Birdie traveling tips.

[KBent]

So, in the first week of June, me, my mother, my bird and my cat will all be driving 3 or so hours to visit family. Keeko the Quaker and Miles the cat get along fine, and they both like car rides, so that's not an issue.

I was just wondering about some car traveling tips. I read that you should cover up their carrier because they could get motion sickness or whatnot.

My main concern is about what we're going to do when we get there. Keeko doesn't like strangers and there will be 7 new people he's never met before there. I'm scared he's going to be completely freaked out and stressed to the max.
We're buying a traveling cage to take with us because his regular cage is simply too big to bring, so we're getting him another cage that's big enough for him, it won't be cramped, but it won't be as spacious as his regular home. We'll be putting this new cage next to his normal one so he can get used to it.

I just need tips about what I should do when I get to our destination to help him with all the stress. =[
Any tips about anything is really appreciated!

[KBent]

Also, Miles doesn't like strangers, either. So any tips for him would be greatly appreciated. I would've posted for tips of the cat board, but it's kind of dead.
Leaving both of them home or in someone else's care is not an option, BTW.

[Stellas Mom]

We bought a "Avian Harness" for Stella and now he's been out with us 4 times where there has been many people he doesn't know. I find with the harness, he stays with me, doesn't move off my shoulder (and if he would, he can't get anywhere because he is connected to me. I love the harness and out of all the money we've spent so far (3 months) that has been the best item we bought! Its really worth it!... Maybe this might help Miles in your travels and put you at ease. Just a thought! Have a great day!

[Young]

First of all, I don't cover my cage when driving at all. My birds all clung to the side of the cage on the first few trips, but now sit comfortably on their perches during the drive. Most of them now, sit outside the cage and have portable perches inside the car. I don't ever open my window of course. They love to look at the sky, the birds, the clouds...

Upon arrival, I would ask anyone trying to touch or approach your baby, to please give him time to adjust. Let them know he's timid and scared. Them, if convenient, and it is safe, meaning he can't fly off... let him sit inside your shirt or on your shoulder. If this will not work, maybe a quiet corner or another room until he gets better adjusted. 3 hours is really not a long drive for him, as I drive that quite often with my babies to visit my mother.

Reassuring him with little tidbits of snacks or treats would also help him.