Getting started (from scratch)

[Dave Head]

I go to Texas to pick up my new to me 93 Foretravel in two weeks. The wife, birds and I are looking to do semi local RV'ing at least monthly. Never been to a rally, but we're interested. Also interested to know if anyone travels with birds.

Dave Head
Starr Martin
Romeo - Moluccan Cockatoo
Sugar - Yellow Collar mini Macaw
Billy - homicidal Green Cheek conure

Oviedo FL

[Dave Head]

I go to Texas to pick up my new to me 93 Foretravel in two weeks. The wife, birds and I are looking to do semi local RV'ing at least monthly. Never been to a rally, but we're interested. Also interested to know if anyone travels with birds.

Dave Head
Starr Martin
Romeo - Moluccan Cockatoo
Sugar - Yellow Collar mini Macaw
Billy - homicidal Green Cheek conure

Oviedo FL

[MRS FLORIDABOOMER]

WELCOME TO THE BOOMERS.

WHERE IN OVIEDO DO YOU LIVE--WE LIVE IN WHISPERING WOODS SUBDIVISION OFF S. LAKE JESSUP.

WE ALSO HAVE BIRDS AND I USE TO TRAVEL WITH THEM WHEN I ONLY HAD 2 BUT NOW THAT WE HAVE 6 I LEAVE THEM AT HOME. TRAVELING WITH THEM WAS NOT A PROBLEM, YOU WANT TO BRING WATER FROM HOME FOR THEM AS THEY ARE USE TO IT AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THE WATER IS LIKE WHERE YOU GO. ALSO, MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE IN THEIR CAGES AND SEAT BELTED OR SECURED IN SO THAT IN CASE OF A SUDDEN STOP--THEY DON'T GO FLYING. WE HAVE 2 GREEN CHEEKED CONURES==LOVE THEM!!

ROBIN

[Dave Head]

We live in Alafaya Woods, on Cox Court.

We've got extra cages and the coach has 2 opposing couches, so the cages will either go in the area of one of the couches, or the dining area. I'm looking at redesigning the water bowls to put a 'lip' on them so they're less likely to spill. We love our 'replacement children' so much that we didn't want to board them anymore (or as much) when we travel to see family.

My wife has a bad back so we decided with an RV she could move around more on trips. The Foretravel is supposed to have a great ride along with fantastic quality. So we're excited - its a new phase of fun for us!

[LouRobin]

Hey Dave, welcome aboard. I am the other half of Mrs. Boomer, and it appears we are neighbors.

I have never riden in a Foretravel, but understand they are a dream. Should be great for the wife and birds.

If you ever have any questions about the general operation of the motorhome feel free to drop me a direct e-mail. There are alot of close by places if you are just looking to get away for a quick weekend, and of course we Fl Boomers here on iRV2 pretty much meet up on a monthly basis somewhere.

Feel free to contact any of us directly or via a post here.

[MRS FLORIDABOOMER]

DAVE
WHEN WE USE TO TAKE THE BIRDS--FILLING UP THE WATER DISHES WITH ONLY A LITTLE WATER THEY NEVER SEEMED TO SPILL. MY COCKATIEL WOULD EAT, DRINK, PLAY WITH HER TOYS, AND SIT ON HER SWING. SHE NEVER MISSED A BEAT. I DO MISS TAKING THEM BUT THEN AGAIN I TAKE THE 2 DOGS AND 1 CAT!!!!!

ROBIN

[TXiceman]

Dave, we have traveled with birds for a number of years...close to 20 now. We at one time had three parrots and have just the one Timneh Grey now. He has traveled in both motorhomes and now a 5er. With the current rig, he has his designated corner of the back seat and the two schnauzers take the other 2/3 of the seat.

He has a travel cage which is his normal RV cage now. We have a converted small TV stand to set the cage on as well as store his supplies. One of the swivel recliners is left at home for all trips to provide a space for Duncan.

As for rolling down the road, his water cup is filled a little lower than normal to prevent spillage. He plays with his toys, whistles and talks as we roll along. Loves the adventure. He picks up the calls of local birds and will be repeating them weeks later.

The one thing to be aware of in a small closed up space with a bird is that their respatory system is sensitive to fumes. So run the vent fan and do not use chemicals and sprays. Do not let teflon pans over heat on the stove as the give off a deadly vapor when heated excessively.

Hope you enjoy the Foretravel. You picking it up in Nacogdoches. Spent many weekends there when out daughter was at Stephen F. Austin State University. Use to be a nice campground on Hwy 59 almost to Garrison. Not much else in the area for camping. If you get a chance see some of the city. It is the oldest incorporated town in Texas. Millards Crossing is also interesting to see.

Ken

[Dave Head]

Yep - I fly up to Dallas and pick it up at Motorhomes of Texas (motorhomesoftexas.com). We were planning on waiting another year to buy while we paid off bills, but the condition and price worked out so well we said what the heck! Its a one owner with a rare pecan interior (no veneers or particle board in a Foretravel!), in motion satellite, new fridge, new AC, new radiator and the tires are only 2 years old. 300HP Cummins non electronic and a 4 speed. Wholesale is 62.5K and we paid $50K for it. I've been reading/learning like mad about all the RV systems on line over the last month. Luckily I was an electrician in a previous Navy life so I have a good handle on batteries, generators, inverters and the like. Plus, I've been a car nut and mechanic all my life.

We've owned birds now for 7 years and have always been hyper-concerned about air quality and teflon. I've been worried about the propane.

Our conure is spoiled rotten and will DIE before he goes potty in his cage, so he'll have to come out routinely. He gets carsick when he sees everything go by so he'll have to have a low spot.
The mini macaw is just a nut like any full sized macaw and absolutely loves a drive - laughs hysterically for the first 1/2 hour every time, then talks to every bird he sees.
It will be a big routine change for all of them as they are out throughout the day at home, only going to their cages for quiet time and at night.