How to Prepare a Bird for Shipping

Shipping a bird is a convenient way to transport your pet if you're moving or to get birds to new owners if you're a breeder. Birds are used to confinement, so with a little preparation the shipping process shouldn't be too stressful for them. Read on to learn how to prepare a bird for shipping.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Health certificate
• Shipping container
• Emergency supply bag
• Juicy fruits

1. Obtain a certificate of health status on your bird signed by a veterinarian before the flight. Contact the airline a week in advance to inquire about any other paperwork or restrictions.
2. Pay extra for counter-to-counter service rather than shipping your bird air cargo. Birds shipped air cargo may sit for hours on the tarmac or in the plane, while birds shipped counter-to-counter receive hand carried treatment on and off the plane immediately before takeoff and after landing.
3. Choose a shipping container appropriate for the bird breed. Cockatoos and parrots can chew out of plastic containers, so you must ship these birds in a wire mesh or plywood container. The container must have enough slots for airflow and to permit inspectors to look for illicit goods.
4. Prevent escapes by clipping the bird's wings the day before the flight. You can also use packing tape to seal the cage to prevent latch failure.
5. Attach a bag filled with a week's worth of bird food and medicine if applicable to the exterior of the cage. Airline personnel can use these provisions in the event of an unforeseen delay.
6. Consider providing the bird with foods that provide hydration during shipping, such as grapes or orange segments. This reduces the possibility of water spillage during the trip.
7. Give the bird a few hours to adjust to his new cage upon arrival. Rather than assume the bird can find his food and water, make sure the bird sees his supplies.