Birds make wonderful pets especially for people who work long hours. Unlike dogs and cats, birds do not need a lot of interaction, and they are also very easy to care for. Birds can live in small spaces, and they are generally inexpensive in terms of food and grooming.
But this does not mean that it is okay to neglect them. Birds need love and attention just like other pets, and when it comes to traveling with them, birds need the best carriers and cages available. The cages should be sturdy yet comfortable to both you and your bird. And, most importantly, the cage should be set up right.
Best Bird Carriers
1. A and E Cage Co. Soft Sided Travel Bird Carrier
The comfort of your bird when traveling is determined by the bird carrier that you use and this A and E Cage Co. carrier is guaranteed to make your bird as comfortable as possible. The bird carrier is soft-sided, and it has plenty of room to ensure that small birds are comfortable inside. The carrier has mesh windows both at the front side and in the back to allow sufficient air in and out of the carrier as well as to let your bird see its surrounding.
The A and E Cage Co. bird carrier has a double zipper, and it opens entirely at the front to allow full access of the bird. The carrier has a perch inside where the height can be adjusted for your bird to rest on. It is lightweight, and it comes with a shoulder strap for when your arms are tired.
The bird carrier is well made and is decorative to enhance your style. It has a velcroed bottom which makes the carrier easy to clean by removing it and cleaning out the bird poop.
pros
- Easy to clean
- Well-made
- Allows easy access to the bird
- Adjustable bird perch
- Lightweight
cons
- The carrier is not suitable for big birds.
- Food and water dishes are not included
2. Petsfit Bird Carrier
This is another excellent carrier for your bird. The 2-in-1 bird carrier lets you carry your bag on your shoulders or back. The carrier has sufficient room inside and a perch for your bird and meshes at the sides to allow airflow. The carrier also has a transparent window to allow the bird to see outside and a flap to provide shade or privacy for your bird.
The Petsfit bird carrier comes with a removable, washable bowl for feeding your bird, and it can be opened at all three sides for better access. It also includes a slide tray for easy cleaning and side pockets to store goods. There is a small pouch attached to the carrier for storing other essentials.
The Petsfit bird carrier is made with high-quality fabric to last through many years of use. You can be assured of comfort while using this bag as the straps are padded for comfort and adjustable to provide the perfect fit. The bird carrier also has a very attractive look, and you will most likely receive a lot of compliments on it.
pros
- Food bowl included
- Can be worn in two ways
- Beautiful design
- Easy to clean
- High-quality
cons
- The carrier does not include a water container
3. Prevue Soft Sided Bird Travel Carrier
This lightweight bird carrier comes in handy in emergencies. It provides sufficient room for small birds, and the small size of the carrier makes it ideal for traveling on a plane. The carrier has breathable mesh at the sides to ensure your bird gets enough air inside and the front can be opened entirely to provide easy access to your bird and allow it to move freely in and out of the carrier.
The Prevue bird carrier includes a perch, and you can adjust its height depending on the size of your bird and your preference. The carrier also comes with a removable interior floor pad to make cleaning easier. The carrier has a carrying handle, and it comes with a detachable adjustable padded shoulder strap for convenience.
The bird carrier also comes in a small size to accommodate smaller birds. The carrier is built sturdily, and it has a double zipper lock to provide more security, and it can be fastened by a car seatbelt. The bird carrier, unfortunately, does not include a feeding bowl or water container, but you can easily purchase them online or from pet stores near you.
pros
- Sturdily built
- Well-ventilated
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean and maintain
cons
- The carrier is only designed for short term use
4. Colorday Lightweight Bird Carrier
If you are looking for a safe yet stylish carrier for your bird, then a Colorday bird carrier is perfect for you. The carrier is transparent to allow the bird to have a full view of nature while keeping it safe inside the carrier and for you to monitor it at all times. The bird carrier is spacious, and it has anti-grab mesh and ventilation slots at the side to allow sufficient airflow.
The Colorday bird carrier comes with an integrated handle and a detachable padded shoulder strap so you can conveniently carry the carrier. It is made from safe materials and is sturdily built for durability, but it is also lightweight to ensure that you travel around with your bird comfortably. It comes with a solid wood perch for your bird to rest on while traveling.
The Colorday bird carrier is easy to assemble, and you can easily disassemble it for cleaning or when not in use for storage so that it doesn’t take up too much space. The beautiful design of the carrier is sure to turn heads too.
pros
- Allows full view for both the bird and owner
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
cons
- It does not come with a food bowl or water container
5. Creation Core Bird Carrier
Make your bird feel like royalty with this Creation Core bird carrier. It has a design that is both unique and beautiful, and your bird will enjoy spending time in it. The carrier has sufficient space to accommodate small birds comfortably, and it has mesh windows at the sides and several ventilation slots for sufficient airflow.
