Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to get birds shipped to you. Many breeders and bird shops offer shipping services to ship birds to customers. There are some important factors to consider when having birds shipped, such as finding an experienced shipper, proper packaging and precautions, health certificates, and overnight air shipping. With proper planning and care, birds can be shipped safely to new owners.
Choosing an Experienced Shipper
One of the most important factors in safely shipping birds is choosing an experienced shipper. Here are some tips for finding a good bird shipper:
– Choose an established, reputable breeder or bird shop that routinely ships birds. They will have the proper knowledge and resources for safe transport. Avoid amateur shippers.
– Look for shippers that use specialized bird shipping containers and follow protocols for feeding, watering, and handling pre-shipment.
– Ask for references or reviews from past customers that had birds shipped by them. This can give you an idea of their success shipping birds.
– Make sure the shipper is licensed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and experienced in completing necessary paperwork.
– Birds should come from a clean, healthy environment from a shipper who evaluates birds for health/fitness for transport. Avoid shippers who source birds from unknown or disreputable suppliers.
Proper Packaging and Precautions
The shipper should use proper specialized pet bird shipping containers that are:
– Sturdy, escape-proof, well-ventilated and lined with soft bedding
– An appropriate size for the specific bird
– Designed to prevent feathers and body parts from protruding and getting injured
– Equipped with easy-access food and water bowls
The shipper should take the following packaging precautions:
– Line the container bottom with absorbent bedding in case of spilled water or feces
– Provide ample food and refillable water source – use no-spill bowls
– Affix labels like “Live Bird” or “Handle With Care”
– Follow acclimatization procedures before shipping to get the bird accustomed to the container
– Attach complete care instructions, invoice, and contact info
– Properly seal the ventilated openings to prevent escape or limb injuries
Health Certificates
Most states require a veterinary health certificate issued within 10-30 days of interstate shipping. The certificate should confirm that:
– The bird appears healthy and shows no signs of infectious disease
– Basic lab tests were performed for common bird diseases like psittacosis
– The bird is not originating from an area with active infections like avian influenza
– Any needed vaccines or treatments were administered
This helps prevent spread of bird diseases. Make sure the shipper schedules an appointment with their vet to obtain the certificate shortly before shipment.
Overnight Air Shipping
Birds should always be shipped overnight by direct air transport. Avoid multi-day shipments with layovers that expose birds to more handling. Reasons air is best:
– Minimizes transit time – less stress for the bird
– Temperature-controlled environment – protection from temperature extremes
– Pressurized, climate-controlled holds – reduced stress
– Expedited handling by airline staff – less stops and delays
– Avoid extremes in temperature, humidity, noise which is stressful
– Containers stay upright and secure – less change of injury
The shipper should book the bird on a direct, non-stop flight to the destination whenever possible. This minimizes risks and gets the bird to the new owner quickest.
Tips for Receiving Shipped Birds
Once you’ve arranged shipping with an experienced shipper, here are some tips for receiving your new bird safely:
– Be ready at the destination airport to pick up your bird promptly. Some airlines only hold live cargo briefly. Don’t leave the bird waiting on a hot/cold tarmac.
– Inspect the shipping container thoroughly upon receipt. Look for any leaks, damage, signs of escape attempt, or leg/wing injuries.
– If you see any evidence of possible injury or distress, have the bird evaluated by a vet before releasing it from the container.
– Never open the shipping container in an area where the bird can escape – have a secure travel cage ready to transfer it into.
– Once home, allow the bird to rest and acclimate before trying to handle it. Provide fresh food and water.
– Watch closely for any signs of lethargy, injury, breathing issues, or illness and call a vet if any appear.
– Monitor weight and droppings to ensure the bird is returning to normal eating/drinking patterns.
– Avoid exposing the new bird to other pet birds until it has fully settled in, to prevent disease transmission.
