Transporting Macaws

I may be adopting a green wing macaw and go to see her on Tuesday. But my question is, what is the best way to transport Macaws. The current owner used to use a German Shepard size dog kennel. I wanted to know if this was the best way since they have such long tails. And what size is the miniumum size the kennel should be if I do use that?

Thanks in advance for the help!

you might also try a metal dog crate/kennel

This is what I use.

Parkers Mom - that is exactly what she used. A metal dog krate/kennel. Thanks!

Blackhawk - where do I find one of those? Pretty cool!

I use a medium sized wire dog crate.

Merlee - Great that helps a lot! Any idea on the dimensions of that crate? When I go online I find like 6 sizes. So confusing!

I got mine from a rescue. But they can be found by googling Macaw Carrier. The same carrier sells for a very wide range of prices. I will try to find a good one if I can.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mac...eqUJ8jcrAHB2IBw&ved=0CF8QsAQ&biw=1257&bih=745

I used a large Vari Kennel when I brought both my Macs home. Something like this:

Vari Kennel Traditional Dog Crate - Airline Approved - 1800PetMeds

I attached a perch in the middle. Not the most fun carrying around, but it worked for me.

I am now looking into getting a carrier like the one Steve (blackhawk) uses...perhaps even making one.

I love the plexyglass carrier you have BlackHawk but am very nervous using once since many many years ago when I had one for my cockatiel and he almost had heat stroke in it. I had the air con on, made sure he had ventilation and took care that the inside of carrier was cool but what had happened while driving the sun must of warmed up the inside of carrier too much I ended up having to pull over and treat him for being too hot in there. I poured cool water over him and sprayed under his wings and between legs with cool water. Lucky he did not suffer any ill effects because I took care of him right away but it scared me very badly.

I go over it in my mind over and over and I know I took all the precautions for having such a carrier and I love them in the winter because they are wonderful to use for when it is very cold but I do not think I would use one again.

I wonder because yours is so large the heating up inside issue is much less of an issue. I would like to know if anyone with acrylic carrier ever had the issue of the sun shining in the car warming up the inside despite the air con on???

36x22x24 is the one I have it is easy to put a perch inside and you can also attach one of the cage bowls that clip on if you need to, also I saw your post about your grey and for my zon I use a regular size plastic cat carrier with a towel inside for short trips

Blackhawk & JerseyWendy - Thanks for the links and advice. It was very helpful!

Noblemacaw - Wow, what a scary experience you had to go through. I can understand why you would hesitate to get another acrylic carrier. I'm sure they work well for others but I can see how the sun shining on it could heat it up. Glad your bird was ok!

ParkersMom - Thanks so much! I found one about the same size online. I've used a cat carrier for Quincy before but our ride to the vet is an hour and he ends up walking around in his own poop. Because the ride is so long I may try a small metal crate where I can attach a perch. Thanks for the tip in either case!