Shipping a bird cross country

[Mariar]

I've been fostering a goffin too for about a month now and found out that most, actually all airlines won't ship animals right now in cargo. Unless it's a commercial flight. I'm in Tampa and the flight available is in Atlanta. I'm not driving to Atlanta.
What I am asking is has anyone ever used a pet transport company? it would mean the bird would be in a crate in a van for 17 hours but it will deliver door to door.
Let me know what you think.

 

[Scott]

Not surprised airlines have greatly restricted shipping via cargo. Far fewer flights, and the cargo pits are likely filled with all manner of goods and essentials.

Not familiar with pet transport companies, you'd want to closely check their reliability, honesty, temperature control, etc. Access to food and water over 17 hours may be a challenge. If they are experienced transporting parrots, must have some sort of protocol for safe keeping. What is the destination city?

 

[Mariar]

Clearwater Florida to Xenia Ohio
The owner of the bird wants to do it this way I'm just not sure I trust this little beauty in a carrier for 17 hours,she's a biter if she doesn't know you. Guess I have a lot of questions to ask on Monday the company reviews says nothing about birds but they do mention birds on the list of things they can transport

 

[noodles123]

Just make sure you trust them. I had to transport Noodles on an airline once and it was VERY stressful for her in cargo and not something I would do again unless it was ABSOLUTELY essential. A van could be better, but if she will be with other birds, that is NOT safe, and the climate control issues with birds and other animals will be quite different. I guess if it is just her in the van and they understand the temperature/ (no draft) rule, it could work, but I would ask a thousand questions and not be overly trusting without proof or other reviews.
You will also want to make sure that she has food and water that can be safe---17 hours is so long..Mine was in for about 8 and so we used apples etc, but dk w/17. I know people do it..but you might be better off doing it yourself in some situations...depending on the company, cost etc.

 

[Mariar]

With airlines it has to be direct flight and delta will do it but only direct flight out to Ohio is thru Atlanta. If the owner will pay for the accomadations like car rental food gas and hotel stay I would it but money is tight for everyone. There's a lot I worry about with 17 hours so thanks I'll ask a thousand questions

 

[1oldparroter]

Either way airline or van; each has specific shipping standards as to carrier type, screened holes. water and perch's. You have to be completely within their standard. jh

 

[noodles123]

Either way airline or van; each has specific shipping standards as to carrier type, screened holes. water and perch's. You have to be completely within their standard. jh

That having been said, airlines' standards are not safe necessarily-- having learned that first-hand (despite having been reassured that the cabin was completely safe and climate controlled---and it was a mainstream airline known for safely transporting birds). Their disease testing requirements are a joke and the workers have to bring them across the tarmac (which is sketchy at best)...then there is the stress of the cargo hold...all of the noise and unfamiliar people. Noodles flew with a VERY pet-friendly airline and she arrived shaking and cold (her carrier covered in rain on a 50 degree day). She also had chewed a hole in the metal grate that was taped to her carrier. She had smelly poop and had to be treated for a bacterial infection within 3 days of the trip...so much for standards. I would NEVER do it again unless it was absolutely essential..and I arranged the trip having called and researched like crazy.

That is why I say, ask for proof, verify etc.

Make sure they have experience with birds and that your bird WILL NOT be transported with other bird. When stressed, they are most likely to pick up the crazy illnesses that seemingly healthy birds can carry and spread.

 

[Mariar]

Thank you for all the info but I’m the end it won’t be up to me but Gabbys owner. I found a company that has good ratings and has drivers that have experience with birds but how do you really know right? I’ll let everyone know about the experience when we decide.

 

[Scott]

What a sweet face, how could Gabby possibly bite??

Was curious and found the average drive time from Tampa to Zenia about 14 hours. So much depends on climate control and what other animals are in the van. Customer reviews and BBB ratings would certainly help the decision for Gabby's new parront.

My impression FWIW, if done correctly, the risk and stress level ought be equal or less than a good airline experience.

 

[Ira7]

It’s a shame you can’t find someone going home to Ohio from Tampa who would appreciate the cash to offset expenses.

 

[noodles123]

It’s a shame you can’t find someone going home to Ohio from Tampa who would appreciate the cash to offset expenses.

LOL- true-- as long as they didn't have air fresheners in their car and knew about air conditioning vents/drafts being a hazard---birds are complicated...ugh---I SO WISH THAT THEY WERE NOT...Then again, in someways, maybe that is part of the allure? I mean, you really have to try with them...lol/ugh...all the time....

 

[Mariar]

So gabby left this morning at 8am her driver Melissa was super nice. The car was a bmw and she was the only cargo. I explained air control and smells and all that. The company is super nice and they have an app you can down load and see exactly where the driver is . It was an emotional morning but in the end I’m glad I got to care for such a wonderful little girl. I’ll up date you again when she gets to Ohio.

 

[noodles123]

Let us know how it goes! Sounds useful potentially!

 

[Mariar]

Not sure if I can list the company but I’m curious how gabby will be in 13 hours the crate was big, I put a perch in and toys and I sent a huge bag of treats ,water,seed and extra coverings in case of an emergency.think it’ll be just fine.

 

[Flboy]

I would love to know who, and results! We are picking up a puppy in Houston in three weeks!

 

[Mariar]

David that’s so exciting! I’ll text you the name of the company

 

[Scott]

Sounds promising, Maria! Hope Gabby's trip is safe and comfortable, wishing her a wonderful life in a forever home!