Your feathered friend is probably the most difficult pet to deal with during a hurricane. They do not travel well, get stressed easily, sense the storms approach before other pets and just plain and simple, dislike change. I had 106 birds at my house during hurricane Hugo. That was one huge challenge. Luckily we had very little damage to our home, but the birds were very unhappy.

 The things that make birds so difficult are the same reasons we like to keep them. They love to be around us, need us to take care of them, are vocal, like regularity in their lives and can sense danger and our stress.< o:p>

Because of their relative delicate nature, they are the only pet I recommend NEVER be left behind. The stress of travel is very hard on them, but the dangers of being left behind are greater. If at all possible, have a friend or relative that lives inland quite a distance; board your bird for you. More motels and hotels will take a bird before a dog or cat. I don’t advocate it, but I’ve even smuggled one into a 4 star hotel once. I always leave a healthy tip for housekeeping because of the extra cleaning involved.

Have a smaller cage for travel, or even a small dog/cat carrier. Add a perch and a couple of dishes; a couple of dishtowels on the bottom and you are set to go! If you use a birdcage, remember to have a cover for it. This helps the birds travel by reducing stress. Put some fruit in the cage while traveling for moisture (water spills), some regular food and treats. Take out any moving toys as they will bounce and sway while driving.

Try to keep the routine as normal as possible. Get up the regular time, go to bed or cover at the usual time. Feed, clean cage on a regular schedule.

If you have to leave your friend, make sure the cage is at least 2/3 covered. This will protect him from wind or light debris. It also helps with the “peek-a-boo” effect. That is the one that if “I can’t see them then they can’t see me”,  so that they will remain a little more calm during and after the storm.

Leave extra food and water in extra dishes for him. You may be a week before you get home.

Clean his cage thoroughly, with clean and fresh food and water the day you are leaving. Leave no fresh fruits or vegetables, as they will draw bugs.  We strongly suggest that your feathered friend go with you. 

Good luck and be safe!

 Bud