AUTO SAFETY

Use the seatbelt to secure the travel cage or carrier within the vehicle. If the car has front seat airbags, place birds in the back of the vehicle, as a deployed airbag can kill or injure creatures smaller than adult humans. A kennel or travel cage may not protect its occupant from airbag impact.

• Do not permit birds to ride at liberty inside a motor vehicle. If there's an accident, the impact may be deadly. An unwitting passenger may open a door or window, enabling the bird to escape.
• Never leave a bird alone and exposed in an automobile. When one is traveling alone and must leave the vehicle to visit a rest room, cover the bird's cage, lock the car and hurry back.
• Resist the urge to show off the bird to strangers at rest stops. Bird thieves look just like you and me.
• Remove swings and toys from travel containers. The motion of a plane or automobile may cause them to sway wildly, injuring the bird in the process.
• Install a perch or bottom grid in a kennel type carrier to provide firm footing. Use absorbent litter or paper towels beneath the grid to absorb moisture from droppings.
• Never place cages or carriers on the floor of a vehicle. Carbon monoxide leaking through the floor can be deadly.
• Place carriers so birds ride facing the front of the vehicle. They'll be able to balance themselves better facing forward.
• No smoking in the car! Tobacco smoke is harmful to humans, so imagine how it affects a bird's delicate respiratory system in the confines of a closed vehicle!
• Use a light-colored cage cover to drape the cage or kennel to allow the bird to perceive daylight, help prevent carsickness and keep the bird from being startled by highway sights and sounds. It also will deflect the heat of the sun. Never leave acrylic carriers in direct sunlight, because interior temperatures can escalate quickly.

BIRD OWNER'S TRAVEL CHECKLIST

• Carrier or travel cage.
• Bird harness for birds that are trained to use them.
• Wings and nails trimmed (consult avian veterinarian for beak trimming advice).
• Health certificate, if necessary.
• Veterinarian referrals for itinerary; ask your avian veterinarian for a referral, consult the Association of Avian Veterinarians, or consult Birds USA magazine for veterinarian listings. Call ahead to verify hours and availability.
• Important telephone numbers.
• Avian first aid kit, including coagulant powder to stop bleeding from nails or beak.
• Supply of water from home.
• Drinking water bottle to reduce spillage from an open dish. Train bird to drink from bottle well before departure.
• Waterless, antibacterial hand cleaner to use prior to tending birds.
• Electrolyte replacement.
• Avian Lactobacillus supplements for soft food.
• Cooler and knife for fresh food.
• Supply of bird's favorite food and treats.
• Containers for seed, pellets and treats.
• Pre-cut cage-tray paper.
• Paper towels and pre-moistened antibacterial wipes for clean-ups.
• Absorbent litter or paper towels for travel Gage or carrier.
• Mess containment device for automobile trips and vacations; cage skirt or portable-tray type receptacle
• Spray bottle with water for misting birds in case of overheating.
• Light-colored cage cover for daytime travel.
• Blanket or towel to place under cages to protect vehicle seat.
• Bolt-on perch for top of travel cage or carrier or portable stands for use at destination.
• Soothing audio tape or CD to play in vehicle.
• Advance reservations or a list of pet-friendly hotels.

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Susan Chamberlain for Pet Product News.

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