Pet birds in cargo area

[sbmike]

Hello:

I'm a newbie to the forum and have found many, many useful threads about 5th wheeling.

I've searched high and low but I have not found an answer to my question. I have three parrots (one is a Macaw) I would like to take with us when we go on vacation (warm climates only). Even using the smallest cages possible, they would not fit into the back seat of the truck which is already occupied by our Bouvier. We have a Raptor toy hauler and was wondering if anyone carries their pet birds in the cargo area. I measured everything out and can easily fit three regular cages, strapped down in the cargo area along with all the other junk we store back there. There would be no motorized equipment in the cargo area if we take the birds to prevent gas fumes. The TH has vents that draw in fresh air and can be regulated as to how much air enters and exits.

Any input or thoughts on this subject would be appreciated.

[NLOVNIT]

Hi there & welcome to iRV2.

There may be some that travel with their pets unattended in their towed RV's but I wouldn't advise it. Find yourself a large, open parking lot & you ride in it while it gets towed around. You'll be amazed at how scary it is. We even set up a remove camera in our 5-r & attached a bungee ball to the bottom of a cabinet to see what it did while enroute to somewhere. That thing swung, twisted & banged into every cabinet around it. Even if you strap down the carriers, the birds themselves aren't secured & can easily be injured, or worse, being shifted around in their cages as you bounce down the road & make turns.

Lori-

[Eric_H_E]

My question would be, would u ride back there?

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric_H_E My question would be, would u ride back there?

Ditto.................why would you subject animals to this????????

[sbmike]

Thanks for your responses. While I have not tried riding in the trailer, I did leave some unbreakable items lying about for a full day of driving and was surprised at how little the items were moved or apparently jostled. I guess I was thinking that the birds would not be any more jostled in the trailer than if they rode in the truck, which, as luck would have it, rides like a truck and might even bounce around more than the 5th wheel. Would I ride in the trailer? Probably not, but then I wouldn't ride in the back of a horse trailer either but horses seem to do ok when being transported. Mind you, I'm not sold on the idea and I appreciate your input.

[bsirby]

I would not advise it. What do the temperatures get to. I would be afraid of the heat harming them as well as being jostled about.

[radams]

Heck, why not? They might find it amusing. We bought two dogs from England and had them shipped over here and it didn't seem to bother them. With fresh air, water, and food, they should be fine.

[Matusky]

I have 3 birds myself and I also have a 3912LEV raptor toy hauler,..... This trailer for some reason rides smoother than any other ive seen...... I once drove 175 miles down the Pennsylvania turnpike before someone realized they left a tall cup of hot coffee on the counter in the trailer,..... We stopped expecting the floor and wall in it to be trashed,...... It was cold, but still sitting in the middle of the counter where we left it 3 hours before!!

Anyways,..... Long story short,.... I wouldn't go more than a couple hours, but I take my birds all the time,..... But avoid traveling in extreme temps and be sure to stop and check on them,......

And I agree,.... Try riding in your trailer,...... I've done it, it rides a little bouncy if it's not loaded and the tanks are empty, but going on a trip, that's never the case with me

Some states allow it, but unfortunately the way they build the raptor, it makes it all but impossible to move around with the slides in.

You particular case may be different, but I do it all the time....... If you happen to travel at night, leave some lights on in trailer,..... Most birds aren't happy when they're in the dark, especially when they're feeling like the flock is separated. (since you're in the truck)

Best thing is to take a couple short trips, stopping often so they get used to the idea before going a long way.

[TXiceman]

We have traveled with parrots for years and no way would I leave the birds back in the trailer. If you insist on doing this, get e remote read out temperature sensor and monitor it from the cab.

Another issue is the noise and vibration. Over the axles will be smoother than the tail end of the trailer.

Ken

[shortlance]

We travel with an African Grey and she rides in the truck with us. There is NO WAY I would subject a bird to travel in a moving trailer. Climb in yours and have someone take you around the block and you will understand. Besides the teriffing ride climate control is another issue. You will either cook the birds or be driving with some windows open which will subject them to a draft which is a big no no for exotic birds. The stress it would put them thru is enough to kill them.

[micd]

You may have already thought of this but have you looked at plastic travel crates for dogs and cats? I used those to transport my birds in my car and find them easier to work with and smaller than trying to use traditional cages. I put folded up towels on the bottom for the birds to sit on so there are no perches to fall off. It might be a little cramped with your dog but you might be able to make it work depending on the size of your birds.

Michelle