Is it dangerous to ship a bird?

[anbrownucsd]

Hello, just a quick question:

Is it dangerous to ship a new baby bird from out of state? I noticed that many breeders won't do this. What concerns and questions should one ask if they are considering doing this?

Thanks,
Ashley

[xafsmom]

I would think it depends upon the breeder and how well they crate for shipping, and what airline they use. Out of state really doesn't mean a lot, for example, my new Jenday was shipped from San Diego to Sacramento on Delta Dash, and it had a stop through Salt Lake City. She had millet and fruit/watery veggies in her crate, it was bedded nicely, was very nicely ventilated and she was happy and in great shape coming out of the crate at home. Birds can handle quite a bit of time in a crate before they're in trouble - as long as the weather isn't too hot or cold. Some breeders have weather limits, which is smart.

My Hahn's that I'm buying is going to be shipped from L.A, from Aves Int'l. You might check her website, she has a whole thing on shipping and even shows pictures of the crates she uses. Very comforting to see the care she puts into it and she's been shipping for decades.

Some breeders won't ship out of state for fear of long flights with several stops, or they won't ship particular birds (like Quakers to California). Some of the things you want to try for when shipping a bird is an appropriate carrier, a proper crate and again, the best flight possible with as few stops between you and them as possible.

[dancelady]

What I would worry about is the age of the baby, how often it needs to be fed, and how close is it to the other siblings -- how long has it been on its own. Older birds ship just fine if they are properly caged and have food available, but a really young one is more of a problem -- also, they aren't as able to keep themselves warm and might get more frightened.

[Ashenwelt]

You know, this entire concept just terrifies me. Which is funny when you think my hahn's just loves being in boxes. But it still just terrifies me.

[birdsnreps]

This is why good airlines have temperature requirements, and they also require that there be food in the crate and also a source of moisture for the bird, doesnt have to be water, but it needs to be something moist so they dont dehydrate on the flight. idk about other breeders, but i dont ship babies that are on more than one feeding a day, doesnt matter how good the buyer is at handfeeding, thats just our policy.

[huntress]

Now wait a minute. Continental doesn't have temp restrictions because they keep all animals in special climate control cargo. They can ship year round. My friend has used them for years with excellent results. My Charlie came on the hottest day of the year and was not the least bit stressed. He was hand carried off the plane and put right into an air conditioned van and brought right into an air conditioned facility for me to pick up. This is what they advertise. Delta has temp restrictions because wont guarantee this careful handling and this is exactly what I was told from Delta this is why I chose Continental. Delta is Cheaper. Heck, his ride home in our NON- airconditioned jeep worried me more.

I want to say I chose Continental for Charlie because of my friends advice and she has been shipping birds all over the US and Puerto Rico for years.
Continental Airlines - Traveling with Animals
read the safegaurds for "pets as cargo"

[birdsnreps]

yea but they still have to ride around on the little carts to and from the plane to the cargo room. delta too has a special room for the animals to stay in during delays and harsh weather. i sure wont ship my birds during the hottest parts of the year, nor the coldest parts, no matter what airline it is, but thats just me.

[bethn]

we just received our 5 month old cape parrot from a breeder in Indiana (we live in new jersey). We were very concerned about the shipping as there was no direct flight-he had to change planes in cincinnatti. Our breeder had a ton of bedding, several toys, orange slices and frozen veggies for moisture all packed with him. his side windows were covered over so that if he was scared, he could retreat to the back of the cage but his front grate was clear for ventilation and viewing. He was outraged on the ride home because we wouldn't let him out, but as soon as we got him hom e and opened his extremely well sealed door, he walked out onto the table, yelled to be fed and then proceeded to cuddle. While i would prefer to not have to use shipping if the distance demanded it i would do so again. Hope this helps

[Sashagirl]

I've had 4 parrots shipped 2 baby B&G Macaws from Florida to Ct that was almost 4 years ago.They did well they were well prepared for the flight with lots of food,fruits and vegetables.The other 2 were an Eclectus and an Amazon from Upstate NY to Ct about 2 1/2 years ago they were well prepared as well.

[huntress]

Our birds shipped Continental do not ride on the carts. They are hand carried from the plane according to our shipping contacts. I waited at the cargo room and an air conditioned van came directly from the plane. This is what we are told and this is what I saw happen.