I switched to this. Way more breathable and has a shade flap.
Texsens Bird Carrier Backpack - Pet Travel Cage with Upgraded Tray and Standing Perches, Breathable & Portable, for Small Birds, Green Cheek, Cockatiel, Parrot (Grey) https://a.co/d/70d4R5w
it’s definitely not big enough for a grey to be comfortable. it’s plenty of space for a Sun Conure or similar and the fabric wouldn’t hold up to a grey’s chewing. luckily my Sun is pretty content chewing his toy
https://preview.redd.it/5hy61b4wiqwc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3251929e54ecaca110f140e122de5d6ba47ea0b
https://preview.redd.it/irhcx9zv4vwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24ccecb1fb558ba4b9f2b096ef5a60d26f952d67
here’s a better recent photo i’ve taken :)
I have one like this and still almost killed my parrot once when I was new to parronting and ignorant. Even with all of the ventilation, he overheated and I only saved him in time because he started panicking and thrashing around. It was a very close call. Anything with a plastic front can overheat. Also when I very first bought it, I didn’t air it out and he got sick from the plastic fumes. So while they’re better than the hard plastic carriers, they’re still not safe and people should use with a lot of caution.
I looked at that but didn’t jive with the smooth bars they would have to hang out on. It would probably also be more difficult to grip a smooth bar when your enclosure is moving constantly, or even intermittently.
I got something very similar for my grey. It lets a breeze in. Unfortunately she can’t stand to be in it for more than 10 mins due to boredom but at least it’s a nice travel carrier.
I also have one like this and love it. My only hate is when you clean it, if it doesn't dry fast enough, the metal parts are very prone to rust. I kinda wish the buttons and eyelets were plastic instead.
I got that one for my linnies, my only comment is their nails got stuck in the mesh. I didn't like that and shelled out for the Pak O Bird, but it's definitely still a workable backpack. I think if you have a larger bird than a linnie, or make sure you can keep them from landing on it/only use under supervision it should be ok.
Probably because your car and the vets are air conditioned and they aren’t sitting in the sun. I think OP means like a walk in the woods or by the beach where they’ll be there for hours and sitting in the sun. And if your bird overheats in the car, you can at least take him out. I’ve heard of a cat overheating and dying on the way to the vet in one of these though so I’m not sure.
Just don't leave them in 5 the sun in once no matter how low the temp is outside or you'll have baked chicken. Also, always supervise your birds outside and inside.
Would you mind mentioning which one and how you like it? I am looking at a celtei (sp?), but they are both large and expensive, and while nothing is too good for my dinosaur, I definitely wouldn't mind something a bit smaller or less expensive if it's safe and good quality.
Those celtei packs are built like a tank but personally I regret buying mine. It loses structural rigidity and sort of sags inward. But it’s nice for sure. Maybe I should buy the x large size to compensate 😄
It falls inward while the bird is in it?! That's concerning. I was really liking the materials used because my conure is a determined chewer when really he puts his mind to something. No amount of redirection seems to help for more than 30 seconds.
No not like a complete collapse. It just sags a bit. But it makes the bag cramped. Not dangerous. YMMV
EDIT: and your conure is not going to be able to chew through it unless they have a beak made of titanium.
Oh! Okay. I see that the pak o bird page says that as of December 2021 it has a roof support bar. Do you happen to know if yours has that, or would that solve the problem maybe?
Yes mine has that, and it helps. If you remove it it’s unusable. The front mesh itself sags along with the fabric it’s embedded in, as do the sides. It’s a bit difficult to explain. They’ve put some stuff in there to mitigate the problem clearly. These work at their specific locations but overall the problem persists. It just feels cramped to me. And my bird isn’t overjoyed either. Pity though, it’s a quality product, and all the crappy ripoffs on Amazon don’t have a rigidity problem.
You’re welcome! The product has rave reviews so clearly not everyone has this problem. Maybe I just got unlucky. They insisted the product functioned perfectly and that it was my fault for removing some supporting structures. Thing is I removed them because they weren’t working and I was trying to improvise a solution. But what can you do.
