Christmas Travels and Fids

[Stasia]

First of all, thanks to everyone who posted suggestions regarding my pet sitter vs. long car trip for our tiel posts. They were all very helpful. We did end up getting a pet sitter and I'm glad because she was great and it worked out wonderful (although Marley gave us the cold shoulder when we got home, but got over it within the hour) :)

Now I face a bigger dilemma though....we are going home to see our families at Christmas time for 2 weeks. I do not want to leave him at home with a pet sitter checking in for that long. The weekend was fine, but 2 weeks with the majority of time alone is just not an option for us. So we are left with either boarding him or taking him on the plane. Anyone have experience with this. I've tried to do my research but there are just so many conflicting opinions out there. He is a cockatiel and I hear they are pretty hardy birds so perhaps this makes a difference? I don't want to stress him out to the point where he could be harmed, but I would love to have him with us the whole time. I would be "bird proofing" a room at my in-laws house for him, but their house is very old. Anything I should watch out for in older houses, like lead or anything? As long as he doesn't chew on anything there it's fine right? Thanks everyone, hopefully we can make this Christmas holiday fun for all three of us!!

Stasia

[mamalovesrico]

Stasia, I didn't read your previous post in which your talking about but, here's my 2 cents.
Since your going to be gone for 2 weeks, would it be possible for you to drive instead of fly? This way you know your bird won't be as stressed? Just a thought.

[Stasia]

we did certainly think about driving, but the thing is that it takes 2 days to get there and then 2 days to get back, which really takes a lot of time out of visit. So we are hoping to fly instead. We actually just drove home last week too (the trip for which the pet sitter came) and I have to admit I wouldn't be thrilled to do it again, which is why we are hoping to board of fly him.

Stasia

[The Outlaw]

First of all you need to know this. Not all airlines will allow any birds and all airlines limit how many can fly per flight. That having been said, you better book NOW.

Secondly, many require a certificate of health from your vet . There are also specific flying crates that must be used.

The age of the house doesn't matter. However, drafts sure do and so do the cleaners, candle usage and cookware. After all, it is Christmas and that's when folks burn candles that otherwise might not have. Christmas gifts can also be toxic, so be careful about teflon grills, hairdryers and other things that may have toxic coatings.If you parents have dogs and cats, that must also be addressed.

[Stasia]

Thanks Outlaw!

I am flying Midwest and it looks like they will alllow one bird to travel in the cabin for us. (although I will be sure on that before we book tonight). We do have a vet check certificate also. And I will make sure to be SUPER careful about his room and surroundings.

Assuming all of those things are in order, can the flight itslef be harmful to him?

Stasia

[The Outlaw]

Probably less stressful than the car trip.

[FeathersNFur8]

What do you have to be careful about with hair dryers?

Karen

[The Outlaw]

Karen:

Many hair dryers have teflon components. When heated, they emit dangerous fumes, more toxic to birds than humans. For some reason, people think they need to use hair dryers to dry their birds. That's not at all necessary and can even be damaging and drying to their feathers and skin.

You can contact your hair dryer manufacturere and inquire about Teflon if you are concerned.