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April 18, 2023

How to Safely Travel With a Pet Bird in a Car: Vet Reviewed Guide

Taking a road trip with your bird isn’t at the top of most people’s to-do lists, but there may come a time when you don’t have a choice. If you are going on a trip with your bird in tow, you must do all you can to make the drive comfortable and safe for your pet. It may take a little extra time and effort, but your bird’s comfort is more than worth it.

Read on to find our guide on traveling safely with your pet bird.

Before You Go: Choose the Right Travel Carrier Style

There are many different styles of travel carriers for birds, each with its own pros and cons. Additionally, not all kinds will suit every bird species. The most common types of travel cages for birds you’ll find include:

Backpacks
Soft-sided carriers
Hard-sided carriers
Acrylic bird carriers
Plastic bird carriers

A Note About Metal Bird Carriers

Some bird carriers are made of metal. These are generally not recommended, unless you are absolutely certain about which metal was used to construct the carrier. Undamaged, nickel-plated metals are usually safe for use around parrots. Steel and wrought iron rust easily, making them unsafe for parrots and not a good long term investment. Chrome may contain zinc, which is poisonous for many parrot species. Brass and copper carriers aren’t ideal for parrots either. Though songbirds are less likely to gnaw on the wires of a carrier, metal carriers are still considered risky for these birds too and are best if avoided whenever possible.

You might also consider investing in a car seat designed for birds. The FeatherSmart car seat is one of our favorites, as it allows your pet to sit beside you comfortably and safely. This is best for well-trained birds you can trust won’t fly around the car if they’re not restrained.

Yellow crested canary in bird cage — Image Credit: Emmily, Shutterstock

When shopping for the perfect travel cage, keep the following in mind:

Size. The cage will be smaller than your bird’s at-home cage because it must be light and easily transported. Smaller carriers are ideal anyway because they’ll help prevent injuries that your bird may incur if it were to get tossed around during travel. However, it still needs to be big enough that your bird can stretch their wings without being restricted. It must also have a secure and sturdy bird-safe perch of a circumference appropriate for your pet bird species.

Hard vs soft-sided. Soft-sided carriers are easier to transport as they’re lightweight and collapse easily for storage. However, if your bird likes to chew on things, this probably isn’t the best option. Hard-sided carriers are typically made of plastic, which can make them bulky and heavier.

Travel distance. Long journeys may make larger carriers more necessary as you can put in multiple perches and food and water bowls. If you’re looking for a carrier to take your bird down the street to the vet, a smaller size should suffice.

Durability. If you have a bigger bird, such as a Cockatoo, your travel carrier needs to be built to withstand its strong beak. You’ll want stronger materials like metal or acrylic versus a soft-sided carrier or backpack.

Ventilation. Choose a carrier with the appropriate amount of ventilation. Depending on the style you choose, ventilation can look like mesh screens or wire bars.

The 9 Tips for Safely Traveling With a Pet Bird

1. Prep the Carrier

shopper looking for new bird cage in pet shop — Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

Once you have purchased the right carrier for your bird, you can begin prepping it. Things can shift around in your bird’s carrier during travel, so take some time to set it up to ensure it’s safe. Remove any swings, toys, or items that can shift during transport. Properly secure all the carrier’s openings for your bird’s safety.

2. Acclimate Your Bird to Their Carrier

If you’re going on a long trip with your bird, the sooner you can get them accustomed to being in a car in a travel cage, the better. The goal is to have your pet feel as at home in their carriers as soon as possible to keep stress levels down as you travel.

You mustn’t force them into the cage for these test drives, as you don’t want your bird to associate the carrier with stress and fear. Instead, introduce the cage to your bird during play time and let them check it out on their own accord.

Once your bird has had a chance to acclimate themselves with the carrier in a safe environment, you can encourage them to enter the cage on their own by using treats as bribes. This will help your bird associate the carrier with positive (and yummy) things.

3. Take Test Drives

You don’t want your bird’s first time in a vehicle to be the day you embark on your trip. Get them used to being in cars by taking them for test drives in the weeks before your departure.

Start slowly by sitting in the running car with your bird in their carrier for a few minutes. Once you know your bird is comfortable being in a running car, take short trips around the block, working your way up to longer drives.

4. Go to the Vet Before Departure

Take your bird for a vet check-up before traveling. Your vet will examine your bird and give you a thumbs up if it’s healthy to travel. If you’re traveling out of the country, you may need the vet to fill out a health certificate stating your pet is safe to enter.