The bird carrier comes with an acrylic space capsule with holes to allow the bird to have a view of the outside while inside the carrier and this reduces anxiety in the bird. The carrier also features a built-in prickly ash wood perch and buckle ring to fasten it and holes for adjusting the wood perch. The carrier can be opened at both sides to provide full access to the bird.
The bird carrier comes with a removable, soft, washable pad to make cleaning easy, and it can be carried by hand or as a backpack. It features adjustable padded shoulder straps to ensure maximum comfort and the backpack can be easily attached to a seatbelt for safety. The carrier backpack has a double zipper to keep the bird secured, and it is made from high-quality and durable material.
pros
- Unique design
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Roomy for small birds
cons
- This carrier is not suitable for large birds
6. Celltei Pak-o-Bird
This bird carrier is everything a bird owner wants. The carrier is highly breathable with stainless steel mesh on all its sides which also allows the bird to see outside and they have covers for when the bird needs its private time. The carrier is medium size to accommodate slightly larger birds for long periods comfortably.
The Celltei Pak-o-Bird comes with a wood perch and two stainless steel cups making the carrier ideal for long-distance travels. It also has attachments for bird toys and water bottles to ensure that your bird is always provided for. The carrier can be carried three ways; either as a front pouch, shoulder bag or backpack to avoid inconveniencing you in case you have other luggage.
The bird carrier is built sturdily and with pet-safe material. It can be easily cleaned by removing the floor panel or unzipping it to open flat. The carrier is lightweight and comfortable to carry, and although it is pricey, the features of the carrier make it worth your every penny.
pros
- Comes fully equipped
- Made from high-quality material
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
cons
- The carrier is quite pricey, but it comes with everything you need to travel with your bird.
7. Kaytee Me Travel Carrier
This is a good option for a bird carrier, especially if you are on a tight budget. The carrier has a large access door to allow your bird to move in and out of the carrier freely and it includes an integrated comfortable carry handle so that you can carry the carrier without getting tired. It is roomy enough and will accommodate a small bird comfortably.
The Kaytee Me Travel carrier features a durable, washable plastic base which can be separated from the cage for effortless cleaning. The cage is built sturdily to last many years of constant use. The small size of the cage also makes it ideal for traveling on the plane. The cage comes with a wooden perch for your bird to rest on during the trip.
The cage comes in three sizes; small, medium, and large to accommodate different bird sizes and it can comfortably accommodate two small birds at a go. It is made from powder-coated wire that is safe for your bird. The cage is lightweight and easy to assemble, and the wired part can be folded when not in use to take up little space during storage.
pros
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy construction
cons
- The cage does not include a feeding bowl
Best Travel Cages for Birds
1. Prevue Hendryx Travel Bird Cage
This wonderful cage is ideal when you need an emergency travel cage for your bird. The cage has sufficient room for small birds to perch and move around freely. The cage is made from good-quality steel, and it has a slide access door to allow your bird to walk right in and out of the cage. The door also has a latch to secure it into place; therefore, keeping your bird safely inside.
The Prevue Hendryx travel bird cage comes with two stainless steel dishes so your bird can have enough food and water at all times. It also includes a wooden perch which can be removed or moved depending on your preference. The cage is lightweight, and it comes with an integrated handle at the top to make it easier to carry.
You do not have to worry that the cage will take up a lot of space during storage. The Prevue Hendryx bird cage can be folded flat when not in use. The cage has a removable bottom grille and a plastic tray to make cleaning easy.
pros
- Built sturdily
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Comes with two bowls
- Lightweight
cons
- The cage has wide bar spacing, and therefore it is not suitable for tiny birds
2. Prevue Travel Carrier for Birds
This is another travel bird cage which is ideal for emergencies and short-term use. The cage is powder coated but safe for your bird and is sturdily built to last long. It has a door at the front to allow the bird to move in and out of the cage freely and two solid cup doors to ensure that the two cups included are in place and they can be accessed easily.
The travel cage is built sturdily but is lightweight for you to carry it easily. The cage is built with seat belt brackets to hold it safely into place. It also comes with a colorful rope perch for your bird to rest comfortably inside while traveling and a wooden perch on top for when you bird wants to play.