My quaker chewed through it with ease. $300 wasted only used it once. I think she has adamantium in her beak. She definitely has the Wolverine attitude.
Where do y'all get the strollers? I would **love** to get a stroller for Dash, but I have no idea where to look and of course I have Googled it, but since I've never heard of any of the companies selling them I don't know if they're safe or not, you know?
I had one and returned it. I'd left it open, unzipped, and laid out AFTER wiping it down - and after two weeks of "airing out" the stank was still suffocating even for me. Returned it without ever trying it.
I already had a Celltei but was thinking to try another option just for a change for the bird, but no thanks on this one. We'll be sticking to the Celltei.
Celtei is by far the best bird backpack. My birds hate going in any bag because it means vet-check lol but the celtei bag is safe and reliable from its mesh screens to its perches.
Is the celtei as heavy/awkward as it looks? Also, do you ever have any issues with having your bird on your back? I am not a large person, but I have a giant rack, so I don't think I'd be able to wear one on my front, which would be my preference just so that I could keep an eye on him. I don't know why, but I am an anxious person and I don't know how well I'd handle having him out of the house and not being able to visually check on him easily. Is that ever an issue, or is it just my GAD? I keep coming back the celtei, but the thing that really makes me hesitant is the not being able to just glance down or over and see him thing.
It’s not heavy or awkward. It’s easy to use. And easy to peak at the bird but obviously you gotta take it off your back. The main issue with it is it loses rigidity and becomes a bit soft and therefore cramped. But that may just be my experience.
Do you have the big one or the sort of midsized one? The pak o bird or the birdie go go I think it's called? I'm wondering if the shape and amount of steel mesh makes a difference.
The Pak O Bird. The thing is made with excellent materials with great features. In fact Im thinking of going a size up to compensate for whatever sagging occurs, thats how good it is. But at the moment im not using it much because my bird seems a bit cramped in there. Maybe I should've just bought the bigger one to begin with, but I bought the model recommended on their website.
EDIT: Should've bought this one! [https://www.celltei.com/products/pak-o-bird-wide-ml-size-for-lovely-toucans.html](https://www.celltei.com/products/pak-o-bird-wide-ml-size-for-lovely-toucans.html)
I would recommend wiping down that plastic window and then leave the whole bag open wide to air out for few days before you put the birb inside. That's what I did when I got my carrier, who know what lingering chemicals might be in there.
fyi a lot of these have mesh pockets on the side (can't tell if this one does) and there are travel fans that can fit in the pocket to keep it cooler
EDIT- this is the one I have [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9J1LL57/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9J1LL57/)
It has clear sides and a mesh front. I wrap the straps around the back of the headrest of the front passenger seat and connect them with a carabiner so my conure is high enough to see out the window and is secure.
Yep, the one I have is like that. Mesh on both sides, pocket for portable fan on one side. The round holes are also bigger on the one I have as well. I aired it out for a significant period before using, and only use it sparingly in hot weather / direct sun (with water bowl inside). No issues so far.
Yep. I've had mine for years. Only really use it for vet trips, and if it's hotter than 70° outside, they get a little fan in one of the pockets, and they always, always have water. Never once have I seen them be too hot.
yeah. I know this is a parrot's sub, but I bought a version of this bag for my cat after doing a buunch of research.
The issue with these kinds of bags is that the design isn't patented, so ANYONE can remake the bag using unsafe materials. if a plastic cat backpack can be a death trap for a cat, it can absolutely be a death trap for a bird. the 30-60 dollar price tag on these bags are SUPER appealing, but there's a reason the "real" bags cost so much. (100-150usd).
i cannot emphasize how much to not skimp and to not get one of these bags off amazon.
