How to Transport a Bird in a Car

Moving is a lot of work. Add a pet bird into the mix and it becomes that much more difficult. And because moving can be stressful when you also need to transport a bird in a car—both for you and for your feathered friend—it’s important that you go in with a plan.

Birds are surprisingly territorial creatures. Journeying to a new home and having to adjust to new surroundings are anxiety inducing experiences for most of them, which can in turn lead to behavioral and/or health problems. Your goal when you transport a bird in a car during a move is to limit that anxiety as much as you can, during car travel and once you’ve arrived at your final destination. It’s not always easy to do, but it’s worth a bit of extra effort for a happy and healthy bird.

Below, we’ll go over what you need to know (and do) to ensure that moving with a bird by car is as stress-free on both of you as possible.

Visit the Vet Before You Go (and Have a New One Lined Up, If Necessary)

It’s important that you take your bird for a check up with its veterinarian before traveling. Your vet will be able to ensure that your bird is healthy for travel, and to make suggestions that can help ease the transition. This may include special changes in your bird’s diet, or the introduction of immunity or digestive supplements to combat symptoms of stress.

Schedule this appointment to take place about a month before you leave. This way, if your bird does need to start on a supplement routine there will be time for the supplements to start working before the move.

If your move is going to necessitate finding a new vet, line one up as early as possible. Since not all vets care for birds, it may take a little while to find a vet and get that first meet and greet appointment scheduled.

Prepare Your Bird’s Carrier

Decide whether you are going to move your bird in their regular cage or if you are going to use an alternate carrier when you’re in the car. You only want essentials in the carrier when you transport a bird in a car, so if you’re going to move your bird in its cage remove all non-essentials a week or so before the move and give your bird a chance to adjust to the change. Since this will include removing toys, do put some items back in the cage throughout the day (and then remove them) so your bird doesn’t get bored.

If you’re moving your bird in an alternate carrier, let them explore it a bit in the month leading up to the move and feed them some yummy treats while they’re in it so they make good associations before travel.

Carrier tips

Things can easily shift around when you transport a bird in a car, so it’s crucial that you set up your bird’s cage or carrier so that it’s safe for them. Here are some tips on doing it right.

• • Remove swings, toys, and anything else that can shift in transport.
  • Use twist ties to ensure that all openings are properly closed and secured.
  • Pack essentials in a bag and keep them accessible in the car. This includes food, water, and your bird’s favorite toys.

  Limit Stress While Packing

  Your bird is likely going to know that something is going on when they start to see boxes getting packed up around them. Try to keep their own environment as stable as you can however. Keep them somewhere quiet while you pack, ideally away from chaos and commotion. And make sure to maintain your bird’s routine during all stages of the move, including when packing.

  Be Smart and Safe on Moving Day

  Traveling with a bird in a car requires a bit of forethought. Birds are quite sensitive to temperature changes and extremes, so before putting your bird in the car make sure to get the temperature to a steady and comfortable level. Hot temperatures can be fatal to birds, and any sort of major heat or cold is very distressing to them. If you ever have to leave your bird in the car for a short period of time (to gas up your car, for example) be as quick as possible and make sure that there is proper ventilation within the vehicle.

  Bring a lightweight towel or blanket with you that you can use to cover the cage during transport and protect your bird from direct sunlight. During travel, give your bird plenty of veggies and fruit with high water content. In addition to being a special treat for them, this will also help ensure that they stay hydrated during the journey. And of course, if your move is going to take more than one day and you’re stopping overnight at a hotel, bring your bird inside with you. Your bird should never be alone in the car for a sustained period of time.

  There is no way to completely remove the inherent stress involved when you transport a bird in a car, but remember that your bird picks up on your own body language. Make a point of staying (or at least outwardly appearing) as calm, cool, and collected as possible. This will make the journey easier on your bird, and will also help keep your own stress level in check.

  Once you arrive at your new home, get your bird out of the car and into the house immediately. Return essentials to the cage so that your bird has some of their favorite items while you’re settling in, and as soon as you can, get their cage set up and ready for them in its final location. Give your bird lots of love and attention during this time, and always be on the lookout for signs of stress or other health issues. Call your vet if you ever have any concerns about your bird’s well-being.