The Prevue travel cage is easy to assemble, and it does not require any tools for assembly. The cage includes a removable tray which is held into place by a wind-bell grille tray lock to prevent the tray from sliding out while traveling. The removable tray feature also makes the cage easy to clean.
pros
- Built with seat belt brackets
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
cons
- The cage tends to rattle inside a moving car
3. King's Bird Cage
You will love using this amazing cage to travel with your bird. The travel cage features a solid construction to hold your bird safely for a long time. The King’s Bird Cage has a large swing out door to allow your bird to move in and out of the cage freely and to provide better access into the cage. The cage has a patented front door lock with hidden magnets which prevent the door from rattling while moving.
The King’s Bird Cage comes with two comfortable wooden perches; one on the inside and another on the outside of the cage on the handle for when your bird wants to play. The cage is lightweight so you can carry it over long distances without getting exhausted and it comes with a slide out tray for easy cleaning.
The travel cage comes in five different colors for you to choose the one that suits your style. It can be assembled easily with no tools, and it has longer legs to raise the cage above the ground. The cage is made from non-toxic materials, and you can be assured of your bird’s safety.
pros
- Solid construction
- Removable bottom tray
- Lightweight
cons
- The cage does not have a bottom grille
4. PawHut 25" Steel Cage
You can never go wrong with a PawHut travel bird cage. It is made from heavy duty stainless steel for longevity, and all the accessories are also made of stainless steel making the cage as sturdy as it can be. The cage is spacious, and it can comfortably accommodate up to two small birds. The cage includes two food bowls to ensure that your birds have enough food at all times and two small doors that provide access to the bowls.
The travel cage comes with a stainless steel perch which can, fortunately, be removed and replaced with a wooden one if your bird does not like the steel perch. It has a large door at the front to provide easy access into the cage, and the door has a latch to secure it into place and keep the bird safely inside.
The bird cage features a bottom grille and a slide out bottom tray to allow the cage to be cleaned easily. It is lightweight and portable to allow you to have a great experience while traveling with your bird.
pros
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and portable
cons
- The stainless steel perch included might be uncomfortable for your bird
5. Caitec Perch N Go Polycarbonate Bird Carrier
This is an excellent cage for small birds. It is made durable from non-toxic see-through polycarbonate making it impossible to break. The clear material allows your bird to see its surrounding thus enabling it to feel at home while also allowing you to monitor your bird at all times. The cage is spacious and can accommodate up to two small birds, and it has a sturdy door which locks into place to keep your bird secured while on the road
The Caitec Perch N Go travel cage comes with an adjustable perch inside which can be adjusted to suit you and your bird’s needs, and it has a comfortable handle which can also act as a perch when your bird wants to play. The cage is lightweight, and you can carry it with ease wherever you go, and the back has a stainless-steel panel to ensure proper ventilation.
You do not have to worry about assembly because it does not require any tools and only features press-fit construction. The cage also allows for two 10-ounce bolt on cups to be attached to it.
pros
- Solid construction
- Allows birds to see outside
- Easy to assemble
cons
- The cage does not come with cups or feeding bowls
6. You&Me Bird Carrier
This plastic birdcage is a good way of transporting your bird safely. The You&Me Bird Carrier is made with good-quality plastic to last a long time through several uses. The cage is spacious and can hold up to six small birds comfortably. The cage also comes with a long comfortable perch and your bird will enjoy staying inside it.
You&Me Bird Carrier features a wide easy load top and feeding slots so you can feed your birds at any time during the travel. The cage is lightweight, and it comes with an adjustable shoulder strap for you to carry the bird without getting tired or inconvenienced.
As expected from any other good travel cage you can easily assemble and disassemble the cage. The base of the cage can be removed to allow effortless cleaning and the top of the cage is clear so your bird can see outside and this reduces its anxiety. The cage is more affordably priced compared to most travel bird cages, and it is the best choice when you are a little tight on money.
pros
- Easy to assemble
- Spacious
- Lightweight
- Adjustable shoulder strap included
cons
- The cage might feel flimsy after assembly, but it will hold itself together
7. MidWest Poquito Avian Hotel
Turn heads with this luxurious-looking travel bird cage. The cage is constructed from good-quality powder-coated steel that is resistant to rust and other elements. The cage is spacious and will comfortably accommodate small to medium birds. It comes with a colorful rope perch inside which you can move to suit your bird’s needs and a carry handle which also functions as a perch for your bird to play on.
The cage has a large door at the front for easy access inside, and the door can be locked to prevent your clever bird from letting itself out. It comes with feeding bowls on either side of the cage and two small doors at the side to access the food bowls. The cage includes a bottom grille and a slide out bottom tray to make cleaning fast and easy.