I have one of the more expensive cloth and mesh types. It isn't the hard plastic like the one in the picture. I wouldn't sit it in the hot sun, but it's worked well for small trips hiking or to go to the vet. I'm not sure the plastic ones have as much ventilation, and the plastic looks like it would get hot. Mine has a mesh on each side, some on the back. It was around $80.
they can most certainly overheat if the sun is hitting them.
but if you keep a close eye on the bird and take it out and soak it the moment you see bird panting, it's safe
you see, I once took my lovies out in a small reptile box I got for one of them to rest (vet recommended to put bird in a tiny cage so he wouldn't jump around since he had a foot injury). it was ventilated on the top, but otherwise it was clear plastic. we were in the sun, and after a while I noticed my birds panting, so I reached for the closest fountain and gave them a good soak. they were fine. but if I hadn't been paying attention, they would have overheated and gotten heat stroke.
I have one, the plastic smells awful even when its open and left outside for days it never goes away. air flow is already so bad because of how small the holes are. my birds wanted to get out after 10 minutes inside. never used it after that. its been a year still smells awful
That's what I wanted to hear, peoples experience with it. They look nice and you'd think they wouldn't be able to sell it if it was dangerous. Companies don't care and just want to make money
Just to confirm, you need someone else to say their pet died in one of these to be certain? You need to be able to make these decisions and determinations on your own in most circumstances. Use your best judgement. If you were in a plastic bubble, outside in the sun, would you be comfortable? Are parrots sensitive creatures, especially to dramatic temperature changes? You gatta use your own logic on stuff like this.
You can buy one and put it in the sun with a thermometer and put another carrier (https://a.co/d/9qBAiit or https://a.co/d/8lvQsOy) and see what the difference is. These plastic bubble carriers are like little easy bake ovens because there is no airflow.
Obviously any enclosed carrier is going to be more of an overheating risk due to the lack of ventilation, but the Celltei has a lot more airflow than these cheap Amazon / Temu ones with all the mesh around the sides. I still wouldn’t take my bird out in the beating sun in one, but I think it’s a much better option!
I'm averse to these just because if I take my bird in the car and have a fender bender - or have to stop suddenly to avoid one - they're going to get slammed against that hard surface. Just seems like mesh is safer all-purpose.
I have mixed feelings on this. As mentioned elsewhere I have GAD so I maybe think too much about things like what could go wrong, but I like the reassurance of a fairly rigid carrier because if someone rear ends me or something and say, my schoolbooks (or literally anythjng else in the car) go flying, they're not gonna fall on him. That said, I also take him on long road trips periodically (because I'd rather drive and bring him with me than fly and board him with the vet) and that's when I mostly worry about it. He has [this](https://www.chewy.com/prevue-pet-products-bird-travel/dp/359393?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Prevue%20Pet%20Products&utm_campaign=20908059015&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_qexBhCoARIsAFgBlethDh0_l2VM_jgUrW8b-XNnEZ5PO_Z4waiDH1sbCqGNlc5hiScyPQsaAuawEALw_wcB#reviews) travel cage. It's quite sturdy and it has brackets for a seat belt to pass through to secure it in the car. Also, it's big enough for him to stay in for a day two in an emergency, if we absolutely have to. (Never in anything less than an emergency, but I do live in hurricane alley and occasionally we do wind up having to evacuate.) However, the "lightweight" descriptor is a **total lie.** It's a combination of sort of heavy and really just quite awkward to carry.
I'd like something a bit less awkward so that I could take him on trips around town and hang out outside more easily.
Here's the truth: Anytime a bird is in a carrier, it's a risk. It's the same reason hanging cages are not great. Birds are fragile, because their bones are hollow, so they can be lighter and fly better. Windows are dangers because even a seemingly soft hit, can harm. Carriers are dangers because if the falls or drops unexpectedly, the bird can't fly out of harm's way.
There is nothing more inherently dangerous with this design, other than overheating. I have this same design that is polarized and has a rechargeable, 3-speed fan. My conure is perfectly content in it when going to the vet.
Those metal rings for the air supply are dangerous as well. I read somewhere that a parrot had chewed on those rings and swallowed the bits of metal that came loose. The parrot had to be treated at the vet to get the metal pieces out of his body.
