Last Updated on April 22, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

Anita J. would like to know,

We are moving to a new house, a 1200 mile trip.

With a Noble Macaw (20), Sun Conure (23), and Cockatiel (29).

Editors note ~ Most humans mistakenly believe all macaws are large birds. Noble macaws and sun conures are roughly the same sizes. Noble macaws are roughly a little more than 5 ounces whereas sun conures are a little less than 5 ounces. Cockatiels on average are about 3 ounces. Endnote

As with daily life, all have separate travel cages.

DO we have food in cages or give it when stopped for the night?

Taking a two-day drive.

Sorry, should have asked these questions weeks ago.

Also traveling with a cat (we know to withhold food the night before).

Of course, would have some water in cages.

Purchased larger cages than we usually use for 5-mile trips to Vets.

Dear Anita

The birds you have should all be good candidates for an easy trip. They are sizes that can travel well in a car. 

During actual travel, I would stick to dry food. Seeds, pellets. Maybe a big chunk of apple to peck at. Plus water of course.

Tip: Consider dropping some ice cubes in their water dishes for the trip to the car, that helps avoid sloshing and it will melt quickly enough.

Once you are in the hotel/motel, then break out your tub of veggies, fruits, etc.

You can better dole them out and clean up the mess in the room.

Consider a bedtime treat like a bit of avi-cake or even a rare pretzel.

This may be a special treat for them as you praise them for being such good birdie travelers.

Most birds travel in cars well, but come night time when the sky darkens and the car lights flash by it can get scary. Cover up their cages in the car so the lights don’t frighten them.

Have a safe trip!

Hi Anita, MitchR here,

The two most important issues when traveling with birds is having documentation from the vet proving ownership.

All birds of a single species look identical so pictures are not enough.

Ensure you have enough of their regular bird food diet. The last thing you want is to run out then try to get them to accept Kaytee bird food from Walmart.

Here are some more granular answers 6 How To’s for Terrestrial Travel with Your Bird

Best

MitchR

 

Hi Catherine,

Thank you very much for the advice about moving three small parrots.

It all went smoothly, day one all settling into new cages and new outside views.

I sincerely appreciate the quick reply you gave me.

Anita

Great to hear it went well. They just want to be with you, their flock.

Regards,

Catherine

Hello – we moved an Elenora Too, Congo Gray and two Tiels 1300 miles and everything you mentioned is what did and things went fine.

Just wanted to add that LaQuinta Inns are bird friendly.

We let the fids out in our room there and they were looking around like “were not in Kansas anymore” but otherwise were fine.

Scott

Added 7/7/2021

Hello – we moved an Elenora Too, Congo Gray, and two Tiels 1300 miles and everything you mentioned is what did and things went fine.

Just wanted to add that LaQuinta Inns are bird-friendly.

We let the fids out in our room there and they were looking around like “we’re not in Kansas anymore” but otherwise were fine.

Scott

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