Transport

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UNITED BIRD TRANSPORT
Offering an Alternative to Costly and Stressful Commercial Animal Transportation
The Avian Transport mailinglist is to benefit Breeders, Bird Buyers and Rescue Organization

THE SCOOP: Mission, Advantages & Risks

Sibylle Faye

There are bird lovers traveling all over the United States every day, and yet opportunities of transporting birds from one area to another are missed due to the lack of communication between those traveling and willing to transport birds and those seeking transportation. This is why the Avian Transport list was created (http://www.onelist.com/community/aviantransports), to bring those together that would benefit from such cooperation. It is a venue for breeders / rescuers to initiate, discuss and finalize transportation for birds.

It is not intended to be a 'freebee' for breeders or buyers of birds. The transporter is incurring not only inconvenience, but also has the risk of carrying a bird that may be sick, AND may also be held responsible in cases of loss or accident. Therefore, the transporter most surely deserves reimbursement for his or her trouble. Giving a ballpark figure, I think $50 may be fair in most cases, although more or less could be applied, depending on the duration of the trip, or the inconvenience incurred. I feel the parties transporting the bird should make every effort to meet the transporter 'on route' -- at a location that is easily accessible to them. Maybe by the freeway where he or she is driving through. If they are unable to do so, then additional cost may be applied for the time delivering driving birds door-to-door. Although I hope there will be individuals that are willing to provide free transportation to rescued birds to non-profit, duly registered rescue organizations. Sometimes people travel via plane and can take your bird with them into the cabin. Of course, any cost related to such transportation will have to be carried by the person requesting the transport.

The main advantage is that breeders will be able to obtain unrelated stock from other areas, and buyers will have a larger area to draw from when purchasing birds. As it is now, because of the high cost and inconvenience of air travel, breeders mainly draw from breeding stock within their areas, which will inadvertently lead to related birds being bred. The results are small and frail birds, with increased risk of birth defects. The buyer will benefit also by being able to 'shop around'. Birds that may not be available in his or her area, may be in other areas, maybe even at better prices! So it is in all our best interest to make it work ...

The risks involved:

People seeking transport for birds need to carefully screen the parties performing the transport. It is feasible that dishonest individuals could simply walk off with birds, and if you didn't 'do your homework', there won't be much you can do about it. However, you can minimize all risks by requesting the other person's full name, contact information and a copy of his or her driver's license. You can also request recommendations, maybe by a vet or bird club, other breeders, or other credible parties. Of course, time needs to be spent on educating the transporter on bird's care requirements and special needs. People seeking the transport of birds are responsible for screening the parties offering to do the transport.

Those performing the transport also incur risks:

The bird / parrot you are transporting could have Psittacosis (parrot fever) and make you and/or your own pet birds sick. Or else, the bird could suffer from other diseases/conditions that could endanger your own pet birds. You can minimize the risk by not carrying your own birds in the same car as high-risk birds (birds from pet / bird stores, 'less careful' breeders and multi-bird situations - especially rescues where there is neglect involved). Or you could request special bird carriers that have a filtered air system. You could also minimize the risk by keeping the carrier containing the bird covered with a towel throughout the transport. After transporting high-risk birds, do not allow your own birds to get in contact with you before you have had a shower and change of clothes! Obviously, educate yourself on signs of disease (http://www.avianweb.com/health.htm)..

You may be held responsible in case of theft or death of the bird (through overheating in the car or exposure to toxic exhaust fumes, etc.)

Make a point of meeting parties involved in a public setting. Don't take chances by agreeing to take birds to their house. You don't know them and your own safety comes first. This addresses the ladies performing transport especially.

For questions concerning United Bird Transport, please contact:

Sibylle Faye
Avian Web - http://www.avianweb.com
Avian Book Store - http://www.avianweb.com/avianbooks.htm
Avian Treasures - http://www.avianweb.com/aviantreasures.htm

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