How to Buy a Bird Carrier

If you own a bird and spend a lot of time traveling, you might want to keep your pet with you rather than place it in the hands of a sitter. A bird carrier will make traveling more pleasurable for both of you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Test the perch. Mount it inside a prospective carrier before you make a final decision. Buy a bird carrier that meets your bird's weight and height requirements.
2. Buy a carrier with strong reinforcements. Composite supports made from a combination of lightweight metal and plastic offer a good option. The doors on the carrier you buy should be constructed out of metal, not mesh, to prevent your bird from flying away.
3. Purchase a carrier that offers your pet a good view. Your bird should have access to at least one window from his perch to help her stay calm while traveling.
4. Attach the shoulder and back straps of a bird carrier to determine if the purchase is practical. Buy a carrier with padded straps that will remain comfortable even after carrying a bird for hours.
5. Investigate the food and water bowls included with the bird carrier. Your carrier should feature detachable bowls in case the feeding method is not palatable to your bird.
6. Measure the depth and width of the bottom portion of a bird carrier to determine how easy it will be to keep it clean. You should be able to place at least three layers of newspaper underneath the bird's perch to avoid permanent stains and messes.
7. Choose a bird carrier that can collapse and assemble in a matter of minutes. The salesperson at the pet store can show you how to pull down support beams and flatten the carrier for storage whenever the bird carrier is not needed.
8. Select a bird carrier with a stand or tripod. Top-notch carriers feature extending tripods that allow pet owners to double them up as regular bird cages. You may be able to attach a regular tripod or a stand with a wide base to your carrier, which will help you save money versus the cost of a high-end bird carrier.