Transporting my bird - worried about stress

andrea.b

New member
Sep 29, 2014
42
0
Canada
Parrots
Connie - Green Cheek Conure
Hello,
I'll be spending the winter break (about 2 and half weeks) with my family. They live 2 hours away.
We've had her for a few months. She spent the first month that we had her at my house and now she lives at my boyfriend's house (5 minute walk away) so I usually go over to spend a couple hours with her in the evening every day - she spends some time outside of the cage with him during the day too
Anyways, some things happened recently that made me worried that it might not be a good idea to take her home with me for the break :(
Two days ago, I went to pick her up off the top of her cage and she bit me harder than she ever has before. Then when I was backing off she chased my hand and bit it again.
I have no idea what I did! She's never done that before. Usually when I approach her she begs to be picked up or occasionally she just walks away.
Things are back to normal now.. but I'm just worried that maybe she doesn't trust me anymore.
As for the trip home, its a 2 hour drive. I'd bring her cage disassembled and transport her in her old smaller cage. Im just worried that going to a new house will be stressful for her. Especially if she doesn't trust me anymore :(
Im really sad that this happened, I hope I can patch things up with her. I'm going to make sure I visit her as much as possible before the break. I was so surprised when she initially bit me, I was trying to remember all the things I read about what to do when they bite but I blanked. I just walked away and sat down and when Aladdin (my boyfriend) came into the room, I tried to explain what happened and I started crying! It was a combination of being flustered and sad and my finger hurting lol.
I'd like to hear what you guys think about bringing her home. If it's a go, I'd appreciate any suggestions for transportation, or what not to do.
I'd love to have her for the break, I'll miss her so much otherwise, but in the end it's what ever is best for her well-being.
Thanks!!
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
My conures always loved the car. Py would actually climb inside my shirt with just his head sticking out, and watch the world go by...

He was an out and about, go everywhere trained bird though. Not getting to come with sometimes seemed like it stressed him more... YOU'RE LEAVING ME HERE ALONE?!
 
OP
andrea.b

andrea.b

New member
Sep 29, 2014
42
0
Canada
Parrots
Connie - Green Cheek Conure
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #4
My bird is about 5 months old. She's been in the car about 2 times. She seeded a little bit nervous about what was happening but I fed her seeds and she ate them and seemed okay. So I don't think she was car sick at all.
Im thinking if I end up taking her the safest thing to do would be to keep her in her cage for the trip because when she hears startling noises she often tries to fly.
Sometimes she screeches in the car, do you guys think its cause she's scared?
 

weco

New member
Nov 24, 2010
3,342
12
USA
Parrots
Nanday, suns, parrotlet, Patagonian
Like Birdman said, most birds like to travel, if only to be with their humans...day trips to the grocery or other places are always a good idea and when you do make the trip home, let him watch the scenery go by, don't cover him.....his biting of you could have been a sign that he was upset with you for not having been around more of late......

For food & moisture during the trip, a slice or two of orange and/or apple is often better & less messy.....as to the bird being scared of your parent's house, you're being there will be the familiarity that will keep him calm.....

Good luck.....
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top