Finding Birds for Shipment
Reputable sources for purchasing birds that provide shipping services include:
– Specialized bird breeders – can directly ship birds they breed and raise themselves
– Bird markets – large bird sellers often have extensive shipping experience and contacts
– Veterinary hospitals – may ship birds that were abandoned/relinquished to their care
– Bird rescue organizations – may arrange transportation for birds being adopted out
– Pet bird retailers/shops – common source, but carefully evaluate their qualifications
– Bird clubs / breed associations – members sometimes have birds available and may transport birds to other members
– Online bird marketplaces – offer birds for sale from many sources but shipping varies in reliability
Preparing for Shipment
Once you’ve selected a bird to purchase, discuss all the following shipment preparations with your shipper:
– Travel container – ensure correct size and amenities are present
– Bedding material – provide ample hypoallergenic, absorbent material
– Water/food – confirm containers, amount provided, and type
– Cage card – should detail all care instructions, medical info, emergency contacts
– Health certificate – confirm timing to schedule vet appointment
– Travel booking – provide correct airport for direct overnight flight
– Pickup/transport of bird to the departure airport
– Notification of flight details and tracking information
– Payment of costs – shipping fees, health certificate, travel booking
– Contingency plans – actions if flight delayed/cancelled or bird is distressed
Important Shipping Considerations
Here are some additional key considerations when arranging for pet birds to be shipped by air:
– Season – Avoid extreme hot or cold weather that make temperature control more difficult
– Age – Young, elderly or infirm birds may not handle shipping stress as well
– Species – Research specific needs of the bird species related to transport
– Shipping delays – Have backup plans in case of flight issues like cancellations
– Leg bands – Ensure identifiable leg bands are in place in case of escape
– Securing doors – Use zip ties on doors, lids to prevent popping open in transit
– Written contract – Have both parties sign detailing the agreed transport arrangements
– Shipping companies – Research the airline’s live animal transportation policies and procedures
– Health risks – Understand potential risks including dehydration, overheating, capture myopathy
– Post-shipment follow up – Check on the bird’s status and health a few days after shipping
Overview of Shipping Process
Here is an overview of the typical process for having a live bird safely shipped by air:
1. Select appropriate direct flight route and book tickets for bird and caretaker
2. Schedule vet appointment for health certificate within 10 days of departure
3. Begin acclimating bird to travel container; confirm sufficient food/water for transit
4. Secure necessary permits like import/export and municipal licenses
5. Attach labels indicating “Live Bird” and fragile handling instructions
6. Transport bird in container by vehicle to the departure airport using climate control
7. Check-in bird at air cargo shipping desk at least 2-4 hours pre-flight; provide paperwork
8. Confirm climate controlled live animal handling procedures will be followed
9. Attach caregiver contact info to container in case of delays/issues
10. Monitor flight status to ensure on-time arrival; meet bird at destination airport
11. Inspect container thoroughly, give the bird time to rest/recover before rehoming
12. Schedule follow up vet visit soon after arrival; monitor health closely
Finding Veterinary Support
Having a knowledgeable avian vet is important for pre and post shipment care:
– Get referrals from local bird owners, breeders, and rescue groups for vets with bird expertise
– Search directories like Association of Avian Veterinarians to find qualified avian vets
– Choose a certified avian vet who sees birds regularly, not just a general vet
– Ensure the vet has experience with shipments – obtaining health certificates, lab tests
– Ask detailed questions about their bird/shipping knowledge and policies
– Discuss protocols for preparing birds physically and reducing shipping stress
– Establish pricing/invoicing for necessary examinations, lab tests, certificates
– Determine emergency support options – critical care, contact during off hours
– Schedule pre and post shipment visits to conduct examinations and address health needs
Having an avian vet partner ensures your bird gets appropriate care before, during, and after the shipping process.
Reducing Risks
There are some inherent risks when shipping live birds, but many can be mitigated with proper precautions:
– Use established bird shippers with specialized experience and protocols
– Avoid transport during extreme hot/cold weather
– Only ship healthy juvenile/adult birds – no compromised/elderly birds
– Use proper climate controlled containers secured to prevent injury/escape
– Ensure the bird is accustomed to the shipping container and environment
– Book direct overnight flights; avoid multi-leg journeys
– Follow all regulations and permit requirements for legal transport
– Provide ample food/water; use no-spill bowls with absorbent bedding
– Label container properly and communicate all special care instructions
– Monitor shipping/flight status closely; pick up bird promptly
– Evaluate bird health immediately upon arrival and post-shipment
– Allow bird to rest and acclimate before introducing to new home environment
– Quarantine new bird away from existing birds until fully settled
When to Avoid Shipping Birds
In some cases, transporting birds carries very high risks and should be avoided:
– Chicks under 6 weeks old – higher chance of injury/death during shipping
– Compromised/sick birds – added stress may exacerbate medical issues
– Geriatric birds – often have lower tolerance for travel stress
– During extreme weather – heat/cold puts birds at risk during transit
– Highly anxious/sensitive birds – may self-harm or refuse to eat/drink
– Severe non-direct routes – multi-leg journeys increases risks significantly
– Amateur/inexperienced shippers – lack protocols to ensure safe transport
– Legal restrictions – permits not secured or transport not allowed to destination
– Birds not accustomed to shipping container – higher stress when confined
– Lack of climate controlled cargo space – flights with extreme cargo holds
– Absence of avian vet certificate – mandatory documentation often missing
It’s best to carefully evaluate each situation and use discretion with high-risk bird shipments that could endanger the animal.
