I travel a lot, to the extent that I am hardly ever home unless uni is on. Luckily Alex loves seeing the world as much as I do, and he is more than happy to come along with me. We've been driven all over the continent, travelled together on trains and busses, and even flown a couple of places. Of course not every bird would like such a life, but Alex thrives on it.

Tomorrow we are going to visit and stay at my aunts. I thought I'd show you how we prepare for a trip. The driving time itself should be under 3 hours, and we are only staying 3 or so days, so this is a short trip. Longer trips require more planning, and you will need to be ready to make stops to replenish your birds water and food.

I always pack Alex's stuff before I pack mine. He will have a bag containing a container of his seed and pellet mix (enough to last at least a week, more if you expect to be there longer) a container of formula and a feeding spoon (although he is weaned now, or very close to it, this is for just in case. I will probably stop needing it on future trips) a bag of assorted fruits, harness, a bag of his toys, a bottle of the water he is accustomed to drinking, a fleece blanket, and wet wipes amongst other things. Wet wipes are great to have for when your bird poops on someone or something they care about! Even the most relaxed people who tell you your bird coming to stay with you is fine will hate it if your birds poops on something!


Alex's travelling kit and cage.





Same kit fits into a tote bag for ease of carrying.



Of course if it's just an overnight stay you can get away with throwing a small container of your bird’s seed or pellets in your handbag along with an apple or similar for them and a bottle of the water they are used to. Large handbags are thankfully in fashion, girls!

Trying to carry a cage, a bag of bird stuff, a handbag, your own bag of clothes, and a laptop bag is near impossible, especially when trying to navigate public transport. I recommend getting one of those wheelie travel case thing so your laptop (if you need it like me) bird stuff (but make sure to keep water and food for your feathered friend on you at all times) and own clothes and necessities can be packed together. This way all you have to carry is the cage and your handbag, while wheeling the case. It's still a pain in the butt to do though, especially through crowded places, on trains (if animals are allowed, check first) buses (ditto) etc. Luckily for me I have people driving me this time so I can just throw this all in the car and unload when we get there.

Imagine carrying all this onto a train. Urgh.

Also be sensible in how you pack. Always have water and food for your bird on hand. Your handbag is a good place to keep this so it is readily accessible. Keep any medications you or your bird need also on hand in case the rest of your luggage is misplaced. A copy of your birds I.D should also be kept on hand while travelling with them. This can be a leg band number, or a microchip number. In my case, I always keep a copy of Alex's microchip number in my wallet when we travel. It is also a good idea to have a tag on the cage with your name and a contact number.

When you arrive at your destination first attend to your bird, then to your luggage. Always be sure to be respectful to your hosts should you be staying with someone. Be sure to keep your bird and its cage clean. It is a good idea to wrap the back and sides of the cage in a towel so they can’t poop out of the cage or spread mess. While we may not mind the birds mess, most people do! When not staying with friends of family, always plan your accommodation ahead of time. Although it may be tempting to try to sneak your bird into your hotel, always stay at a pet friendly hotel or motel rather then trying this. Some 'no pets' places will allow a bird if you make the request. However, should a place not allow your bird, don’t risk it. Your bird is loud. Chances are either the neighbouring suites will complain and you'll be busted (and probably fined) or housekeeping will find them.

Other handy hints are to always pack your birds stuff before your own (your less likely to forget something that way) and to wear comfortable clothes while travelling. It’s a good idea to pick them out the night before you depart to avoid the mad rush to get dressed the next day. Avoid things that will snag on your cage etc. Travelling with pets is a lot like travelling with children. Try your best to be prepared for anything, but be ready for the unexpected.

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Fantastic! I'm thinking of doing another Conure magazine issue sometime soon I may ask you if I can steal this for an article! (of course I'll say it's by you and give you full credit! haha)

Of course you can! Just credit me as Amber Thompson (and be sure to tell me where I can get a copy of your magazine when it is published )

Edit: I'll even go through and fix up my bad spelling for you!

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I always travel with my menagerie - birds, cats, fish and all

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Tamara


Who loves ya, baby bird?

Wow! What timing for this post as we are preparing to take our birds on a few camping trips this summer. We bought Franklin (our conure) smaller cage for him to travel with us. I have to say HE LOVES IT!!! We set it up with toys and different perches and even his Happy Hut fit in it.

To give him the idea that this is his "travel cage" and associate it with "going places" we take him outside in it, and put it in the car and drive to the store and what-not.

And you can't believe how acrobatic he can be in it, I swear, he has more fun in his little cage then he does his larger house cage! Hahaha!

I put him in it so I could take a picture to share with this post.



Toni

Haha I email out copies of it, I generally go by usernames for credit lol My last one had 3 or 4 people in it lol ^^

My bird is always with us sailing, the piratefamilly !!

I relly like your photos

Thanks for the comments guys

We ended up staying for a week instead of three days, so lucky I packed double this time!

I'm glad to hear other people travel with (or plan to travel with!) their birds. It's fun!

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