I will no longer share my business with The Exotic parrots home. They always clip my parrots' nails too short. And every time this happens, my bird clearly dislikes having me touch their feet, which was never an issue before.
The staff isn't as friendly, informed, or engaging as other stores I've visited. And none of the personnel appear to spend much time trying to socialize their birds, which I believe is most important. And their store mascots, the birds, are usually caged up, which is a sad fate for such beautiful creatures. I recall when they originally obtained Tootsie, one of their store's mascots. They got Tootsie since the previous owner was too old to care for her. Tootsie was extensively socialized throughout her life, and she displayed many evidence of spending the majority of her days outside a cage as a pleasant, loved bird.
The saddest part is that from the start, everyone wanted to buy Tootsie because she was so pleasant and awesome. Which I assumed was what all birds wanted: to find their one human or family. Not to be probed through a locked cage by random strangers all day.
Tootsie no longer cares about other people's interactions as much as she once did because her life is no longer as beautiful as she remembers.
I'm not sure why The Bird Shop is the only animal store that doesn't understand this basic concept about the LIFE of animals.
This is why I will no longer be supporting The Bird Shop. If I could give them less than one star, I would.
Macaw Shipping Explained: How to Safely Transport Your New Bird
Introduction: Bringing Home Your New Macaw the Right Way
So, you’ve found the perfect macaw—a stunning, hand-raised bird from a reputable breeder (hopefully us!). Now comes the big question: how do you safely ship a macaw to your home? How to ship an emerald macaw no matter your destination.
Macaws are not just pets; they’re highly intelligent, sensitive, and social creatures. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure a safe and stress-free shipping process when bringing one home. As professional breeders based in California, we specialize in shipping macaws across the U.S. and internationally. We take extra precautions to ensure our birds arrive healthy, happy, and ready to bond with their new families.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about safely shipping a macaw, from legal requirements to what to expect on arrival.
1. Understanding the Legal Aspects of Macaw Shipping
Before shipping any exotic bird, you need to understand the legal requirements to ensure you’re not breaking any laws—knowingly or unknowingly.
1.1 The Importance of a CITES Permit
Macaws are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. That means certain species require special permits for ownership and transportation.
As professional breeders, we provide all necessary CITES paperwork with each macaw we sell. This ensures:
- Legal and ethical ownership of your bird.
- Smooth customs clearance for international buyers.
- Peace of mind knowing your macaw was bred and sold responsibly.
If you’re buying a macaw from another breeder, always ask for proper documentation. Avoid sellers who can’t provide a CITES permit—it’s a major red flag.
1.2 Domestic vs. International Shipping Regulations
Shipping within the U.S. is fairly straightforward, but if you’re purchasing internationally, the process can be trickier. Different countries have specific import laws regarding exotic birds.
- Some countries ban macaw imports altogether.
- Others require quarantine periods before your bird can enter.
- Import fees and permits vary widely by location.
If you’re ordering from outside the U.S., contact your local wildlife or agricultural department to check your country’s rules before purchasing.
2. How We Prepare Macaws for Safe Shipping
How to ship an emerald macaw, the key basic requirements.
2.1 Health and Veterinary Clearance
Before we ship any macaw, they go through a full veterinary health check to ensure they’re fit for travel. This includes:
- Comprehensive physical exams
- Disease testing for common avian illnesses
- Microchipping for identification
- Vaccinations (if required by your state or country)
Each bird comes with a USDA-certified health certificate, which is required by most airlines and shipping companies.
I remember one time a customer was worried about their macaw’s health after shipping. Since we provided a detailed vet report, their local vet had all the information needed to confirm the bird was perfectly fine. Having proper documentation makes a huge difference!
2.2 Choosing the Right Travel Carrier
A good travel carrier is one of the most important parts of safe macaw shipping. We only use airline-approved, well-ventilated carriers that are:
- Spacious enough for the bird to move comfortably.
- Securely locked to prevent escape.
- Padded with soft bedding to reduce movement and stress.
We also include a small perch, fresh fruit, and water inside the carrier. Familiar items help ease travel anxiety, so we sometimes add a toy or a piece of fabric from their previous cage.
2.3 Acclimating the Macaw to Travel
Some birds get nervous about traveling, especially young ones who have never been in a crate before. That’s why we start crate-training our macaws before shipping.
For a few days before travel, we:
- Introduce them to the carrier in short sessions.
- Place food and treats inside so they associate it with positive experiences.
- Take them on short car rides to simulate movement.
This method has worked wonders! A client once told us that their macaw arrived completely relaxed and unbotheredby the journey because of this pre-travel training.
3. The Macaw Shipping Process
How to ship an emerald macaw is a pretty easy task when you experienced like us:
3.1 Airline Cargo vs. Ground Transport: Which Is Best?
There are two main ways to transport macaws:
- Airline Cargo (Preferred for Long Distances)
- Fast and well-regulated by pet-friendly airlines.
- Usually delivered within a few hours of departure.
- Handled with temperature-controlled storage.
- Private Ground Transport (Best for Shorter Distances)
- Less stressful for birds who dislike flying.
- Door-to-door delivery option available.
- Usually takes longer than air travel.
Most of our buyers opt for air shipping because it’s quicker, reducing stress for the bird. However, for buyers in California or neighboring states, we offer private ground transport as well.
3.2 Tracking Your Macaw During Shipment
We provide real-time tracking so you can monitor your macaw’s journey. Customers receive:
- Flight details or driver updates
- Estimated arrival time
- Support in case of delays
One time, a customer’s macaw got delayed overnight due to weather. Since we were tracking the flight, we coordinated with the airline to ensure the bird was kept in a climate-controlled area with fresh food and water. Having real-time updates helped ease the buyer’s nerves until the macaw arrived safely!
3.3 What Happens Upon Arrival?
When your macaw arrives, you should:
Pick them up promptly to minimize wait time at the airport.
Check for signs of stress (fluffed feathers, rapid breathing).
Offer fresh water and food as soon as possible.
Let them rest in a quiet space before interacting too much.
4. Helping Your Macaw Adjust to Their New Home
4.1 Creating a Safe Space at Home
Prepare a cozy, quiet area for your macaw’s first few days. Keep their enclosure in a low-traffic room and avoid sudden changes in diet or environment.
4.2 Scheduling a Vet Check
A post-shipping vet visit is always a good idea. Even if your macaw looks fine, a quick check-up ensures they’re in top health after travel.
Conclusion: Safe Shipping for a Happy Macaw
Shipping a macaw may seem complicated, but with the right preparation, it’s a smooth and stress-free process. By working with a professional breeder who prioritizes safety, health, and legal compliance, you can rest assured your macaw will arrive happy and healthy. How to ship an emerald macaw is key knowledge to become a pet mom.
At our California-based aviary, we ship hand-raised macaws nationwide and internationally, providing all necessary CITES permits and health clearances. Whether you’re buying or adopting, we’re here to make the process easy, safe, and exciting!
Ready to bring home your dream macaw? Check out our available parrots for sale and adoption today!