Pet birds are very sensitive in moving or changing locations. Small changes in the rooms can make a big impact on birds and can even stress them out. But sometimes moving is inevitable and travelling is unavoidable. There would be times when you cannot afford not to move. How can you make moving and travelling easy on your pet birds?
To make changing addresses easier on your pets, here are some tips to lessen stress:
Moving is extremely stressful not just for pet owners but also for the pets as well. The birds will sense that something is going on just by seeing you packing and getting busy. This would already start the stress, so you can talk to your bird and explain things. Seeing your assuring face will somehow ease the stress. Your pets may not understand you, but they can read and understand your body movements. If you are calm, they would also calm down. It would be better to move your bird in a quiet and secure place while finishing the rest of the packing.
Your companionship with your bird will give you hints if your pet bird is more sensitive than other birds. You can identify if your bird is a nervous traveller. There are also some birds who find riding a vehicle very enjoyable.
Once the movers are already in your house and picking up your things, put the bird away in a quiet and calm place. Your pet bird should be the last to leave and should be in travel cages. Upon arriving in the new home, put the bird in a quiet place first before bringing the boxes and the things inside your home. To relax and calm the bird, you can play some music. This would also lessen the sounds coming from the unpacking.
If moving to a new place requires a long drive, the stops should be kept to minimum. You can just buy food at a drive-thru. If you prefer eating in a restaurant, consider the weather conditions when leaving your pet in the car. It may get too cold or too hot for them to be left inside.
If you are moving from state to another state, it would require a very long move. You also have to check the state regulations about your pets. Sometimes, a certain state might have laws that could prohibit your bird, especially if you are taking care of an exotic bird.
For long distance moves, check hotels or motels you would be sleeping in if they have pet regulations. They can charge additional for bringing pets. You do not want to leave your pet outside in the car at the mercy of predators.
Also when moving, whether it s state to state or just to another city, make sure to have a health certificate from your veterinarian. You would find this handy when getting a new vet in the new location you have moved to.
When travelling with your pets, preparation is an important factor. If you are going to fly for instance, it would require a great deal of preparation. Make sure that the airlines you are flying with allow birds, if it is international flight birds are mostly placed in cargo area. You have to make sure that the birds are comfortable throughout the flight.
Actually, you can help your pet get used to travelling, you can take it out in short day trips. Just remember that when taking your bird out for a drive, do not put him in the front seat. If the air bag suddenly opens, the impact could result to severe, even fatal, injuries.
When taking your pet bird out in car, be sensitive. There are some birds who prefer to have the cage covered, while there are some birds who would like to know what is happening around him. Be careful with the noise inside the car like the music and also be careful of the fumes they can inhale like air fresheners or cigarette smoke.
When travelling or moving, it is important to make sure that your pet birds are comfortable throughout the travelling period.