Traveling in car

[Tammie]

I was thinking in taking Oliver for an putting in the car inside his travel/ hotel cage just for some stimulation and something different to do. He really isn't one to play with me yet, as he'd much rather sit on my chest and cuddle under my chin and chirp softly. Is this because he is still a baby? He is only 4 months. I had him outside for about 10 minutes yesterday in his travel cage for a scenery view but it was very warm and didn't want to over do it. When we came back in I gave him a water dish and he took a bath and preened, he was having a blast with that. He's got to be sick of the same room day after day so I am looking to change it up a bit, I have to be cautious of the two dogs we have one of the dogs could care less, but the other( lab) is VERY interested in Oliver and obsessed with watching him climb around in the cage. So he has to Be kicked out of the room often so Oliver can have out of cage time. Any thoughts on an outing in the car? And any thoughts in an aviator harness at his age?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Yes why not? With him being very young I'd think just small trips would be good. They love being out and about looking at things going on. We have a pak o bird/back pack for Plum and he is keen on that. If you visit friends and family why not take Oliver with you in a travel cage, subject to their approval first as not everyone is a bird lover.

Pleased to read you are being cautious about your Labrador as accidents happen in the blink of an eye unfortunately.

 

[Piasa]

Oliver is a great age to harness train. I can't recommend this enough. It has completely changed my relationship with my parrot for the better, once I got her on the leash outside.

Some birds take to car rides better than others, but I think the more familiar it is, the more fun. My birds both enjoy car rides. Jimmy used to get car sick when she was a baby and we lived up a windy mountain road. But I put some ginger powder in her drinking water and she got through the motion sickness in short order. She loves the car now, plays and watches out the window.

I used to get a warning squawk or two when a semi was passing on the highway, but even that went away when they realized that was usual.

Also the adventure packs/birdy backpacks might be a good way to get him out and spend time together.

I know he will enjoy his adventures with you!

 

[Scott]

I think outings will be stimulating and positive for Oliver. Various enclosures are available to keep him safe and allow for viewing. I have no experience regarding harnesses as my environment is filled with raptors!

As Plumsmum mentioned, please be extraordinarily careful with Oliver and your dogs. Instinctual behavior is all but impossible to control, thus it is not surprising your retriever shows interest. It takes but one second for tragedy to strike, so I would advise taking every possible precaution. Whatever you do to keep them separate must be simple and reliable, as we are all capable of unintentional error.

 

[CherylCali]

I think outings will be stimulating and positive for Oliver. Various enclosures are available to keep him safe and allow for viewing. I have no experience regarding harnesses as my environment is filled with raptors!

As Plumsmum mentioned, please be extraordinarily careful with Oliver and your dogs. Instinctual behavior is all but impossible to control, thus it is not surprising your retriever shows interest. It takes but one second for tragedy to strike, so I would advise taking every possible precaution. Whatever you do to keep them separate must be simple and reliable, as we are all capable of unintentional error.

Unfortunately for Early I live in the wooded country and our property has owls and hawks. The hawks know that she is here and they even swoop my house, dart past her window and make her give a warning call. I wanted to be able to take her around in a harness, but it's not going to be possible at home. Aviator didn't work for us anyway, so I hope to get a flight suit for when we travel.

CherylCali

 

[Anansi]

I think a bird that is old enough to reliably perch is old enough to be harness-trained. Getting them used to it when they're young is easiest and most stress free for all involved.

And ditto on the sentiments by Plumsmum and Scott regarding keeping your dogs separate from your birds.

 

[snowflake311]

I am in the truck right now on a family road trip with Sprinkles in his travle cage next to my daughter. He got car sick for a second when he could look out the side window. He might have been too excited too. Now that he can not see out the side he is doing much better.

He is happy as can be watching my daughter and he is happy talking to us and listening to music.

I am a fan of small travle cages i think birds feel more comfortable in them since its a small version of the home cage.

In my experience most of my birds have been great travelers. I drove my Kiwi cross country she did awesome