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Shipping Birds Made Easy
By: Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. Whether you are a pet owner looking for that special
bird or a breeder who needs to a send one somewhere else, many times shipping is
the only answer. Fortunately, shipping birds by air is safe and easy if one
does their homework and follows instructions. Also remember that birds are used
to being in a cage so they do not suffer from the stress dogs and cats do. First, you need to know which airlines carry birds because several do not. The following airlines do ship live birds. Click on the links provided to go directly to their web-sites for shipping information including rules, regulations, restrictions, policies, procedures and prices.
The next thing to decide is the method in which the bird should be shipped: either air-cargo or counter-to-counter service. When shipped as cargo, they do not receive any special handling. This means they may sit in the warehouse or cargo hold of the plane for hours prior to takeoff. They will also sit in the hold or even on the tarmac between flights. The two advantages to shipping birds air cargo are 1) it is cheap and 2) there is no limit to the number of containers shipped. Counter-to-counter service, although more expensive,
is worth every penny. The reason for the difference in price, is that in
counter-to-counter shipping the bird is never just left in the plane or on the
tarmac. Also, the bird is the last thing hand-carried onto the plane and the
first thing to the hand-carried off. Each airport needs to be checked, but
usually all pick-ups and deliveries are made at the air cargo center. Due to heightened security requirements, some airlines will only allow "known shippers" to use cargo service. A "known shipper" is someone that has been investigated and inspected by the airlines and passed security requirements to allow them to ship. This is for anything that is shipped not just birds. You will need to check with each airline to determine their policy regarding 'known shippers." Prior to shipping, the airline needs to be contacted
to check for flights, requirements (such as health certificates) and
restrictions such as weather conditions or reservation notices. It is best to
try and get a direct flight. If using cargo, many airlines require a 2 hour
layover between flights. When booking the reservation, make sure there is
sufficient time for the airline personnel to get the bird onto its connecting
flight. Once the reservation has been made and requirements fulfilled you need
to prepare for the actual shipment. If you are sending only one or two birds, you can use
the same container as one that fits under the seat. Two small-animal transport
cages (8-1/2” x 6” each) will fit comfortably inside a standard Airline
Carrier Number 100. If
only one bird is being shipped, you can use a larger inside cage. Set up the
cage with dishes for seed/pellets and water. Although the water will spill,
always provide a cup so it can be filled in the event the flight is delayed.
Be sure and provide millet spray and lots of fresh juicy fruits such as oranges,
kiwi or melon. You should also include a weeks' worth of the bird’s basic
seed/pellets in a small bag in the container just in case of an unforeseen
delay. Most airlines require written care instructions displayed on the shipping
container so be sure and supply that information. The day before the flight, clip the bird’s wings. If the new owner insists on not having them clipped, make sure they understand you have no liability if the bird escapes. Prepare a shipping label with your name, address and telephone number including area code. Put the new owner’s information too. It is also a good idea to put the same information inside the carrier in the event something gets lost. Just be sure not to put it too close to the bird or it will be confetti by the time it arrives! Finally, get the bird to the airport at least an hour before the flight for counter-to-counter, two hours for cargo. Believe me, both the airline workers and the parrotlets will keep each other entertained until the flight leaves. Make sure you bring all required paperwork including health certificates, check book and driver's license. After the bird has been checked in, call the new owner and give them the flight number and air bill number. This will allow the shipment to be traced and allow the new owner to pick them up without delay upon arrival. New owners should have picture identification for security purposes. Tell your customer to be sure and call the airline and verify the flight arrival time. Make sure you are at the airport when the bird arrives. Once at home, place the bird in quarantine if you have other birds, and give the bird a physical examination. Place him in his new cage that has previously been set up with his food, water and toys. Give the bird a few hours to become familiar with his cage and get settled in. Just one more thing - it is considered common courtesy to call the breeder and let them know the bird arrived safely. After all, good breeders want to make sure their birds have arrived safely and all is well. *Be sure and check with the State Veterinarian of the state to which you are shipping for any requirements such as import or other special permits. **All 50 states including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian within 30 days of shipping. All shippers should check each state's import requirements for specific import regulations.
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