Special Needs

Travel

When traveling with a bird, you need to create a microenvironment that mirrors the bird's regular habitat. Portable cages are available, although you need to be careful about any collapsible parts. Be sure to have plenty of toys in the traveling cage and give your bird food and water regularly. Generally, your best bet is to take the food and supplements you need for your bird with you.

If you are traveling by car, you can let a well-trained bird out in the car, if the temperature is manageable, with all the windows and doors closed. Domestic and international air carriers require a significant amount of documentation for taking pets on planes. Be sure to check with the airline well in advance. For international flights, your vet will need to examine and certify your bird’s health no earlier than 10 days before departure. In some countries, birds must be quarantined when they first arrive.

Seasonal Issues

Most pet birds can live in temperatures that are comfortable to humans. However, they are sensitive to temperature and can dehydrate easily if they get too dry. During the winter, heat the room your bird lives in day and night and keep it away from drafty windows or doors. In the summer, keep the cage out of complete direct sunlight. Your bird will need shade to keep cool, even on milder days. When it is really hot, be sure to make water for splashing and cooling available and mist the bird's cage periodically to keep moisture in the air. You should also plan some contingencies in case of power outages in winter or summer. You will need an alternate heating device if you lose power for heat and a means of keeping your bird cooled if you can't use an air conditioner.