They may also provide further suggestions that will help ease your pet’s travel anxiety, such as supplements to combat stress. We recommend visiting the vet about 2-3 months before you leave to give your bird plenty of time to get used to any medications or supplements your vet recommends.

5. Keep the Temperature Comfortable

pressing ac button of car — Andri wahyudi, Shutterstock

Birds can be sensitive to temperature shifts, so do your best to keep the temperature stable in your vehicle. Aim to keep it around the same temperature as your bird’s room.

If you’re traveling in cold weather, pre-warm your vehicle and use a towel to cover up your carrier whenever exposing your bird to the elements.

If traveling in warm weather, cool the car before introducing your bird.

Don’t allow your air conditioning or heating vents to blow directly onto the carrier. Drafts can make your bird sick, especially if they cannot move around to escape them.

6. Never Leave Your Bird Unattended

Never leave your bird in your vehicle alone. Not only can this put your pet at risk of being stolen, but in warm or cold temperatures, it could also put their health at risk.

7. Strap the Carrier In

It’s not enough to place your bird in their carrier and set it on your car seat. A small bump could cause the cage to fly across your vehicle, hurting your bird. To ensure your pet is as snug and safe as possible, use your car’s seat belts to secure the carrier in its place.

8. Pack a Bird Car Kit

woman holding paper grocery bag — Image Credit: Jumpstory

Pack all your essentials in a convenient kit you can have on hand during your travels. Buy a plastic tub or use a grocery bag to keep your bird’s essentials in one place. This will include things such as food and water dishes, food, water bottles, wipes for cleaning up messes, and travel toys.

As mentioned above, we don’t recommend traveling with the toys installed in your bird’s carrier, as they can be a hazard while traveling.

We also recommend bringing along your bird’s health certificate, an up-to-date photo, and a record of their leg band number.

9. Plan for Breaks

As much as you might want to try to reach your destination in one go, we highly recommend that you plan to take breaks. Breaks during long drives are good for you and allow you to check on your bird to see how they are doing. This also allows you to refresh your bird’s water and food dishes if you’re leaving them in the carrier or offer food and water if you’re not.

Can Birds Get Car Sick?

Birds can get car sick, and unfortunately, there is often little to no warning. However, younger birds seem to be more likely to get car sick than older adults.

You can do several things to prevent your pet from becoming car sick.

If you’re going on a short trip, try not feeding your pet before leaving or while en route. Car sickness causes nausea, which can be worse for birds with a full crop. If your trip will be long, offer your bird food during a break and give them around 30 minutes after eating before restarting your journey.

Try covering the car windows your bird can see out of. If this isn’t possible, use a blanket to cover the part of the carrier that’s allowing your pet visual access to the windows. Remember not to cover the entire cage, as this may restrict air flow to the cage.

Final Thoughts

Car travel can be extremely stressful for your bird, but if you use all our tips above and give yourself plenty of time to acclimate your feathered friend to its carrier, things should go more smoothly. If you (and your bird) are traumatized from a particularly bad trip in the past, ask your vet about medications you can administer to your pet to make the upcoming drive a little more manageable.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Daria_vg, Shutterstock

The post How to Safely Travel With a Pet Bird in a Car: Vet Reviewed Guide appeared first on Pet Keen.

April 15, 2023

What Spot Do Parrots Like to Be Petted? (Guide With Infographic)

From Parrotlets to Macaws, Parrots can vary greatly in size, color, and, indeed, temperament. Even within the same species, two birds can be very different. This means that while one Parrot might like nothing more than a good head scratch, another Parrot even of the same species may prefer you to be hands-off. Generally, well-socialized parrots that have been handled and petted from a young age are more receptive to petting.

While it does depend on the individual bird, there are certain spots where a Parrot is more likely to enjoy being petted. The head, back of the neck, and chest are favorite spots. And some Parrots like having their beaks touched and petted. In any case, always ensure that you pet respectfully and carefully. And if a Parrot is having a day when it doesn’t want to be touched, don’t push it. Give it some space and try again another day.

Where to pet a Parrot graphic — You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from PetKeen.com)

Petting Parrots

Usually, Parrots enjoy being petted. It can be reminiscent of grooming that would normally be performed by other Parrots. Because a pet Parrot treats its humans as part of their flock, they normally welcome petting.

Some will need to build up a level of trust with a person before they let them pet them, but some enjoy being petted by just about anybody willing. You do need to be gentle when petting and there are some areas to avoid, as well as areas that are more likely to elicit a positive response.