The travel bird cage is easy to assemble with no nuts or bolts. The sturdy construction and attractive finish of the cage make it ideal for traveling with it anywhere. The company also offers a separate compartmentalized travel tote bag for carrying the cage when not in use.
pros
- Beautiful finish
- Sturdy construction
- Spacious
- Comes with two feeding bowls
cons
- The cage is a bit heavy to carry
8. Prevue Pet Products Travel Cage for Birds
This beautiful travel bird cage is perfect for your little bird, and it is ideal for traveling short distances. The cage has a large door that opens along the top and the front to allow your hand to have easy access into the cage and which snaps securely into place to prevent your bird from escaping. The cage comes with a removable perch for your bird to rest on during your short trip.
The cage comes with a large blue plastic base which you can easily separate from the wire mesh by unclipping it to allow you to clean the cage easily. The cage is lightweight, and it has a comfortable carry handle so you can carry it all the way without your arms feeling tired or cramped.
The travel bird cage is sturdily built, and you can also use it to hold small animals. It does not come with food cups or toys, but you can place one inside if you think your trip will take a longer time. The small size of the cage means that it won't take up a lot of space during storage.
pros
- Suitable for emergencies and short trips
- Detachable, washable plastic base
- Lightweight
cons
- The cage is only suitable for small birds
Factors to consider when choosing a bird carrier or a travel cage:
Check for quality
You will need a bird carrier that will last you a lifetime, and that can only be achieved by getting a good quality one. Good quality carriers and travel cages are also more comfortable and easier for your bird or birds to get used to. The carrier might cost a bit more, but you will notice as time goes by that you made the best decision by spending more money on it.
Size
Most bird owners own small to medium birds, but there are also larger species of birds that make great pets to other people. You need to pick a carrier or cage that will allow your bird to play and stretch its wings while inside it. This, however, does not mean that you should get a carrier that is too big as it will only take up unnecessary space and small birds can easily squeeze through the bar spaces of larger cages. It is best to go for the recommended sizes for your bird’s specific size.
Climate
The ideal bird carriers are those that are well ventilated to allow the bird to keep cool during the hot weather. Due to the changing climate, however, the travel carriers should have flaps to cover the exposed parts when it is cold. You can also easily cover the travel cages with a warm blanket because they are usually open.
How long will you use the cage?
Traveling with your feathered friend shouldn’t be too hard. Some carriers and cages are designed for short term use and emergencies, while others are made to be used long term. If you travel a lot, you should choose a more permanent carrier that has all the provisions for a bird. For people who travel a lot less, they can go for carriers designed to be used occasionally, but they still need to pay attention to quality.
How manageable is the carrier/travel cage?
You need to choose a cage that is easy to handle in terms of assembly, transportation, and cleaning. The carrier should be able to open up easily for cleaning. The best carriers and travel cages have removable trays at the bottom which can be easily slid out and cleaned. A good carrier should also not give you a hard time during assembly, and it should be foldable to take up minimum space during storage.
Is the carrier/cage airline approved?
Airlines have specific requirements for bird carriers and travel cages. If you are traveling by plane, you need to research first about the carriers and travel cages that they approve of. Fortunately, most bird carriers and travel cages are compliant with most airlines, and you will less likely encounter problems with them.
When to Use a Travel Cage
Traveling by car
Travel cages are best when traveling by car. Since you will be going over bumps and sometimes rough roads, you will need a carrier that will stay securely in place. Most travel cages are designed to have seatbelts fastened onto them for this exact reason.
Daytime Travel
Bird travel cages are also ideal for traveling during the day. Most birds are awake during the day, and they will need to see their surrounding environment. Travel cages are open, and therefore, they allow sufficient light into the cage and for the birds to see their environment clearly.
When your bird likes chewing objects
If you have a bird that tends to chew on objects, then the chances are that it will also try to chew on whatever it is being carried in. Cages are ideal in this case since most of them are chew-proof and your bird won't be able to destroy them.
When to Use the Soft Carrier
Cold climate
Soft carriers are ideal for traveling in cold weather. Soft carriers are warmer, and most of them have flaps that cover the ventilation slots and mesh sides to keep the cold out. This also makes the carriers have a dark environment inside therefore making them ideal for traveling at night.
Sensitive birds
Some birds might become stressed in unfamiliar surroundings, and they may need their peace and quiet. Bird carriers offer much-needed privacy, and they help birds relax by not exposing them.
Conclusion
Regardless of how often you travel, it is crucial for bird owners to have at least one bird carrier that they can use to take their birds to the vet. They can also use these carriers if they have to move in a hurry and cannot leave their precious birds behind. Following the guidelines that we have mentioned above will not only enable you to have an enjoyable traveling experience, but it will also improve the quality of life for your feathered friend.