How to Ship Live Parrots

Shipping a parrot requires some preparation and care if you want it to make it to its destination without any problems. Although it is illegal to ship live parrots through the mailing system, you can ship them as live cargo on an airplane in which you are also traveling.

Things You'll Need

  • Ornabac vitamin supplement
  • Hard plastic kennel cab
  • Health certificate
  • Newspaper
  • Bird feed
  • Fruit
  • Cloth
  • Marker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your parrot for the trip by giving it stress reduction vitamins a week before the trip. Ornabac is highly suggested. You can add this high B-complex vitamin into its feed mix.

    • 2

      Purchase a hard plastic kennel cab that has a perch set about an inch from the bottom of the carriage, then mark the cab with the words "Live Animal." This will allow the bird to be free from any harm that could come from airplane turbulence.

    • 3

      Line the bottom of the kennel cab with newspaper, bird feed and fruit. This will keep any droppings under control, and allow the bird to eat during a long flight. The fruit will provide the bird with liquids that are essential for the health of the bird.

    • 4

      Remove any water containers from the kennel cab. This is now a standard safety requirement for shipping any cargo, due to homeland security measures.

    • 5

      Line the entire kennel cab with cloth so that the bird's stress levels will be reduced during flight. Use a thick cloth, since the bird may attempt to use its beak to remove the fabric.

    • 6

      Obtain a health certification for your parrot within 10 days of your flight, then contact your airline to ask how early you will need to show up in order to ensure that their security clearance can be passe. Health certificates for parrots usually only cost about $20.