What Spot To Pet a Parrot

Finding the right petting spot for a Parrot will involve some trial and error. Try petting the back of a Parrot’s neck, which is usually a preferred spot. If the Parrot moves into your hand, this is a sign that it is enjoying it. If it approaches you for more when you stop, this is another good sign.

Another area that Parrots typically enjoy being petted is on the top of the head and, in the case of large birds, on the chest. Some even enjoy having their beaks petted.

Blue Quaker Parrot playing — Image Credit: Reimar, Shutterstock

Where To Avoid

Parrots are prey animals. In the wild, they would use their ability to fly to get away from predators, and even pet Parrots retain these instincts. As such, avoid stroking too far down the back because this can cause discomfort and can leave a Parrot feeling unable to get away if they are attacked. Similarly, avoid the wings, the stomach, don’t stroke under the feathers, and avoid the feet and tail.

Signs a Parrot Doesn’t Want to Be Petted

When attempting to pet a Parrot, you should look for signs that it might not be enjoying the experience, as well as signs of enjoyment. If the Parrot backs away, side steps, or otherwise tries to get away from your hand, it either means that it isn’t enjoying the particular treatment it’s getting or that it doesn’t trust you enough to let you pet it. In either case, you should respect the bird’s space and stop. Some Parrots may tell you that they don’t like it with loud squawks, and others may show their disdain by flapping or beating their wings.

Top 3 Parrot Petting Tips

Parrots have layered feathers, are preyed upon by bigger animals in the wild, and they do have sensitive areas on their bodies. This means that the Parrot places a lot of trust in you when it allows you to pet it. Follow these steps to repay that trust and to encourage a more positive experience for you both.

1. Go Slow

Move your hand slowly and let the bird see what you are doing. You should move slowly so you don’t scare or startle the bird, who will likely be watching you very intently to try and ascertain your intentions.

Parrot Playing and Biting — Image Credit: Friedrich Himawan, Shutterstock

2. Don’t Surprise Them

One of the reasons you need to move your hand slowly is so that you don’t scare or alarm the bird. Also prevent other movements that might cause alarm, such as moving your feet or bobbing your head. Always make sure the Parrot can see your hand approaching.

3. Be Gentle

Birds, even Macaws and Black Palm Cockatoos are much smaller than humans, and they are very sensitive. If you squeeze too tight, rub too hard, or pet too vigorously, you could cause discomfort or even injury. Take it slowly and pet it gently to get the best results.

Green Quaker parrot is sitting on woman shoulder — Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

Is It OK To Cuddle Your Parrot?

Generally speaking, birds don’t like to cuddle in the same way as cats, dogs, or humans. Your bird may bury its head in your armpit or elbow, but you should avoid cuddling the bird. Birds have delicate chests and necks and if you hold them wrong while cuddling, you could restrict the Parrot’s breathing.

Is it OK To Kiss Your Parrot?

Kissing your bird may actually be bad for you and your bird. Parrot Fever is a disease that is caused by bacteria from birds. Experts also recommend washing your hands after handling birds.

Conclusion

Parrots can be surprisingly affectionate, and they certainly enjoy spending time around their owners. In a lot of cases, this means that they also enjoy being petted by humans that they are close to, although most will need to build up some level of trust with a person before allowing them to pet them. If you are petting a Parrot, stick to areas like the head and the back of the neck and avoid the back, belly, and extremities, although some Parrots do like having their beaks petted.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

The post What Spot Do Parrots Like to Be Petted? (Guide With Infographic) appeared first on Pet Keen.

April 5, 2023

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) in Pet Birds (Vet Answer)

Parrots, perching birds, pigeons, and doves can be susceptible to a disease known as psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). It can cause the growth of abnormal feathers and feather loss, resulting in large areas of missing feathers or baldness in the affected bird. This viral disease is highly contagious to susceptible birds and is often fatal. Opportunistic infections may occur in PBFD-positive birds, as their immune systems can be depressed.

What Is Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease?

PBFD is caused by a psittacine circovirus.¹ Psittacines are also known as parrots and include macaws, parakeets, cockatiels, cockatoos, lovebirds, and lorikeets. Australian cockatoos were first observed with this condition in the early 1970s.² Unfortunately, the virus has now spread to over 50 bird species worldwide, including Passeriformes (perching birds) and Columbiformes (pigeons and doves). Once a bird is infected, the disease progresses slowly, producing signs similar to human AIDS. In fact, PBFD is often called “bird AIDS” because the virus depresses the immune system, increasing the bird’s susceptibility to other illnesses and disorders that it could otherwise fight off.

budgie bird with psittacine beak and feather disease — Image Credit: Eliine, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease?

