that I use to take him to the vet.

My guys love their travel backpack. They feel safe in it, the would scream if they see a dog if on my shoulder but when they are in the backpack.. not a peep. When I tell them it's time to go to "Omar's" they all hop right in. Omar's is a local exotic bird store, they get to play an interact with other humans and see all kind of baby parrots 2-7 months. A lot cheaper than the expensive $200 versions but it gets the job done... it was meant for a small puppy.

That is just too adorable! I just LOVE sunnies! But I have to confess, I will NEVER understand how you manage three sunnies and STILL keep your sanity. Maybe its just my Skitty- he is just ALWAYS exploring and getting into things. They just have this adorable 'msichievous innocence' look like you see in the two front sunnies in your pick.

Fortunately, for me, supervising him has become second nature to me.

Though my favorite thing he does is when I am on the computer and he climbs into my shirt and goes to sleep. It's just priceless.

Can I ask how you did that? (Made the travel bag?) I thought about getting Skittles the 'pak-o-bird' but its so expensive. If the weather here in Maine were more 'friendly' to tropical birds, I'd have no problem getting it. But there are only about three months of the year where we even have weather that is 'safe' in my opinion. And in those three months, you aren't guaranteed 'good weather'. Like today, the humidity factor is so bad that I won't take him out in it, if I have trouble breathing in it (I have asthma) then I know it isn't good for him.

 

[DoubleTake]

That is just too adorable! I just LOVE sunnies! But I have to confess, I will NEVER understand how you manage three sunnies and STILL keep your sanity. Maybe its just my Skitty- he is just ALWAYS exploring and getting into things. They just have this adorable 'msichievous innocence' look like you see in the two front sunnies in your pick.

Fortunately, for me, supervising him has become second nature to me.

Though my favorite thing he does is when I am on the computer and he climbs into my shirt and goes to sleep. It's just priceless.

Can I ask how you did that? (Made the travel bag?) I thought about getting Skittles the 'pak-o-bird' but its so expensive. If the weather here in Maine were more 'friendly' to tropical birds, I'd have no problem getting it. But there are only about three months of the year where we even have weather that is 'safe' in my opinion. And in those three months, you aren't guaranteed 'good weather'. Like today, the humidity factor is so bad that I won't take him out in it, if I have trouble breathing in it (I have asthma) then I know it isn't good for him.

My guys are definitely a little family, very hard to separate them. Having them together makes them scream a lot less lol. They have free access to the 1st floor of my 3 story town house, even when I am at work for 8 hours. The cage is never locked. I do have a IP camera so if something seems off, I am only a 8 min drive away when at work. When I am at work I generally have my TV on set on YouTube and playing "Adventures of Roku" lol. The two in the front is their baby and the dad and those two are the brats and like to get into things but they know what they are not allowed to chew on. When they doing something I dont like I will call them by name, give them the stink eye and say get down or no. They will stare me directly in the eye and back away slowly like "you didnt see me do anything". When I am home, they are usually no more than 10 ft away and they usually like to hang out on my legs or chest or whatever blanket fort i decide to create. Their favorite spot seems to be when i have a blanket/towl over my legs, they just like to snuggle between my legs under the blanket/towel lol.

I bought the backpack from Amazon, I got it for a bit cheaper but I believe it is around $50. Then I bought a small perch with a small enough screw to go through the mesh and screwed in the other side with washers on both sides of the screw so the mesh would not tear easily. The bottom of the bag is removable and machine washable. I have two small food/water balls that I keep in my car so if they need water or a snack i can just hang it on the mesh.

Here is the link to the backpack from amazon. I've had it for about over a year now and the mesh has not ripped, I use it every Saturday and Sunday. I can take pictures of the side of the bag if you want to see what i did.
https://www.amazon.com/Petsfit-Comfort-Carriers-Backpack-Cycling/dp/B00R71116C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500563142&sr=8-2&keywords=petsfit%2Bbackpack&th=1

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I find that by having Skittles free-flighted he screams a LOT less too. He mainly does his 'morning call' and his 'evening call' and is pretty quiet the rest of the day. He really only makes noise to alert me to things. He can go hours without screeching. He makes 'froggy noises' and 'kissy noises' more than anything else. He does do a lot of mimicking too.

The longest Skittles is 'normally' in his cage is 2-4hrs when I go to appts or to do errands. That's not even every day. I just leave the radio on when I leave.

I would be interested in seeing how you converted it to accomodate your birds. I checked out the link and that would definitely be more economical for me.

