Moving with Birds

Preparing for Change

Birds are sensitive to moving and changing environments. When you decide to buy or rent a new home, it is important to ease your bird through the moving process. This means eliminating all unnecessary stressors, surrounding the bird with the comforts of home (food, water, and favorite toys), and making sure that it is used to its carrier. So, it is a good idea to let the bird spend time in its carrier prior to making the move. It is also important to remain calm, because birds are very sensitive to human emotions. 

Planning for Travel

Car

Moving by car is the best choice for your bird, because the ride is usually smooth and the least disruptive. Your bird's carrier should by strapped in the backseat away from airbags that can't be turned off. Make sure the carrier is not in direct sunlight. Use a window blind if necessary. 

Put down a blanket or painter's tarp, because seed will get in your car. If your bird enjoys eating fruit, you can avoid spills by including a few pieces in its cage in place of a water bowl. When stopped at rest stops, you can then offer them water. 

Do not leave your bird alone in the car for extended periods of time. If you must leave them alone at all, make sure that the windows are cracked for cooling and ventilation. The Summer sun can raise car temperatures in minutes causing animals to die from heat stroke. 

Everyone likes to listen to music when they are driving for long periods, but try to keep the volume down. Birds often feel the need to compete with loud sounds. Your bird will either become frazzled or begin screeching. 

If you are not arriving the same day as your furniture, try and bring your bird's cage with you. Carriers will protect them during the move, but they don't provide the comforts and space that their cage does. 

Airplane, Bus, Train, or Boat

Contact your travel line of choice well ahead of when you plan to travel. Some buses and cruise ships allow your bird to travel with you, but many don’t. So, you want to make sure you know the rules for pet crates and carriers, and reserve a place for your pet on the transport. Some airplanes do not take birds and those that do may not take all types of birds. If your trip potentially includes multiple stops or layovers, try to book a direct flight or bus ticket, and verify that your pet will be residing in a pressurized and/or climate controlled area of the transport. Also, do not forget to include food, water, and toys in the carrier.

The New Home
The flurry of moving furniture and boxes into your new home can cause stress in your bird. Before the moving truck arrives, choose a room in the house where you can put your bird and close the door. Bathrooms work very well for this, because they aren't usually a good place to stack boxes.

Conclusion
Moving to a new home is a big change for EVERYONE in your family. Because birds can't communicate as well as us, we often forget their concerns. Birds are more sensitive to their environment than dogs and cats. Owners should plan ahead to make the trip and transition comfortable for their pet.

© Meghan M. Riley, April 2009