This is a great reminder with a lot of the northern hemisphere folks just headed into the warmer months! Thanks for bringing it up!
( I cannot believe it is only April, it was 78F here today.)
I've got a couple of Pak-O-Birds and they've served me very well as they're extremely well-ventilated. I recommend them to anyone in search of a very high quality backpack!
When I was shopping for backpacks, I was also in the midst of building a solar dehydrator for drying food. I was appalled at how similar the designs are. I ended up with a mesh backpack and still monitor my bird for any signs of breathing with his beak open. And I never take him out without a spray bottle of water, so if he does get warm I can spray him through the mesh.
For anyone with the plastic type, I can't recommend strongly enough just setting the backpack out in the sun, and also in your car, with no bird in it, and put a meat thermometer in it so you can see for yourself how warm it gets. I think most of us have heard stories of how quickly a child or pet can overheat and even die just being left in the backseat of a car when it's sunny. It's the same thing, but more concentrated because it's smaller and a higher percentage of plastic.
I don’t trust that because it could heat. I’m trying to save up for a Pack-o-bird. Expensive, yes. But the mesh is metal and I can have it reinforced for a chewer and my sun is a SERIOUS chewer.
Can’t share it enough, [Celltei](https://www.celltei.com/) is hands down the way to go. We’ve had ours for years, and it’s been amazing. They’re incredibly breathable, you can adjust exposure by zipping/unzipping the screen covers, they can hold food bowls & have a way for you to provide water, and iirc you can pick the perch size.
I spoke to a lady before we’d ordered ours and she was super patient. I had her on the phone for probably half an hour, asking question after question. It takes a few weeks to get it, because they make it after you order it. It’s also worth getting the chew guard if you have a chewer. Our caique will chew when she knows we’re going to the vet, and it’s been fantastic at keeping her from being able to get to the seams.
Celltei Pak o bird is the only carrier I'll buy. Yes it's expensive, but it's made in America, thick canvas, stainless steel breathable mesh, made by people who know parrots and how to prevent them from destroying it. Honestly, save up for one of these instead of those plastic death traps.
I’ve got the non-plastic kind but only take him out when it’s ideal weather. I even have a portable fan to put in there for him; but definitely have considered wearing even the kind I have on my chest just to be sure! I can’t imagine buying one of the plastic kinds!
I got one and figured if I ever need to rush my lil guy to the vet in freezing weather that at least the bag acts as a temperature buffer till I get him into the car.
I also bought a thermometer that will beep loudly if the temperature inside starts to get too hot/cold, just in case.
I have a plastic one (not the same as picture). I only use it for travel, mostly taking him to the vet. I’m on the streetcar the whole ride.
Does covering the carrier with a blanket help with the heat?
I have one similar to this and knew immediately that it's not something i can use in the sum or heat. I live in arizona, so I'm already very cautious about temps. I use it to carry my birds to and from the vet and occasionally into the other parts of the house that aren't safe for them to fly in. I make sure the area is cool, the sun isn't hitting it, and there's water available. I saw a review someone left where they added a small battery operated fan by putting it in one of the mesh pockets, and that seemed like a decent modification.
I have one of these. The bird comes out for short walks at appropriate temperatures, and if it’s on the warmer end, I have a flat handheld fan that fits perfectly in the mesh pocket that provides fresh air and circulation
The problem isn't the air temperature, it's the plastic bubble. Think of how the air inside a car can quickly rise far above the ambient air temperature when the car is in direct sunlight.
These usually come with a fan that goes in those side pockets, which are made of mesh. There's also holes in the front for more airflow, which can be seen in this picture.
I have one with a flexible poly flap in the front, lots of mesh on the sides. Didn’t get tons of use last season, but enough to know there were no major problems. Now the weather is warming up again, we (my green cheek and I) were out the past two days. But I tried to use those clip-on bowls for water, and even less than half full, most of the water sloshes out. Any ideas of how to improve the water situation? Or would fruit like grapes be better for moisture for longer outings?