Only thing I don't like about those or the pak-o-birds is the light limitation. With his travel cage, he gets light on all sides, but I have to carry that by hand which can be a pain, so having a 'backpack' type thing would be easier. Are they able to get enough light from outside? One of the reasons I like to take Skittles outside for is to get some fresh direct sunlight (since its pretty limited here in the apartment).

 

[DoubleTake]

I find that by having Skittles free-flighted he screams a LOT less too. He mainly does his 'morning call' and his 'evening call' and is pretty quiet the rest of the day. He really only makes noise to alert me to things. He can go hours without screeching. He makes 'froggy noises' and 'kissy noises' more than anything else. He does do a lot of mimicking too.

I would be interested in seeing how you converted it to accomodate your birds. I checked out the link and that would definitely be more economical for me.

Only thing I don't like about those or the pak-o-birds is the light limitation. With his travel cage, he gets light on all sides, but I have to carry that by hand which can be a pain, so having a 'backpack' type thing would be easier. Are they able to get enough light from outside? One of the reasons I like to take Skittles outside for is to get some fresh direct sunlight (since its pretty limited here in the apartment).

My guys are weird... I work M-F 6am to 2:30 pm and they are completely quiet M-W. As soon as it hits Thursday and Friday, they will scream every 3 hours for about 2 mins.... it is like they are getting ready for the weekend.

I think the pak gives them a good amount of light since there is mesh in the front, sides and top. If Skittles is harness train you can attach it to the leash inside the pack and leave the front open. Here are a few close up of what I did, pretty simple... just have to find the perfect branch. I chose one that had a split so it supports the perch from below as well. I just washed the bottom today so the poop stains come out quite well.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

See, now that makes sense. Having the perch attached at both ends also keeps it upright.

Are any of your suns 'chewers'. Skittles is a MAJOR chewer. In fact I almost named him "Chewie" until a friend talked me out of it. lol

 

[DoubleTake]

They destroy wood and anything I put in their cage. Theey destroy the insides of their cat beds. They don't really mess with the mesh on the backpack for some reason. They generally sit there and enjoy the ride.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Okay, that's good to know!

I actually put unscented tissues, empty tissue boxes (glue parts removed) plain white paper towels and 'yucca' chips in Skittles sleep cage and he chews them up. lol.

That's funny you got them a cat bed. There have been several times I've been at Walmart and seen the cat/dog beds and thought of getting one for Skitty and my friend that I often shop with thinks its insane. She will say to me 'why get him a dog bed when he has you? he can just climb in your shirt.' She makes a valid point, but I still think he'd like one.

 

[DoubleTake]

Okay, that's good to know!
That's funny you got them a cat bed. There have been several times I've been at Walmart and seen the cat/dog beds and thought of getting one for Skitty and my friend that I often shop with thinks its insane. She will say to me 'why get him a dog bed when he has you? he can just climb in your shirt.' She makes a valid point, but I still think he'd like one.

Cat bed, I have one on every floor. The one in the living room is more of a play box with lots of holes in it. I am not sure how the baby sleeps like that in the 2nd pic. She must be literally clinging onto the wall, or maybe standing onto of her momma.

 

[plumsmum2005]

No, he was in a separate 'travel' cage that I use to take him to the vet.

My guys love their travel backpack. They feel safe in it, the would scream if they see a dog if on my shoulder but when they are in the backpack.. not a peep. When I tell them it's time to go to "Omar's" they all hop right in. Omar's is a local exotic bird store, they get to play an interact with other humans and see all kind of baby parrots 2-7 months. A lot cheaper than the expensive $200 versions but it gets the job done... it was meant for a small puppy.

That is just too adorable! I just LOVE sunnies! But I have to confess, I will NEVER understand how you manage three sunnies and STILL keep your sanity. Maybe its just my Skitty- he is just ALWAYS exploring and getting into things. They just have this adorable 'msichievous innocence' look like you see in the two front sunnies in your pick.

Fortunately, for me, supervising him has become second nature to me.

Though my favorite thing he does is when I am on the computer and he climbs into my shirt and goes to sleep. It's just priceless.

Can I ask how you did that? (Made the travel bag?) I thought about getting Skittles the 'pak-o-bird' but its so expensive. If the weather here in Maine were more 'friendly' to tropical birds, I'd have no problem getting it. But there are only about three months of the year where we even have weather that is 'safe' in my opinion. And in those three months, you aren't guaranteed 'good weather'. Like today, the humidity factor is so bad that I won't take him out in it, if I have trouble breathing in it (I have asthma) then I know it isn't good for him.

