How to Travel By Car With Your Macaw

Traveling with your pet macaw can be a frustrating experience for both of you, if you haven't prepared properly. The world's largest type of parrot, macaws are popular with bird lovers because of their intelligence and beauty. Each one has a unique personality, but many suffer from separation anxiety when their owners are gone for too long. Because of this, it may be easier to take your macaw along on a car trip, rather than board him or leave him at home. Traveling with your macaw takes considerable preparation, but doing so will result in a more comfortable trip for everyone.

Things You'll Need

  • Travel cage
  • Cage cover
  • Boiled water or water filter
  • Regular food and treats
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Signed health certificate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a travel cage large enough for your macaw. Although it shouldn't be as large as your macaw's usual cage, there should be sufficient room for him to stretch his wings and move around. Look for a travel cage that allows you to secure it to the backseat through the seat belts.

    • 2

      Take your macaw on several small trips, in varying levels of speed and traffic, to determine how he does in the car. Watch for things like motion sickness and severe agitation, and try covering the cage to see if it helps alleviate symptoms. Otherwise, plan to visit your veterinarian for medication to treat him en route.

    • 3

      Note how long your macaw can comfortably be in his cage while traveling, and plan your route accordingly. Your bird will need breaks during which you should allow him out (properly secured) to interact with you and have a few treats.

    • 4

      Purchase a travel water filter for your macaw, to provide safe water along the way. Or you could boil water and bring it along.

    • 5

      Bring a sufficient supply of your macaw's regular food and treats, so you do not have to improvise or search pet stores along the way. Travel is enough of a stress without accelerating it with an unfamiliar diet. Sticking to your macaw's regular routine as much as possible will keep him happier.

    • 6

      Pack the cleaning supplies you need to keep your macaw's cage clean along the way. These may include cage liners, cleaning clothes and paper towels.

    • 7

      Visit your macaw's veterinarian within two weeks of the car trip to get a signed health certificate, in case of problems. If you are traveling across state lines, check with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to make sure there are no restrictions for birds in that state.