It seems as if families do quite a bit of traveling during the holidays .....in the event you might want to take your feathered family member, here are a few helpful tips:

 

1. NEVER permit your bird to travel loose inside your car.....contain him in a carrier of some sort. Sudden stops, an accident etc. could happen and the safety of your pet could be jeopardized.

 

2. Bring bottled water or water from your tap at home.....sometimes the change in water can make a difference.

 

3. Some birds get motion sickness.....cover the carrier with a towel or whatever is appropriate for the weather conditions so that the motion going on cannot be seen....

 

4.Don't show off your bird at rest stops, motels or hotels....try to keep a low profile.

 

5.Several weeks before your trip, take your bird to the vet for a 'well baby' checkup.....if you are going to need health certificates etc. now would be a good time to get them.

 

6.If you are going a distance or will be going for an extended amount of time, check with your vet for recommendations of vets along the way or at least at your destination.

 

7.It might be a good idea to purchase an Avian First Aid Kit or at least pre-assemble some items such as: blood stop powder, eye wash, gauze , hemostat etc.

 

8. Make sure your bird has been groomed and feathers are trimmed as well as claws....this might not totally stop an escape but it surely will slow one down.

 

9. Buckle up you bird's carrier to prevent injury.....do not put him in the front seat because of possible air bag malfunction or deployment and NEVER on the floor of the car due to possibility of exhaust fumes.

 

10. Never leave your bird alone in the car....heat can rapidly build up to a dangerous level as well as cold temperatures......also, theft is a good possibility, so be cautious.

 

In a nut shell.....treat your bird as you would a beloved two year old child and all will be well....

Have a safe and peaceful Holiday

Try and come to see us sometime

anne