Living aboard a sailboat with B&G

[doud96]

When hubby and I retire we are selling everything and heading out to sea on a 37ft sailboat. We are making plans for our B&G, Rio when we purchase the boat to make sure the living area has a space for her even if we have to refit a closet or bathroom to make room for her. We have done a ton of research on which foriegn ports are animal friendly and which to avoid.

I was just curious if there are other people on BB that have experienced this or maybe know of someone that does this or maybe have plans to do this in the future.

[Eliza]

There was a story in the news recently (last year or two) that involved a couple, a sailboat, their dog and their macaw.

Long story short, something happened and the animals were kept in limbo for quite some time (international waters, proving that the bird was not wild caught, etc. -- a lot was going on IIRC).

I know that keeping a pet of ANY sort can be done on a boat, in an RV, etc. I'd just be concerned about the potential to escape (remember that even a clipped bird can fly if the circumstances are right) and access to veterinary care.

Hopefully someone with experience in this matter will chime in. Good luck!

[loyallyroyal]

Ya, I would think it would really depend on what countries you plan on visiting.

Talk to your avian vet about getting the proper paper work to have on hand also.

[Jwhear]

Reminds me of the story recently about the captain of a ship that rescued a macaw that he noticed was having difficulty staying in flight. They were going to try and identify him and find the owner. They said that they wouldn't have the ability to stay up for too long since they are so heavy (I don't know anything about it). I thought it possible that the bird came off a ship or boat to start with.

I have friends that live on a sailboat about that size and it is a tight squeeze, without a bird.

Good luck on all your research.

[SallyQZ]

I've read stories in the paper about couples who have done the same thing and it seems to be working for them.

I don't know about international health regulations, etc., but the concept sounds like heaven to me!! I'm aiming lower myself .... I just want to retire within walking distance of the ocean.