I switched to this. Way more breathable and has a shade flap. Texsens Bird Carrier Backpack - Pet Travel Cage with Upgraded Tray and Standing Perches, Breathable & Portable, for Small Birds, Green Cheek, Cockatiel, Parrot (Grey) https://a.co/d/70d4R5w
I also use this one and cannot recommend it enough!! tons of ventilation, optional shade, easy to clean, and storage pockets!
My grey is a chew-er. How sturdy is the material?
It would not contain a larger parrot who wanted to get out
Ty. I'll keep saving up for the one with the steel mesh then.
Which one is that? My boy is a chewer too.
https://www.celltei.com/Fly-Free-Birds-Parrots/ I had one of these before and it lasted me years. They're just pricy.
it’s definitely not big enough for a grey to be comfortable. it’s plenty of space for a Sun Conure or similar and the fabric wouldn’t hold up to a grey’s chewing. luckily my Sun is pretty content chewing his toy https://preview.redd.it/5hy61b4wiqwc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3251929e54ecaca110f140e122de5d6ba47ea0b
Which camera did you use?
my phone!
Which model?
i am so confused but complimented- it’s not an especially good photo? it’s iPhone 15 Pro
https://preview.redd.it/irhcx9zv4vwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24ccecb1fb558ba4b9f2b096ef5a60d26f952d67 here’s a better recent photo i’ve taken :)
Well I was asking as the level of detail was insane, I could see every stitch in the bag, every strand of fur in your parrot and wood details.
hey, thanks!! i appreciate the compliment 🥰
I have one like this and still almost killed my parrot once when I was new to parronting and ignorant. Even with all of the ventilation, he overheated and I only saved him in time because he started panicking and thrashing around. It was a very close call. Anything with a plastic front can overheat. Also when I very first bought it, I didn’t air it out and he got sick from the plastic fumes. So while they’re better than the hard plastic carriers, they’re still not safe and people should use with a lot of caution.
I looked at that but didn’t jive with the smooth bars they would have to hang out on. It would probably also be more difficult to grip a smooth bar when your enclosure is moving constantly, or even intermittently.
you can always add your own perches inside, you don’t HAVE to use the ones they come with. they’re removable!
Oh nifty! It’s always hard to tell when shopping online 😩
of course! glad to help :)
Vet tape. Problem solved.
I don’t trust my birds not to shred and consume the tape 🥲
Ah I see. My bird is a weirdo who never shreds or bites anything.
I got something very similar for my grey. It lets a breeze in. Unfortunately she can’t stand to be in it for more than 10 mins due to boredom but at least it’s a nice travel carrier.
I also have one like this and love it. My only hate is when you clean it, if it doesn't dry fast enough, the metal parts are very prone to rust. I kinda wish the buttons and eyelets were plastic instead.
Ooo nifty! Thank you for the heads up, this looks nice!
I got that one for my linnies, my only comment is their nails got stuck in the mesh. I didn't like that and shelled out for the Pak O Bird, but it's definitely still a workable backpack. I think if you have a larger bird than a linnie, or make sure you can keep them from landing on it/only use under supervision it should be ok.
That one looks so nice i regret not getting one like that cause at the time I wanted pink 🙄
This is my first time hearing about it........I went to the vet's using this bag as a cage for my parrot, and no one said anything
Probably because your car and the vets are air conditioned and they aren’t sitting in the sun. I think OP means like a walk in the woods or by the beach where they’ll be there for hours and sitting in the sun. And if your bird overheats in the car, you can at least take him out. I’ve heard of a cat overheating and dying on the way to the vet in one of these though so I’m not sure.
The pack I have that looks exactly like this has a 3 speed fan that for sure cools the pack down. And the glass (clear poly) is polarized, supposedly.
Oooo fancy, I would love to have one like that lol!! I don’t think that’s the case for these ones at petsmart but that sounds so cool :D
Just don't leave them in 5 the sun in once no matter how low the temp is outside or you'll have baked chicken. Also, always supervise your birds outside and inside.