There are cheaper versions, you get what you pay for IMO but it is also courses for horses

https://flubit.com/shop/p/FLK3357LW...=0a71aa1b1032814e58d40687048c5f85&fo_s=gplauk

 

[Sunnyclover]

I can't help but wonder if the person who made this thread has read though it or just read a couple of answers and gave up. If you're out there I'd like to know what happened with your bird and traveling!

 

[Francinna]

Friends
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!!! To all of you for taking your time and interest in helping me out and get me well informed for all this traveling ordeal and for all the valuable tips and links. Im blessed for finding this PARROT FORUMS site and getting to know all of you and your beautiful kids. I believe in life there is no casualties!!! I had to cancel my trip. As WRENCH13 and SAILBOAT commented I had no time at all for all the burocracy of permits, labs, certificates, etc., etc. And after reading the links that SCOTT send me of Colorado agriculture rules for Parrots coming from Puerto Rico and the rules in Puerto Rico for returning her home (even more rigorous) NO WAY I will take the risk of getting my princess DOROTHY confiscated in quarentine, NO WAY!!! Anyway Im walkng the steps to get ESA and rest of certicates. I think is very, very important even if is not for traveling purposes. Im very over protective with my feathered child, she is very intelligent and has lots of human qualities. I dont want to see my self in the position of taking ignorant people B.S. because of not having her permits and documents updated.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip but I truly believe you made the right decision. I just hear too many stories of people who treat birds as 'disposable and replaceable'. They aren't. They just aren't.

There is no sacrifice too great for me with regard to Skittles. My mom and I were VERY close growing up and used to see each other at LEAST once a month when she lived in southern Maine (about an hour away). In 2007 she moved to CT and I would go down a few times a year (especially at Christmas). My last visit to see her was Christmas of 2010. I got Skittles in April of 2011 and this is no exaggeration- he and I have NEVER been apart for longer than five hours. That five hour limit was reached a few weeks ago when I went with a friend who had to go to the ER. That last hour was just excruciating for me. I started to have shakes and it scared me how dependent I am on him.

I'm home 95% of the time and when I'm home he's out of his cage. If I went to CT to see my mom I'd have to leave him behind for at least a few days and its just not realistic. Not just because I don't think I could handle being away that long, but he has never been caged for that long either. He's used to being out and exploring.

I've offered my sister (who lives in the same town as my mom) money to come get me and Skittles and bring us back but she never does it. My sister and I were never close growing up and there is a lot of resentment there. I love my mom and I miss her terribly, and I hate that I say this because its true. I just love Skittles more than her. I think she knows it too cause she acts incredibly jealous.

 

[Francinna]

My Friend I understand you perfectly!!! My bonding with Dorothy trascends the physical plane. I cant imagine my life without her. I go out shopping for me and come back home with a bunch of goodies and new toys for her. Jajaja my friends and family thinks Im going insane but I dont give a sh.... whatever they choice to think. Only people like you, me and some members of this forums can understand the degree of this feelings. As a truly animal lover never had anykind of bird as a pet until Dorothy. Never thought that such a tiny cutie was capable of giving so much of pure unconditional love, kisses and affection. She is more grateful than lots of humans. Every time I buy her a new toy and play with her she stops in between shaking her wings with excitement and fly into my shoulder and kisses me showing her gratitude and then goes back to continue playing. So intelligent!!! Such a Sweetie!!!

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I think its just one of those things that ONLY fellow 'bird people' can understand. I can't tell you how many times I hear from non-bird people that they can't believe you can 'cuddle' with a bird. When they think of a bird, they tend to latch onto the rather negative traits (biting, messes, crapping and noise) all of which can be controlled and maintained.

But for me, one of the main issues for me is how Skittles treats me compared to human family. While my mom and I were very close growing up, as an adult, we grew further apart. She changed (and not for the better). Skittles treats me like I am the most important thing to him through his actions. How do I put him on the back burner for people who don't treat you like you are even important at all? I just can't, that's it.

My mother thinks its a waste of money to take Skittles to the vet. She also thinks I waste money buying him all sorts of toys on the holidays. She actually said to me when I told her how much I paid for him "do you know what I could've done with that money?" She doesn't budget well and she makes more than I do.

I know my family will never understand and quite frankly, I don't give a damn. I understand and Skittles understands and that's what matters.