Anyone with experience immigrating/moving long distance with birds?

[reeb]

Hi everyone!

This is not a logistical question - obviously each country’s immigration laws are different - however, I am most interested in how anyone who has moved over a long distance with birds made their journey as pleasant as possible.

I have dual citizenship in South Africa and The Netherlands. I have just graduated from university here in South Africa, and I am applying to study my Masters in Holland. I obviously want to bring my birds with me, and I am specifically looking for accommodation that will allow me to bring my pets. The paperwork, cost and effort are no problem - my mom is willing to help me out financially. Luckily, I have 2 budgies and a cockatiel and they do not require CITES permits.

My biggest concern is whether they would cope on a 10 hour flight over there, and how to make their journey as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have any insight?

Thanks!

 

[Jen5200]

Good to see you - missed your posts over the past little while! I think Silversage has moved her birds some large distances (and she has several birds), she might have some tips.

 

[Scott]

Congratulations graduate!!

I have no such experience, but would recommend finding an airline that permits birds traveling in a carrier inside the cabin.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Hmm. Most I did was 500 miles by car moving with the fids, but they all did fine. Even my 17 year old tiel came thru it juuust fine.



But flying is a whole different animal. I've never flown with birds so unfortunately cannot speak on that. Good luck!

 

[18WheelsOfSteel]

Not sure how much it directly translates, but my budgies live on my 18 wheeler with me and we drive around 2000-2500 miles a week and they do great.

 

[SailBoat]

Good to see you - missed your posts over the past little while! I think Silversage has moved her birds some large distances (and she has several birds), she might have some tips.

No question about it, she had moved the longest distance.

There is point to point flights between both Countries on Dutch Airways who fly 747's regularly. Your dual citizenship and the non-CITES status of your Parrots simplifies things greatly. You're most likely dealing with paperwork and health assurance. Contact the Carrier to determine their requirements for having Parrots in the Passenger compartment (per Scott's comments above).

FYI: Avoid moving during the major Bird Migration Periods in the Spring and Fall!!!

Keeping the Parrots healthy along the way is fairly easy as cutting fruits in half (like oranges) or even better from the Aircraft's provided fruits (may need to request a special meal for yourself of Veggies and Fruits).

Long flights are easier than numerous stops along the way as the Aircraft stays in a steady state only cycles sleep periods and awake periods and not having to deal with take-offs and landings. Set the single carrier up to support eating and sleeping.

 

[GaleriaGila]

reeeeeebsie! Hey, there!

You may recall that the ol' Rb and I drove across America a while back to relocate.

My biggest suggestion is this... rehearse and practice as any aspects of the journey as possible... the crating, the special food/water stuff, the perches... anything that will increase familiarity/readiness when the time comes for show-time.

 

[charmedbyekkie]

I'll assume you've got the legal stuff handled.

We're actually looking into migrating in the next 5 years or so, and ours would be a 24+hr journey most likely (12hr+layover+8hr+layover+domestic)

One thing to be aware of is that certain airlines limit now just how many animals can be transported by yourself at a time (sometimes 1pp or 2pp) but also as a flight (5 other people might be bringing their pets, maxing out the pet limit of the plane).

Another thing I found interesting/worrying is the limitation of temperatures. Some airlines refuse to carry pets if the temperatures outside are too hot or too cold, so travelling at the peak of winter or summer might not be allowed by the airlines (and sometimes at the last minute apparently).