FAQ: Carriers & Crates for birds

Yes, as long as it is sturdy, without cracks, rust or peeling paint, and the latch works reliably. Wash and disinfect it thoroughly before use, because a sick bird may have travelled in it.

In a fire, flood or sudden illness there will be no time to look for a suitable box, and the bird will have to be taken out quickly and safely. A carrier kept within easy reach lets you evacuate the bird in seconds.

Next to the carrier keep a few days' supply of the usual food, a bottle of water, paper towels, a towel for handling the bird, a cover and a card with the vet's contacts and the bird's details. Refresh the food regularly so it does not go past its date.

If the bird is used to the carrier, calling it or showing a treat may be enough, which is why regular practice pays off. Otherwise quickly pick the bird up in a towel, put it in the carrier and fasten the door, and in a fire do not put your own safety at risk.

Yes, ideally have one carrier per bird or pair, so in an emergency all of them can be taken out at once without crowding birds that do not get along. For small birds living in a flock, a few larger carriers may be enough.

Yes, in an emergency or when leaving the bird with others it helps if the carrier shows the bird's name, species, owner's phone number and key health notes. Rescuers or sitters will then know whom to return the bird to and how to care for it.

A numbered leg ring and a microchip implanted by a vet help prove the bird is yours if it is found. The details need to be registered and kept up to date, but this does not replace a carrier that closes securely.

Do not chase the bird or shout: watch where it lands and call it in a familiar voice, placing the open carrier with favourite food somewhere visible. Many birds tire towards evening and come lower, so search the area and let neighbours and local pet groups know.

Yes, a familiar carrier or home cage with favourite food and water, placed somewhere higher and visible, can tempt the bird back. Stay nearby so you can close the door quickly, and protect it from cats.

Outdoors even a calm, tame bird can take fright and fly out through the smallest gap, and in an unfamiliar place it will not find its way back. Only open the carrier in a closed room with the windows and doors shut.

The most common mistakes are a carrier that is too big with no perch, swinging toys and water inside, an unsecured carrier in the car, leaving it in the sun or a cold car, and opening the carrier outdoors. Much stress also comes from the bird seeing the carrier for the first time on the day of travel.

Yes, in a carrier that is too large the bird hits the walls when braking or cornering and flaps around more. For travel the carrier should let the bird sit comfortably, spread its wings and turn around, but not fly.

Yes, if the bird cannot sit upright, its tail presses against the floor or a wall and it cannot lift its wings at all, it suffers and may damage its feathers. Choosing the right height matters especially for long-tailed birds such as cockatiels or macaws.

Better not: carried by the bars the carrier swings and your fingers are within reach of the bird's beak. The bars or top may also come away from the base if the carrier is not built for it, so always carry it by a sturdy handle or with both hands from below.

A bird's claws and toes can get tangled in long rope fibres or fabric loops, and a frightened bird thrashing about can hurt itself badly. On the road only sturdy, smooth perches and a non-slip base with no loose threads are suitable.

A carrier must not be put inside a closed bag or suitcase, because that blocks the ventilation openings. The carrier should stand on its own, and things around it should not be able to fall on it or block the openings.

Check that the door and latches close firmly, that there are no cracks, sharp edges or loose screws, that the handle holds firmly and that the perch does not rotate. Also make sure the base is properly locked to the top.

No, there it is not secured, it will slide or fall when braking, and the sun through the glass will heat it quickly. Keep the carrier on a seat secured with the belt or in the footwell.

Bring the bird with its usual food, favourite treats and a short note: when it eats, how it behaves, what it fears and the vet's contacts. Show the sitter how to move the bird safely from the carrier to the cage in a closed room.

Often you are asked to bring the bird in its carrier and, if possible, its home cage or at least its perches and toys, so it feels at home. Find out in advance about conditions, whether a health certificate is needed and what food to bring.