Bringing Your Feathered Family Member Home Safely
At EliteAfricanGreys, we understand the anticipation and, frankly, the anxiety that can come with transporting a precious, living creature across the country. Having perfected this process over 15 years, we have developed a safe, streamlined, and highly compassionate shipping protocol. The well-being of your parrot during transit is our absolute top priority. We do not cut corners, and we only use methods and partners we trust implicitly.
Our Primary & Recommended Method: USDA-Accredited Avian Specialty Nanny Services
For the highest level of safety, personalized care, and the least stress on your new parrot, we strongly recommend and primarily utilize professional, USDA-accredited bird nanny services. This is door-to-door, hand-delivered service, and it is worth every penny for peace of mind.
How it Works:
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A Dedicated Companion: Your chick travels in a secure, soft-sided airline-approved carrier, not in cargo. It remains in the climate-controlled cabin (never the cargo hold) with a trained, experienced bird nanny for the entire journey.
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Direct, Uninterrupted Travel: The nanny’s sole mission is to deliver your bird safely. They provide water, offer food if needed, monitor stress levels, and keep the carrier covered to provide a calm, dark environment.
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Door-to-Door Delivery: The nanny will fly to the major airport nearest you and deliver your parrot directly to your hands, often the same day. We coordinate all logistics.
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The Ultimate in Low-Stress Transport: This method mimics a quiet car ride. The parrot experiences minimal noise extremes, temperature fluctuations, and handling by strangers. They arrive alert, hydrated, and calm.
Cost & Logistics: This service typically ranges from $200-$350, depending on your location. We will obtain a firm quote for you during the reservation process. All nannies are vetted, insured, and provide real-time updates.
Option 2: Nationwide Climate-Controlled Air Cargo (Delta, American Airlines, United PetSafe)
For clients where a nanny service is not feasible, we can arrange shipping via the major airlines’ live animal programs. We have extensive experience with these protocols.
Our Rigorous Cargo Protocol:
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Health Certificate: We obtain a USDA-accredited health certificate within 10 days of travel, as required by law.
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Acclimation Training: We pre-condition your chick to its travel kennel (a sturdy, airline-approved Sky Kennel) for several days prior. We place favorite treats and toys inside, making it a safe space.
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Travel-Day Prep: We provide a hydrating gel (like Gatorade-based or similar avian-safe electrolytes) and easily digestible food. We do not fill the crop immediately before travel to avoid aspiration risk.
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Booking Strategy: We book only on direct, early morning flights to avoid tarmac delays in extreme heat or cold. We track the flight in real-time.
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Pickup Requirement: You MUST be present to pick up the bird at the airline’s cargo facility (not the main passenger terminal) immediately upon arrival. We will provide detailed instructions.
Cost: Air cargo shipping typically ranges from $150-$300, including the health certificate and kennel.
What We Never Do
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We never ship via the US Postal Service.
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We never use ground shipping services not specifically designed for live animals over long distances.
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We never ship during extreme weather advisories at the point of origin, destination, or any layover city. We will delay shipment for safety.
Preparing for Your Parrot’s Arrival
Regardless of method, you will receive our detailed “Coming Home” guide. Key preparation steps:
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Set Up the “Recovery Room”: Have the cage set up in a quiet, low-traffic room for the first few days. Have perches, dishes, and our recommended food ready.
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Post-Arrival Vet Visit: Schedule your 72-hour wellness check with your avian vet before the parrot arrives.
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The First 24 Hours: Offer water and familiar food. Allow the parrot to decompress in its cage without forcing interaction. Speak softly and let it observe its new world.
The Travel Day & Our Communication Promise
We are with you every step of the way.
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You will receive constant updates: when the parrot is with the nanny/at the airport, when the flight takes off, and the expected arrival time.
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You will have our direct phone number and the contact for the transporter.
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We will be available to you for the first 48 hours post-arrival for any questions or concerns.
Transporting a parrot is a serious undertaking, but with our experience and meticulous planning, it is a safe and successful step toward beginning a lifelong friendship. We are here to ensure it goes smoothly.