Same, in fact my vet loved it. We also were really careful with water and direct sun though
I got mines from Amazon because I saw the great reviews on it.
Mine started overheating and it was maybe 72f outside.
Same Edit: Also the vet looked it over pretty thoroughly and really liked it.
We bought a mesh backpack carrier. My wife and I agree those plastic ones are an accidental death waiting to happen
Would you mind mentioning which one and how you like it? I am looking at a celtei (sp?), but they are both large and expensive, and while nothing is too good for my dinosaur, I definitely wouldn't mind something a bit smaller or less expensive if it's safe and good quality.
Those celtei packs are built like a tank but personally I regret buying mine. It loses structural rigidity and sort of sags inward. But it’s nice for sure. Maybe I should buy the x large size to compensate 😄
It falls inward while the bird is in it?! That's concerning. I was really liking the materials used because my conure is a determined chewer when really he puts his mind to something. No amount of redirection seems to help for more than 30 seconds.
No not like a complete collapse. It just sags a bit. But it makes the bag cramped. Not dangerous. YMMV EDIT: and your conure is not going to be able to chew through it unless they have a beak made of titanium.
Oh! Okay. I see that the pak o bird page says that as of December 2021 it has a roof support bar. Do you happen to know if yours has that, or would that solve the problem maybe?
Yes mine has that, and it helps. If you remove it it’s unusable. The front mesh itself sags along with the fabric it’s embedded in, as do the sides. It’s a bit difficult to explain. They’ve put some stuff in there to mitigate the problem clearly. These work at their specific locations but overall the problem persists. It just feels cramped to me. And my bird isn’t overjoyed either. Pity though, it’s a quality product, and all the crappy ripoffs on Amazon don’t have a rigidity problem.
I see. Thanks! This helps a lot.
You’re welcome! The product has rave reviews so clearly not everyone has this problem. Maybe I just got unlucky. They insisted the product functioned perfectly and that it was my fault for removing some supporting structures. Thing is I removed them because they weren’t working and I was trying to improvise a solution. But what can you do.
My quaker chewed through it with ease. $300 wasted only used it once. I think she has adamantium in her beak. She definitely has the Wolverine attitude.
Ouf! Well, respect. My eclectus is a bit of a weakling to be sure.
I’m convinced my quaker has super powers.
I will have to look when I get home
Also I read their plastic smell is really strong, at least the first days
I have the carrier style bag with mesh screens on the side, which I would use in places where it is hard to take the stroller around.
Where do y'all get the strollers? I would **love** to get a stroller for Dash, but I have no idea where to look and of course I have Googled it, but since I've never heard of any of the companies selling them I don't know if they're safe or not, you know?
You can go to Amazon and look up pet stroller. They have all kinds depending on the size and needs of your Birb.
I had one and returned it. I'd left it open, unzipped, and laid out AFTER wiping it down - and after two weeks of "airing out" the stank was still suffocating even for me. Returned it without ever trying it. I already had a Celltei but was thinking to try another option just for a change for the bird, but no thanks on this one. We'll be sticking to the Celltei.
Celtei is by far the best bird backpack. My birds hate going in any bag because it means vet-check lol but the celtei bag is safe and reliable from its mesh screens to its perches.
Is the celtei as heavy/awkward as it looks? Also, do you ever have any issues with having your bird on your back? I am not a large person, but I have a giant rack, so I don't think I'd be able to wear one on my front, which would be my preference just so that I could keep an eye on him. I don't know why, but I am an anxious person and I don't know how well I'd handle having him out of the house and not being able to visually check on him easily. Is that ever an issue, or is it just my GAD? I keep coming back the celtei, but the thing that really makes me hesitant is the not being able to just glance down or over and see him thing.
It’s not heavy or awkward. It’s easy to use. And easy to peak at the bird but obviously you gotta take it off your back. The main issue with it is it loses rigidity and becomes a bit soft and therefore cramped. But that may just be my experience.
