FAQ: Carriers & Crates for birds

Yes, a badly frightened bird sometimes drops feathers, especially tail feathers, and some start plucking more after a trip. Single feathers usually grow back, but if the bird keeps plucking long after the trip or has hurt itself, talk to a vet.

Usually a bird settles within a few hours once it is back in its familiar cage with its usual food and some quiet. After a long journey or a house move, it may take a few days before it behaves as usual again.

A healthy adult bird in a properly set-up carrier with water, food and a perch can cope with a full day's journey, but the shorter it is, the less stress. On long trips take rest stops and an overnight break, and keep journeys short for young, old or sick birds.

For the night it is best to move the bird to a larger temporary cage, or at least leave its carrier covered in a quiet, warm, draught-free room. Do not leave the bird in the car overnight, because the temperature there is not controlled.

Yes, for a trip of several days it is worth taking a folding or small temporary cage where the bird can move, stretch and exercise during breaks. A carrier is meant only for the journey itself, not for living in.

Try to feed the bird at its usual times and give it darkness and quiet at night by covering the carrier or temporary cage. A steady routine helps birds reduce stress and adapt more easily to a new place.

Bring the usual seed mix or pellets with some spare, because a bird under stress may refuse unfamiliar food. Take only a little fresh vegetables and fruit, keep it cool, and when going abroad check whether plant products may be brought in.

It helps to bring water from home or in bottles, because a sudden change in water taste or composition makes some birds reluctant to drink. Change the water often on the road so the cup does not get fouled with droppings.

A pair that lives together and gets along can travel together, which often even calms them. The carrier must be roomy enough for both, with perch space for both, and unfamiliar or quarrelling birds must not share, as stress can lead to fights.

No, different species often differ in size and temperament, so a larger bird can injure a smaller one, especially during a stressful trip. Carry each species separately, even if they share an aviary at home.

Give each bird or pair its own carrier and secure them in the car so they do not shift or block each other's ventilation. If the birds are nervous, separate them with a cover so they do not see each other flapping.

A small group of small birds that live together can travel in one carrier, as long as there is enough perch and floor space. Do not overcrowd the carrier, because crowded birds can trample or injure each other in a panic.

Travel during nesting or chick-rearing is very undesirable, because stress can cause the parents to abandon eggs or chicks. If moving them is unavoidable, ask a vet or an experienced breeder how to do it as safely as possible.

Throw away the liner, wash the carrier with warm water and a mild detergent, rinse it well and let it dry. Pay special attention to the corners of the bars, the door runners and the perches, where droppings and husks build up.

Use disinfectants that are safe for pets and birds, following the label, and then rinse the carrier thoroughly with clean water. Only put the bird back in a fully dried carrier with no smell of the product left.

Birds have a very sensitive respiratory system, so strong fumes from bleach, ammonia or scented cleaners can harm them even in small amounts. If you use such products, rinse and air the carrier very thoroughly and keep the bird in another room.

Some plastic parts, perches or cups can go in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows it, but high heat can warp thin plastic. The whole carrier is usually easier to wash by hand in the shower or bath.

Scrub a wooden perch with a brush and hot water, and dry it well afterwards, because mould can grow in damp wood. If the perch is very worn, chewed or will not come clean, it is better to replace it.

Keep a clean, dry carrier somewhere easy to reach and covered from dust, so it can be grabbed quickly when needed. Some owners keep it open next to the home cage so the bird stays used to it.

Replace the carrier when the plastic is cracked or chewed, the bars are bent or rusty, the latch no longer closes securely or the bird has outgrown it. A damaged carrier can open on the road or injure the bird with sharp edges.