I'm moving back to Arizona from Michigan and need advise on how to take care of my bird in the car?

Question

I am driving to Arizona. It will be about a 5 day road trip and I am afraid being in the car will be traumatizing for the bird. Also, what about hotel rooms? Do I have to stay in a hotel that allows pets? Has anyone taken their bird on a road trip?

Answer 1

All birds LOVE to travel in a car!!! My amazon has been traveling with me in a semi for 15 years, and rides with me on my Harley while home!!! Lay a towel on passenger seat bottom. one draped over the back, and a milk crate or something in the seat for him to perch on. (I use a milk crate). I also drape a towel over driver's seatback, and he rides mostly on my shoulder, or back of my seat. I sit his food dish on passenger seat, or the milk crate, and when he is ready he goes over and eats. When I stop I pour some water in his water bowl, also on seat, if it has splashed out>> Be careful not to leave him in the car if it is too hot or cold, it'll kill him quick, especially heat!! I walk up to the desk, at a motel, with him on my shoulder, and no-one has ever turned me away!!! If asked, I tell them he sleeps in his cage, not necessarily true, but he is potty trained, and he sleeps on the back of a desk chair usually, with a towel or newspaper under it, and on the seat cushion... He will love the trip, and want to keep on riding even after you get to Arizona. At the motel, put his food and water bowl on the desk or chair, where he can get to it, and he will be happy as a lark. Merlin loves to sing along with the radio, talk on the CB radio, and after dark tucks his head and sleeps on my shoulder!!! The engine and road noise also encourages them to sing and talk, and during the day, he climbs and plays all over my truck!! You and him both will enjoy your trip!!! Good Luck---Birdman

Answer 2

It is not as bad as you might think. Put your bird in his carrier with a shallow dish of moist fruits and veggies and some favorite treats. Don't stress birds can pick up on body language. Call ahead and find hotels that allow pets. Most wont say no to a caged bird. If you seem to be having fun chances are your bird will have fun too. This is a very good bonding experience and will work to your advantage in the future.

Answer 3

Yes I would try to make sure that you are stayin in a pet friendly hotel, I don't know what type of bird you have so this makes the question sort of difficult, as all have different needs. First off I would take a water bottle the type for like hamsters and put it on the side of the cage just in case, assuming your bird isn't already bottle trained.


And just for the record, NOT ALL birds enjoy car rides, mine is absolutely terrified and practically screams when I get him in the car...thers no guarantee that yours will like it, and also I would suggest the perch thing like the fellow above me mentioned as if you have never had your bird in the car for long trips, you don't know how your bird is going to react, so I definitely WOULD NOT take his suggest, no offense, it sounds like birdman has quite the funny Zon, but unless you know for a FACT that your bird likes road trips and Harley's I wouldn't do it!
Secondly take lots of fruits that are water heavy like watermelon and grapes for your bird to munch on so he/she doesn't get dehydrated. besure you have a few toys in the travel cage for the bird to keep him occupied. I would also highly suggest covering the cage when you do stay the night in the hotel as it might freak the bird out to see 4+ different environments in a 5 day time period.

For the most part I think if you have plenty of food/water/treats for your bird it should be fine, I would also try to take him/her out of the cage during rest breaks as most birds aren't used to being coped up in a travel cage this is also assuming that you have a bigger bird like an African Grey or something.

Hope this is helpful, have a good move!

Answer 4

I have traveled with birds many times. It is not possible now but I prefer to ship them by plane. It is faster and easier on the bird.

Here are a few things to think about. keep the bird hydrated. Have plenty of clean water. Do not change their diet. If they don't eat fruits at home, don't start now. Give them their normal diet so it does not screw with their tummys.

Many many birds get car sick. Let them see out of a window but do not let the Sunlight hit them. It will hurt their eyes, overheat them, and cause stress. Bring along a towel for your lap if your bird is tame. The towel is for your lap. Let the bird sit on your lap or hand and lay against your chest for cuddle time. If your bird does get sick stop the car and let the bird out for a while to get fresh air if it is not too clod. If it is cold, just stop the car and open a window a tiny bit. Once it is calm and has had a drink, start your trip again. It will be a pain but the bird should settle down after a stop or two. The bird will be car sick if it fluffs up with it's eyes half open and they will usually start to jerk their heads up and down. That is when they puke all over you and the cage. (Keep the cage clean. Finally see your vet for medication for your bird to stop car sickness. Use it as the vets says. If you know your bird gets car sick then use the meds 30 min. before you start out. I find that birds often take about 2 hours in the car before they first get sick.

Lastly. CLIP YOUR BIRDS WINGS. You will never get back a sick bird that is hundreds and thousands of miles away from where it is used to. If you need info on clipping go to critterbreeders.com and click on the link near the top. (my site)

Oh, Most motels, especially mom and pop places will not mind pets. It is easiest to not ask though. If they really hate pets they will say so with a sign in the office. Unless you have a screamer they won't care or know. That is another reason for a towel. Cover the cage to quiet them. A dark towel is best for the cover. Also use another towel to cover the carrier/cage to keep the sun out and to calm the bird down in the car.

Answer 5

Try to keep the bird cage covered most of the time when driving, when you stop give it a chance to come out a little. and see you talk to it and feed it well. just make sure its not shaken around when you drive, or see to many passing things as it can get frightend

Answer 6

check in to a random hotel and just dont tell them you have a bird..... it wont be concitered lieing unless the ask you