The circovirus that causes PBFD progresses slowly, so it may take weeks, months, or years before the bird shows any signs of the disease. The first sign that a bird is infected with PBFD is often the loss of powder down feathers, a lack of powder on the beak, and an unkempt appearance. The specialized down feathers produce a talcum-like powder to help with waterproofing and are found in only a few birds,³ including African gray parrots, cockatiels, and cockatoos.

The disease may progress to dead or deformed feathers that may be short, stumped, pinched, or clubbed at the base. The feathers may easily fall out, regrow slowly, or not grow back at all. Beak lesions may appear during any stage of the disease,⁴ but occur most commonly in birds with advanced disease and chronic feather changes. Overgrowth, cracking, fractures, and infection of the beak are all possible sequelae of the disease. Young birds 6 months to 3 years of age are commonly affected. Once signs appear, most die from the disease itself or secondary infections within 6–12 months.

There are three forms of the disease, each categorized by the age of the bird when it is first infected with PBFD.

PBFD Forms	Age of Bird	Clinical Signs of Disease
Peracute	Recently hatched chicks; neonatal birds	Bloodstream infection caused by bacteria Pneumonia Inflammation of the small intestine Weight loss Death
Acute	Young birds growing first feathers or pin feathers; nestlings	Lethargy Regurgitation Abnormalities in growing feathers Reduced powder on the beak Premature molt Painful feathers Death within 1–2 weeks
Chronic	Older birds that have survived the acute form of the disease	Abnormal feathers over successive molts Short, clubbed, curled feathers Baldness Beak deformities

What Are the Causes of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease?

Virus particles are easily shed through feather and skin dander, fecal material, and crop contents of infected birds.

Birds may become infected by encountering the virus through the following routes:

Oral cavity through ingestion of the virus
Nasal and respiratory tract through inhalation of the virus
Cloaca

The cloaca (the Latin term for “sewer”) is a single opening in a bird where its gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts all convene. Parent birds may pass the virus to their chicks through crop milk during feeding. The crop is an outpouching of the esophagus that stores food and prepares it for digestion. Crop milk is produced by the sloughing of the crop wall, which is rich in protein and fat for newly hatched birds. Dander and feather dust from birds also contain high concentrations of virus particles, which can easily be spread by fomites like shoes, clothing, and other inanimate objects.

cockatoo bird with psittacine beak and feather disease — Image Credit: Daria Nipot, Shutterstock

How Do I Care for a Bird With Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease?

PBFD is most accurately diagnosed by your bird’s history and clinical signs, as well as the vet taking a blood sample from your bird and testing for viral DNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Feces and feather dander can also be tested with PCR. If your bird has feather abnormalities, a biopsy of skin and feathers may help rule out other causes for the disease, but it is not 100% diagnostic for PBFD. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the prevalence of PBFD has decreased since implementing the PCR assay test.

If you buy a new bird, it should be tested for the virus prior to bringing it into your household. Likewise, any birds that you already have at home should also be tested before you introduce your new family member. All PBFD-positive birds need to be isolated or removed from those without the disease because it is contagious and can be easily transmitted to healthy birds. The virus is hardy in the environment, so hygiene and dander control are crucial in limiting its spread. Always take care of isolated and quarantined birds last to help prevent the accidental spread to healthy birds.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PBFD, and the disease is usually fatal. Providing as much of a stress-free environment can help, as can supportive care such as warmth and a healthy diet. Humane euthanasia may be considered because the disease is highly transmittable and often results in the death of the infected bird. There is no commercial vaccine currently available for the prevention of PBFD, though research is ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is psittacine beak and feather disease curable?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, and it is usually fatal.

Is there a vaccine available for PBFD?

There is currently no commercially available vaccine for PBFD.

Is PBFD contagious to people or other animals?

PBFD is not known to infect humans or other animals.

Conclusion

Psittacine beak and feather disease is a viral disease of parrots caused by an avian circovirus. The disease spreads to healthy birds through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated skin dander and feather dust, feces, and oral secretions. Affected birds develop beak and feather abnormalities and immune system dysfunction. The virus is highly contagious and hardy in the environment. There is no cure or treatment for birds with PBFD, and it is usually fatal. Prevention includes testing all newly acquired birds, isolating infected birds from healthy birds, and implementing strict hygiene protocols.

Featured Image Credit: Daria Nipot, Shutterstock

The post Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) in Pet Birds (Vet Answer) appeared first on Pet Keen.