Moving isn’t just stressful on you. It can also be very stressful for your pet bird. Whether you are moving locally or long distance, follow these steps to make sure your bird stays safe and healthy during the move.
Use a carrier
You should never try to move your bird it its cage. The cage could become damaged during the jostling of the move, which could result in your bird getting injured. Plus, the birdcage is probably too large to be easily transferred in your car. Instead, buy a bird carrier from a pet shop. It should be sturdy and have smooth sides with no protruding edges where the bird could be jabbed. The carrier must be secured with a seatbelt in the car in the backseat. The carrier should not be in the front seat because, if the airbag inflated, it could smash the carrier and your bird.
Familiarize your bird with the carrier
Before putting your bird in the carrier for a long trip, put your bird in the carrier for short periods of time. You may even want to make a few very short trips in the carrier. This helps familiarize your bird with the carrier so he won’t be as stressed on moving day.
Get a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of the move
Many states require you to show a certificate of health for your bird when crossing state lines. The certificate generally must be signed by your veterinarian within 10 days of the move. Even if the states you are crossing don’t require this, it is still a good idea for your bird to get a checkup before the move.
Finding the right accommodation
If you will need to stay overnight with your bird, make sure the hotel allows birds in the rooms. You cannot leave your bird unattended for the night in your car! Further, make sure that the room is a non-smoking room as the smoke can irritate the bird.
Feeding your bird for travel
Just because you are traveling, it does not mean you should be lax about what your bird eats. To minimize stress and the risk of indigestion, you should feed your bird its regular food. Make sure to bring enough along with you for the destination, as you probably won’t want to run around to find the nearest pet store when you arrive. Don’t overfeed your bird before or during travel. Try to stick to your normal feeding schedule as much as possible, Keep in mind that many birds won’t eat while in a moving vehicle, so you might want to plan your breaks with your bird’s normal eating schedule.
Keep Your bird hydrated
A water bowl will slosh around in the carrier. Instead, get a water bottle for your bird. Make sure that your bird knows how to use the water bottle before you start the journey. It is a good idea to switch to the water bottle a few days before moving day. You can also provide your bird with one bowl of his regular feed, and one bowl of juice fruits and vegetables to help keep him hydrated.
Cover the carrier to prevent motion sickness
There is no need to cover the bird’s carrier for the entire trip. If you notice your bird is acting unusually though, then you might want to cover it. Covering the carrier helps reduce motion sickness.
Once You arrive
Get your bird’s normal cage and play area set up as quickly as possible. Try to keep your bird in a calm space, away from the movers, windows, and noise. You will want to give your bird attention, but be cautious about how many friends and family you let in to see the bird. You want to provide as calm of an environment as possible so your bird can adjust to the new home.
