Photo by Dave Location: Orlando, FL Shown: African Grey "Cressi", Galah "Bandit", Camelot Macaws "Tusa" & "Comet" & Blue Throat Macaw "Jinx"  

I was out at Blue Jacket Park in Orlando, Florida (like I have been so much recently) and it was actually on Valentine's Day because I was out there freeflying my parrots. Well, this lady came up to me twice and told me about her parrot that she used to have.   Now, my eye brow always raises when people say they had a parrot (in past tense) because parrots live a long time... and I wonder what happened to it. This lady went on to say she had to give it to a friend because she was traveling so much and it was constantly at home alone because of her busy schedule.

Does it say somewhere on the receipt when you purchase a parrot that you can't travel with it?! Now, this lady was very nice and I'm not pointing any fingers at her. She didn't go into detail of her situation and it wasn't my business to ask... however, it did make me feel the need to write and let people know that it's OK to travel with your parrot! It's not like they sit in one spot in the wild forever. They move around, fly miles to forage and then fly back to roost... they explore, they're curious. And traveling is just another form of desensitization!  

It's healthy for them to experience new places, new people and new things. These happen naturally in the wild and to us on a daily basis. Imagine if nothing new ever happened to you... boring...   So look into what it takes to bring your parrot along on your trips. Obviously, there are going to be trips they can't always come on (vacations without the kids are nice sometimes for all of us) but the majority I guarentee will be possible... I do it all the time, I know. You can't fool me on this one. So quit ditching your parrot at home, research what it takes for him to come along with you and start planning your next trip together!

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.