traveling with birds

[Justin111785]

Hello,
This summer, I am going back to Ecuador where I studied for three and a half months, (August to December.) I hope to be there for about two months.
My concern is this. The family who I stay with has said that they could take care of my birds while I was gone, but I am concerned that they would not get enough handling or care. Also, I don't want them to forget me, or have to start all over again with our training. So, I've began looking in to bringing at least some of them. I'm sure bringing all won't work, as I have four tiels and two keets.
So, has anyone ever traveled out of the country with their bird? How hard is it? How much does it cost?
Also, when I get there, will my birds be affected by the much higher altitude? I wouldn't think so, because naturally, they would spend time much higher up than we would. But, being that they're pets and all, I just was curious. A lot of the places I'll be in Ecuador are like 9000 feet above sea level.
Secondly, the tap water in Ecuador is not fit for human consumption. Can my birds still drink it without problems, or should they also receive bottled water?
Any other tips and suggestions would be appreciated.

[Izzy]

Honestly, I don't think it will be feasible to take them with you.

If I ever have to go out of the country (for studying abroad or research or something) my birds will the going to The Gabriel Foundation (The Gabriel Foundation®) for long term foster care - that way I know they'll be well taken care of, and I can get them when I come back!

[Ashling]

Yeah doesn't sound like the trip would be fair on your birds. Birds need filtered water too. I hope you find a good alternative!

[angelicarboreals]

I also think- but don't quote me on this- that the time that you will be away is not going to warrant the time that your birds will have to spend in quarantine, both going into the new country and coming back into the U.S. There was an article in BirdTalk recently about a woman who was bringing her parrots into Mexico and they were quarantined for over a month if I remember correctly. The same would apply if you were bringing your bird back into the U.S. I would imagine, so your birds could possibly be quarantined the entire time you are in the country as well as when you came back.

Maybe someone else who is well versed on this subject will respond.

[Justin111785]

Okay, so taking them with maybe isn't such a good idea. Thanks.
Any ideas on how I can make sure they remember me and such?
Thanks,
Justin

[Astrid660]

Originally Posted by angelicarboreals

I also think- but don't quote me on this- that the time that you will be away is not going to warrant the time that your birds will have to spend in quarantine, both going into the new country and coming back into the U.S. There was an article in BirdTalk recently about a woman who was bringing her parrots into Mexico and they were quarantined for over a month if I remember correctly. The same would apply if you were bringing your bird back into the U.S. I would imagine, so your birds could possibly be quarantined the entire time you are in the country as well as when you came back.

Maybe someone else who is well versed on this subject will respond.

That article made it sound like such a difficult thing to do!
What if they weren't with someone who spoke spanish, they may have just killed her birds ? That article made me sad to read...

[Eliza]

My only advice is to check with your consulate.

If your trip back to Ecuador is for 2 months, I think that it would be in the birds' best interest if they stayed where they are now.

Best of luck!

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by Eliza

If your trip back to Ecuador is for 2 months, I think that it would be in the birds' best interest if they stayed where they are now.

I have to second this statement... Because birds are known carriers of disease (west nile and avian flu to name two predominant ones), and they can fly over borders, there are many regulations on the transport of birds over borders - more than the transport of most other domestic animals.

You would need to not only check with the Ecuadorian consolate - but also with your own country for the re-import of birds from Ecuador!

I know that I can travel to the USA from Canada and back into Canada without tooooo many difficulties - but that is *not* true for many, many, many other countries.

Good luck! Enjoy Ecuador - I love it there!! But you should go to the Amazon Rain Forest basin and enjoy the natural flora and fauna there. Look for many of the conure and amazon parrots as you go through that area... Although it is sad to see how much of the rain forest has been devastated by the demand for oil around the world...

[Duky]

I was just coming on her to post a thread about travelling with birds I need some SERIOUS advice!!!! I am most definitely moving to Australia at the end of the year. I plan to be there for probably 3 years. I have a few dilemas....
1) I have a green cheek conure, and I've heard that there are billaws against them in Australia, so my first question is if there are any Aussies out there who can confirm this, or anyone else who has relocated to Australia with their GCC?
2) I'm in Canada, so the flight to Australia is pretty much 20-24hrs, is that even safe for my bird??? I usually fly with Ducky in the cabin with me, max 2hr flight, she's very quiet during the flight and I worry about her but have never noticed any problems on such a low altitude and short time flight. But the flight to Australia will be at greater altitudes and much much longer.
3) I was reading about Australian pet import guides that the pet had to be in the manifested cargo, not the cabin. Does anyone know why that is? I would be very uncomfortable having my bird in the cargo where I couldn't see her. How is the temperature/pressure/oxygen in there? Also, what about water? If she's not there with me to offer her water once in a while, then I would have to leave it in the cage, what if she got wet and caught a chill?

I'm really stressing out about this, I can't leave Ducky for more than a few months, but I can't do anything that would endanger her. So, please if anyone has experience importing their birds from north america to australia please share!!

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by Duky

I am most definitely moving to Australia at the end of the year. I plan to be there for probably 3 years.

Please see: How to export or import household pets - Wildlife trade fact sheet