Shipping Costs
Common costs associated with shipping pet birds include:
– Airfare ticket – For travel container and bird caretaker
– Shipping container – Sturdy, specialized bird container with amenities ($50-$300+)
– Vet health certificate – Exam and diagnostic testing ($100-$300)
– Permits/licenses – Federal, state, local documents required ($25-$100+)
– Airline animal handling fees – Charged per bird container ($50-$300)
– Ground transport – Moving bird to/from airports ($50-$300+)
– Bedding, food, bowls – For use in transit (typically $25-$75)
– Post-shipment vet visit – To ensure healthy adjustment ($75-$250)
– Caretaker expenses – Lodging, meals if accompanying
– Insurance – For coverage in case of injuries/death (~$200-500)
So for a medium size bird, total costs often range from $1000-$3000 depending on factors like distance shipped. Larger birds and international shipments often increase the costs.
International Shipping
There are additional important considerations for international live bird transport:
– Extended quarantines – Often required at destination before release into country
– Export/Import permits – More permits from USDA, CDC, foreign agencies
– International health certificates – Meeting other country importation regulations
– Airline restrictions – Not all transport live animals abroad or to all destinations
– Language barriers – Ensuring protocols understood across languages
– Legal possession – Some bird species cannot be legally exported or imported
– Increased shipping time – Extended journeys amplify risks and stress
– Limited emergency options – More difficult to divert for unplanned care en-route
– Fees/taxes – May be charged by country wildlife agencies and customs
– Border screening – Inspections may delay transport at customs checkpoints
– Post-shipment monitoring – Isolate and monitor birds more closely for illness
Work closely with shippers experienced in international air transport to ensure you follow all the regulations.
Alternatives to Shipping Birds
While air shipping is the most common transportation method, there are some alternatives to transporting birds to new homes:
– Ground transportation – Driving birds directly to destination, often for shorter distances. This reduces risks from air freight handling and delays. Allows for more control and opportunity to monitor birds.
– Avian relocation specialists – Hire companies dedicated specifically to safely relocating birds. They take responsibility for paperwork, vet exams, booking travel, and accompanying birds door-to-door. More personalized service and specialist expertise. Often used for international transport.
– Animal relocation services – Some companies provide trained staff as escorts to accompany pets of all kinds including birds. The staff person handles all details during the journey. Provides supervision and care during transit.
– Bird owner accompany – For some destinations, having the bird’s owner travel with the bird may be an option if permitted by regulations. Allows owner to personally supervise bird and respond if issues arise.
– Temporary fostering – Arrange temporary care for a bird at its destination before permanent homing. Gives the bird time to recover and adjust after shipping before placement.
Tips for Safe Arrival
Once your newly shipped bird arrives, here are some tips for ensuring a safe transition:
– Have temporary housing ready – Ready a quarantine area before arrival
– Monitor closely – Check for signs of injury, illness, abnormal behavior
– Allow rest – Avoid over-handling; give time to recover from transit
– Keep comfortable – Maintain familiar foods, environment, routines
– Check droppings – Monitor for healthy eating and digestion
– Provide hydration – Supply fresh water; give fluids if showing dehydration
– Verify eating – Offer favorite foods; check weight to confirm appetite
– Avoid mixing birds – Keep separate from other birds during quarantine period
– Get vet exam – Have bird seen quickly by an avian vet after arrival
– Limit stimuli – Keep area quiet; avoid frightening noises or commotion
– Give affection – Spend positive one-on-one time; talk/interact calmly
– Be patient – Understand period of adjustment is normal after shipping stress
Conclusion
Shipping birds by air can be done safely when correct protocols and an experienced shipper are used. Evaluate options carefully to find a qualified shipper and coordinate proper preparations. Minimize risks by booking direct overnight flights during moderate weather and following all regulations. Prepare housing in advance and monitor birds closely upon arrival. With proper planning and support, live birds can be transported from their origination to new owners successfully.
