Budgie care while traveling: Cage them or leave them home alone?

It would probably be the least stressful to have someone come and watch Cheeko so that he isn't stressed by the sudden change in environment. Providing extra food and water dishes can help while you are away if it is only going to be for a few days. If you must be gone for a long time, or no one can watch him, then bringing him in a smaller travel cage that has food and water in it is best. Covering the cage with a cage cover or sheet/towel can also help reduce stress by making it darker and calm for him during your travel. Once you've arrived, keeping him in a low traffic area away from pets and people may help him settle in.

Hello. If you can fit the original cage in your car, that would be best. You have a relatively short trip, so I do not think this will be overly stressful for him. Remove the food & water, make sure the cage is well anchored in case you have to hit the breaks & cover the cage with a light sheet. At your destination, place the cage in the quietest room possible & try to keep curious family members from attempting to engage your bird. Try to keep to your normal schedule with Sunny as much as possible & everyone should do great. Have a good visit & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If they are just in your home exploring you can leave their cage door open and they will go back for food and water on their own when they feel they need it. Keeping them in the same room as their cage may help get them used to getting back to it, or you can coax them back with a favorite treat. I would not recommend letting them fly around freely outside, especially if there are wild birds, as this can transmit illness, or lead to injury.

As long as he is in a transport cage or box, he should be fine. Secure the container so it doesn't get jostled or bumped about during the trip. Also, keep it away from open windows to prevent strong drafts.

Thanks for reaching out about your birds. Quite the dilemna. The answer really depends on the size of the cage, on how long they can be left in it. Out of cage exercise is important for health, just as exercise for humans. Could you limit to the one room? Good luck.

Hi and thanks for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Good question. You may put your budgies anywhere where there is the least amount of temperature fluctuation as these birds can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes. I would also avoid particularly sunny areas or areas where doors open or where windows are as drafts and intense sunlight can cause health problems. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That is a difficult situation to be in, and I don't think that there is a right or wrong answer to your question. I think that you should look at the pros and cons of all of your options, and see what you are most comfortable with doing. It may be worthwhile to discuss things with both your friends and the pet store as well. As far as taking the animals with you - there are many animals that do well with car trips, but traveling must be done very carefully. The birds may become stressed in the car - make sure they are in a small carrier that does not allow them to fly or hurt themselves. Consider covering their carrier while you are driving, and then uncovering them when you stop to allow for them to have light and to be able to see to eat and drink. Make sure that every time you stop for a break that they are offered water - it can be difficult to have water available at all times on a car trip as it will spill. Food should be available at all times due to a budgie's high metabolism and constant need for food. The fish would be harder to take along, as they will need to be transported in water and will also need to have additional, clean, water to be transferred into. They would also require a bubbler for transportation, which would need to be compatible in your vehicle. Good luck with your decision, and I hope this gives you a place to start!