How to Prepare a Bird for Shipping

Shipping a bird is a convenient way to transport your pet if you're moving or to get birds to new owners if you're a breeder. Birds are used to confinement, so with a little preparation the shipping process shouldn't be too stressful for them. Read on to learn how to prepare a bird for shipping.

Things You'll Need

  • Health certificate
  • Shipping container
  • Emergency supply bag
  • Juicy fruits
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a certificate of health status on your bird signed by a veterinarian before the flight. Contact the airline a week in advance to inquire about any other paperwork or restrictions.

    • 2

      Pay extra for counter-to-counter service rather than shipping your bird air cargo. Birds shipped air cargo may sit for hours on the tarmac or in the plane, while birds shipped counter-to-counter receive hand carried treatment on and off the plane immediately before takeoff and after landing.

    • 3

      Choose a shipping container appropriate for the bird breed. Cockatoos and parrots can chew out of plastic containers, so you must ship these birds in a wire mesh or plywood container. The container must have enough slots for airflow and to permit inspectors to look for illicit goods.

    • 4

      Prevent escapes by clipping the bird's wings the day before the flight. You can also use packing tape to seal the cage to prevent latch failure.

    • 5

      Attach a bag filled with a week's worth of bird food and medicine if applicable to the exterior of the cage. Airline personnel can use these provisions in the event of an unforeseen delay.

    • 6

      Consider providing the bird with foods that provide hydration during shipping, such as grapes or orange segments. This reduces the possibility of water spillage during the trip.

    • 7

      Give the bird a few hours to adjust to his new cage upon arrival. Rather than assume the bird can find his food and water, make sure the bird sees his supplies.