I am by NO means an expert on shipping parrots, but when I googled I did find this information that might be helpful. There are many shippers out there for live animals, but parrots and other birds do need special accomadations.
Keep us posted.
The best and safest way to ship a parrot is via
Priority Overnight air cargo (e.g., Delta Cargo or American Airlines) or using a USDA-certified professional pet shipper. Ground shipping or standard postal mail is generally too stressful, slow, and unsafe for sensitive pet parrots. [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5]
The process requires highly specialized planning and execution to ensure your bird arrives safely:
1. Booking the Flight
- Direct Cargo: Airlines like Delta (via their Pets First program) and American Airlines offer climate-controlled, pressurized compartments designed for live animals. Book the flight to the closest major airport directly. [1, 2, 3]
- Door-to-Door Service: If handling the airport logistics (which require early check-in) feels overwhelming, hire a licensed pet transporter. [1, 2]
2. Crate & Carrier Requirements
- Airline-Approved Crate: The carrier must be IATA compliant, well-ventilated, and secured (usually with zip-ties) so the door cannot accidentally open. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Perches & Bedding: Install a low wooden perch (about 1 inch from the floor). Line the bottom with shredded paper towels or newspaper to give the bird grip and absorb waste. [1]
- Covering: Drape a lightweight, breathable cloth over the carrier to keep the environment dark and minimize stress. [1]
3. Food and Hydration
- High-Moisture Foods: Parrots should never have open water bowls while traveling, as they can spill and cause hypothermia or drowning. Instead, provide fresh, hydrating produce like sliced cucumber or apples.
- Comfort Food: Include familiar pellets or dry seeds, and attach a spray of millet to the inside of the crate for comfort nibbling. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
4. Health and Weather Checks
- Veterinary Clearance: You will need a Health Certificate issued by an avian-certified veterinarian, usually within 10 days of the flight. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Weather Embargoes: Airlines strictly monitor temperatures at both the origin and destination. If it is too hot (typically above 85°F) or too freezing (typically below 20°F), they will not allow the bird on the plane
