Moving with pets can be quite the challenge! Especially if you have any high-maintenance pets such as birds that will be moving with you. You cannot very well leave your feathered friends behind though, so here are some useful tips for planning a move for you AND your birds!
- The first step to a successful bird move is to have a thorough check up at your trusted vet’s office. You want to make sure that your bird is good and fit for the trip, and you want to make sure well in advance of your move so that you’ll have time to make any additional vet visits without having to reschedule your moving date. Also, you never know when or if you’ll need your birds health certificates; better to be safe than sorry.
- Birds are easily overwhelmed by stress, and a major relocation can be loaded with just that. Make sure that you are keeping your birds mental health in mind at all times. It sounds silly, but this is truly important. It is best to seclude your bird in his or her own private room away from all the moving madness. It is a good moving rule-of-thumb that any pets that are moving with you should be the last to leave your origin location and the first to arrive at your new home.
- No animals of any kind are permitted to ride onboard your relocation service provider’s moving truck. Be it by car or plane; your bird’s travel arrangements must be carefully planned, and planned ahead of time! If you don’t already own one, acquire a travel carrier for your bird and get him or her accustomed and comfortable with what will soon be his or her very temporary home. Furnishing the carrier with familiar items such as toys and treats will help your bird feel more comfortable in an otherwise foreign location.
- If you are travelling a considerable distance to your new home, your bird’s normal food may not be available in the new town. Stock up on your bird’s food so that it doesn’t become sick from an abrupt change in nutrients. If you do have to switch to a different food, do so gradually. Mix the no-longer-available food in with the new bird food, making the original food less and less a part of the mix until your bird is comfortable eating the new brand.
- If you are driving to your new home, your bird will obviously be riding along with you. Never put a bird cage in the front seat; in the case of a traffic accident, the airbag can have disastrous effects on both the cage and on your bird. Make sure that your bird is secured with a safety belt and that you bring a tarp to keep under its cage at all times. Keep a cooler and plenty of fresh fruits; while on the road, water can be a bit of a hassle. Your bird can stay hydrated and mess-free if you feed it fruits instead of liquids on the road. Make sure that the temperature of the car is comfortable, and make sure that you are able to book a hotel or motel room that allows birds in case your road trip is considerably long.
- If you are traveling by plane, make sure that you have an airline-approved carrier for your bird. It is best to book a non-stop flight also, as your feathered friend is not likely to enjoy the experience. Also, acquire an avian harness just in case your bird becomes overly excited; the last thing you want is to chase your bird through the airport!
Moving with pets isn’t fun, especially moving with birds. However; with the help of some useful moving tips from your professionals here at All My Sons, moving your birds can be a pain-free process. Be sure to plan ahead! And don’t hesitate to call your local movers for any additional assistance or advice!