Cats and dogs can be great travel companions in your Toyota Coaster motorhome, and so can pet birds! A road trip with your bird can be a great experience for both of you.
Some birds, such as cockatoos, suffer from separation anxiety and could be better off travelling with you instead of being left at home. Smaller birds, such as canaries and budgies, are generally more prone to travel stress and are probably not suited to road trips.
Before you go on a road trip with your bird, here are some tips to keep your feathered travel buddy safe and secure:
Road Trip With Your Bird: Pre-trip Planning
- Keep the Routine: Birds are creatures of habit and love having a regular routine. On a road trip with your bird, try to keep your bird’s regular routine the same as it is at home. Feeding times, play routines, bed time, wake up time and hygiene schedule should all be kept as normal as possible whilst travelling. Factor this into your travel plans.
- Cage Advice: If you are buying a special travel cage for your bird to travel in make sure you get your bird used to it before the trip. Take your bird on a local road trip first in its new cage to get it familiar with its new digs.
- Secure the Cage: Work out where in your Toyota Coaster motorhome you are going to fit the bird cage. Make sure the cage is big enough for your bird to move around comfortably, it is in a good position within the bus, and safely secured to the motorhome. Line the bottom of the travel cage with absorbent towels to soak up any waste your bird creates.
- Plan for Motion Sickness: If your bird is prone to motion sickness, bring a cage cover to reduce the visual stimuli. Putting ginger slices in their food or water dish before the trip can also ease nausea.
- Visit the Vet: for advice on calming supplements for your bird, dietary supplements to bolster their diet whilst they are away, and a full medical check to make sure they are fit and healthy prior to travel. Ensure your bird is up-to-date on vaccinations and carry their medical records just in case.
- Pre-trip Pamper: Get your bird’s hygiene needs up to date before the trip starts. Wings clipped, nails clipped and give your feathered friend a nice bath. At some destinations you may not have the facilities to do this.
- Food and Water: Stock up on their regular food supply and make sure your bird knows how to drink from a water bottle.
- Stimulation: Birds love mental stimulation so make sure they have their favourite toys along for the ride. Have enough toys to rotate them regularly so your bird doesn’t get bored, and don’t forget treats!
- Plan Ahead: Research pet-friendly campsites, parks, and attractions along your route. Make reservations in advance to ensure availability. Also research locations of vets along your route just in case you have an emergency.
- Your Cage Hygiene Pack: Here are some suggestions. Cage liners, paper towels and/or cage wipes, cleaning cloths, bird-safe disinfectant, sandpaper, scrub brush and/or old toothbrush.
During the Trip
- Temperature Control: Birds are sensitive to temperature changes. Keep your Toyota Coaster motorhome at a comfortable temperature and avoid exposing your bird to drafts or direct sunlight.
- Play time: On a road trip with your bird, spend time interacting with your bird daily. If it’s safe, let them out of the cage for supervised playtime to stretch their wings.
- Food and Water: Provide a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and bird-safe pellets. Ensure your bird has access to clean water at all times.
- Check on your Bird regularly: Pull over regularly to check on your bird if they are not in your direct line of sight whilst driving. Make sure the cage is clean, it has food and water, and give it some loving re-assurance.
At Your Destination
- The Bird Cage: Travel cages can be pretty compact and therefore too small for daily use on your holiday. On a road trip with your bird, once you reach your destination transfer your bird to their regular cage or play gym.
- Quiet Please: Position the cage and gym in a quiet location, away from any windows and drafts.
- Play Time: Be sure to spend time with your bird, ensure they have familiar toys at hand and give them lots of reassuring attention. Keep attention from friends, family, and others under control.
- Keep to their routine: Continue to maintain your bird’s normal routine as much as possible. Birds on average needs 10 hours of sleep a day, and if they are stressed through travelling they will need even more.
On a Road Trip with your Bird: Best Places to Camp
- Bird-Friendly Caravan Parks: Some caravan parks welcome birds and offer facilities for pet birds. Check for parks with positive reviews and amenities that cater to bird owners.
- 2. Calm Environments: Birds thrive in calm and quiet environments. When on a road trip with your bird, look for campsites away from busy areas to reduce stress for your bird.
- 3. Enclosed Spaces: Consider campsites with cabins or enclosed areas where your bird can enjoy supervised outdoor time safely.
Pros and Cons of Travelling with Birds
Pros:
- Low Maintenance: Birds are relatively low-maintenance pets and can adapt to small spaces.
- Companionship: Birds can be affectionate and provide companionship with their cheerful chirping.
- Unique Experience: Taking a road trip with your bird can be a unique and enjoyable experience.
Cons:
- Stress: Birds can be sensitive to changes in environment and routine.
- Limited Interaction: Birds require regular interaction and mental stimulation, which can be challenging while travelling.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Birds are sensitive to temperature changes, requiring careful monitoring.
A Wing Man (or Woman) for your Road Trip
A road trip with your bird can be wonderfully bonding experience for you both. Birds are naturally curious and intelligent creatures, and will enjoy the stimulation of new environments.
By taking the necessary precautions and planning ahead, you can ensure your bird’s safety and happiness throughout the journey. Embrace the freedom of the open road, explore beautiful destinations, and create lasting memories with your feathered friend by your side.
Happy Coasting!
