How to Ship a Bird Via Airplane

Whether you are a breeder or a bird owner, there may be times when you have to ship a bird to a distant location. It is against the law to ship birds through the United States Postal Service, so airline transport is a good option. The bird will arrive at its destination faster than with a ground transportation service. To make the bird's trip as smooth and comfortable as possible, you must make some advanced preparations and acquire a few traveling items.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic kennel cab
  • Food and water trays
  • Plastic cable ties
  • Small plastic cup
  • Shredded newspaper
  • Fresh fruit
  • Dark-colored cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the airline and inquire about health certificate requirements and weather restrictions. Some airlines insist that you provide proof of a health checkup, within 10 days of flying. The airline may also have policy restrictions regarding bird transport, during certain times of the year. Inquire about insurance coverage for the bird in the event that it is lost. Based on the information you are given, book a flight; preferably, a straight flight with no layovers or airplane changes.

    • 2

      Obtain a plastic kennel cab. The kennel should be wide enough for the bird to extend its wings, and tall enough to allow three inches of head-space above the top of its head.

    • 3

      Have the bird's wings clipped one day prior to travel. This will help to prevent its escape from the cage, if the kennel door unexpectedly opens.

    • 4

      Prepare the kennel on the day of the trip. Fill the water and food trays with pellets and water. Secure them to the inside of the kennel door with plastic cable ties.

      Put an empty cup in the kennel. This for an attendant to use to refill the water tray, should the flight be delayed.

      Line the kennel floor with shredded newspaper.

      Place fresh, juicy fruits in the kennel, such as oranges, melons and grapes. The fruits will keep the bird hydrated during the trip.

      Write a list of care instructions and tape it to the outside of the kennel.

    • 5

      Put an additional five days worth of pellets in a bag and place them in the kennel. This is a precaution in the event the flight is delayed, or the kennel is temporarily lost.

    • 6

      Cover the entrance of the kennel with a dark-colored cloth, as this can reduce any stress the bird may feel.

    • 7

      Secure the kennel entrance door with plastic cable ties, to prevent the door from opening during travel.

    • 8

      Arrive at the airport two hours before the plane departs. Prepare shipping labels with your name, address and telephone number, as well as the recipient's contact information. Affix the labels to the kennel in plain view.

    • 9

      Communicate the departure and arrival times. Contact the recipient as soon as the flight departs, and confirm the anticipated time of arrival, so that he can arrive at the airport before the plane lands.