Traveling With a Bird

[Karkzan]

Yesterday I thought I had found a great family owned pet store near me to ask about and hopefully purchase my first companion bird after giving it some thought. I went in today to find that the staff was very helpful at answering all my questions I also bought a useful book detailing the needs of a parrot and/or related birds and also details what kinds of diseases they may contract, what symptoms to watch for.

I asked the owners where they got their birds from and they happily said that they get there parakeets, budgies, cockatiels and other birds from local breeders. They also had a very beautiful red and blue macaw in what looked like a size able 15x15x10 foot glass enclosure, this bird has been in the store for 30 years and had no sign of plucking or anxiety, very happy and healthy.

Though I digress, I still haven't gotten to the point. I have come to the conclusions I would like a Tiel as my first bird however the owners said that the person they normally get these birds from told them they weren't going to do anymore breeding about two weeks ago when they sold their last 4. This is the only reputable store within 15 miles of me.

The closest store that deals with birds is in Minneapolis approximately an hour away. Would a drive like this cause unneeded stress on the bird?

The actual purchase of a bird is about 1-2 months away. I want to work at my new job a bit more and spend some time meeting people around my new home before I decide to make the commitment. Maybe by that time I may even still find one at that cool store with the macaw

Thanks for your input in advance!

 

[BMac]

Hi. Sounds like you're getting ready to join us mere mortals who are owned by our birds. But don't worry, it is a great place to be. Almost everyone I talk to in that situation don't seem to mind having their life ruled by feathery little tyrants. As for your question about stressing your new baby with an hour drive, I don't think it will prove a problem. Piki, my rambunctious little rainbow loves travelling, being in the car, on my bicycle, or in the motorhome. It is always a great adventure for him. Short trips I put him in a small travel cage to ease transport problems. Long trips or holidays in the motorhome we take his large cage he lives in. He watches the trees going by and he starts chattering at them as he thinks they are the ones moving and he wants them to stop. We just completed a three week trip around New Zealand, both North and South Island. During the day he spent most of the time out of his cage while travelling spending his time playing with Rocky, our Staffy x greyhound. He showered with us, shared our dinner with us, shared Rocky's dinner, played with his toys on the bed and demanded to wrestle and play 'tickle'. On the bicycle I put hessian on the handle bars for a better grip for him. He loves speed!!! Going down a hill you can hear him calling "beep! beep!" all the way down. By the way, his wings are clipped. At first I worried about him on the bike getting scared and trying to escape. No such thing. I discovered my grown son had taught Piki a phrase I was not entirely pleased with when a dog jumped out at the bike and Piki let out with "F**k off!" Now Rocky runs along beside us acting guard. Well, I know this rambled on a bit, but it lets you know what your parrot can do and they are much heartier than most think. Your little guy will be fine. Just give him training so he won't be afraid, discipline so he won't try to fly off, keep his wings clipped (by an expert), and give all the love you can, because they can never have enough. Hope this helps.

 

[Rio Mom]

A one hour trip each way shouldn't be a problem. The breeder of my GCC is two hours each way from me, and he was fine in his carrier. I left the front uncovered so I could look back and see him. (I had my husband come along and drive so I could keep looking at River lol)

Also, you could look into a rescue. There are lots of tiels in rescues looking for homes. Pepper (CAG) came from a rescue. She took a very long plane ride from California to Pennsylvania to get to me. Then a three hour or so car ride home from the airport. (not normally that long of a drive, but it turned out the day was the ONLY day it snow stormed all winter!)

 

[Karkzan]

Thank you Very much BMac that story really eased my concerns.

 

[Karkzan]

A one hour trip each way shouldn't be a problem. The breeder of my GCC is two hours each way from me, and he was fine in his carrier. I left the front uncovered so I could look back and see him. (I had my husband come along and drive so I could keep looking at River lol)

Also, you could look into a rescue. There are lots of tiels in rescues looking for homes. Pepper (CAG) came from a rescue. She took a very long plane ride from California to Pennsylvania to get to me. Then a three hour or so car ride home from the airport. (not normally that long of a drive, but it turned out the day was the ONLY day it snow stormed all winter!)

OH yes there of course there is a rescue center in Minneapolis. In fact now that you mention it I will likely go there and see If can find a bird I really like! Oh HECK maybe they even know of some breeders!

 

[Rio Mom]

I bet you will find a sweetheart there just waiting for you to give him/her a good home!

 

[Karkzan]

I would also like to point out that My grandmothers younger sister who is 80 now has had her African Grey for almost 60 years now. And it is a very happy and social bird, no signs of plucking either. YOU have a very awsome bird take good care of it!