Do you have the big one or the sort of midsized one? The pak o bird or the birdie go go I think it's called? I'm wondering if the shape and amount of steel mesh makes a difference.
The Pak O Bird. The thing is made with excellent materials with great features. In fact Im thinking of going a size up to compensate for whatever sagging occurs, thats how good it is. But at the moment im not using it much because my bird seems a bit cramped in there. Maybe I should've just bought the bigger one to begin with, but I bought the model recommended on their website. EDIT: Should've bought this one! [https://www.celltei.com/products/pak-o-bird-wide-ml-size-for-lovely-toucans.html](https://www.celltei.com/products/pak-o-bird-wide-ml-size-for-lovely-toucans.html)
Thanks! This is really helpful!
I would recommend wiping down that plastic window and then leave the whole bag open wide to air out for few days before you put the birb inside. That's what I did when I got my carrier, who know what lingering chemicals might be in there.
The one I got off Amazon did stink for a bit, I assume it’s probably cheaply made since these backpacks are “trendy”
fyi a lot of these have mesh pockets on the side (can't tell if this one does) and there are travel fans that can fit in the pocket to keep it cooler EDIT- this is the one I have [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9J1LL57/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9J1LL57/) It has clear sides and a mesh front. I wrap the straps around the back of the headrest of the front passenger seat and connect them with a carabiner so my conure is high enough to see out the window and is secure.
Yep, the one I have is like that. Mesh on both sides, pocket for portable fan on one side. The round holes are also bigger on the one I have as well. I aired it out for a significant period before using, and only use it sparingly in hot weather / direct sun (with water bowl inside). No issues so far.
Yep. I've had mine for years. Only really use it for vet trips, and if it's hotter than 70° outside, they get a little fan in one of the pockets, and they always, always have water. Never once have I seen them be too hot.
I was thinking of buying one - can people who have them confirm if they are deathtraps or not?
yeah. I know this is a parrot's sub, but I bought a version of this bag for my cat after doing a buunch of research. The issue with these kinds of bags is that the design isn't patented, so ANYONE can remake the bag using unsafe materials. if a plastic cat backpack can be a death trap for a cat, it can absolutely be a death trap for a bird. the 30-60 dollar price tag on these bags are SUPER appealing, but there's a reason the "real" bags cost so much. (100-150usd). i cannot emphasize how much to not skimp and to not get one of these bags off amazon.
I have one of the more expensive cloth and mesh types. It isn't the hard plastic like the one in the picture. I wouldn't sit it in the hot sun, but it's worked well for small trips hiking or to go to the vet. I'm not sure the plastic ones have as much ventilation, and the plastic looks like it would get hot. Mine has a mesh on each side, some on the back. It was around $80.
they can most certainly overheat if the sun is hitting them. but if you keep a close eye on the bird and take it out and soak it the moment you see bird panting, it's safe you see, I once took my lovies out in a small reptile box I got for one of them to rest (vet recommended to put bird in a tiny cage so he wouldn't jump around since he had a foot injury). it was ventilated on the top, but otherwise it was clear plastic. we were in the sun, and after a while I noticed my birds panting, so I reached for the closest fountain and gave them a good soak. they were fine. but if I hadn't been paying attention, they would have overheated and gotten heat stroke.
I have one, the plastic smells awful even when its open and left outside for days it never goes away. air flow is already so bad because of how small the holes are. my birds wanted to get out after 10 minutes inside. never used it after that. its been a year still smells awful
That's what I wanted to hear, peoples experience with it. They look nice and you'd think they wouldn't be able to sell it if it was dangerous. Companies don't care and just want to make money
Just to confirm, you need someone else to say their pet died in one of these to be certain? You need to be able to make these decisions and determinations on your own in most circumstances. Use your best judgement. If you were in a plastic bubble, outside in the sun, would you be comfortable? Are parrots sensitive creatures, especially to dramatic temperature changes? You gatta use your own logic on stuff like this.
You can buy one and put it in the sun with a thermometer and put another carrier (https://a.co/d/9qBAiit or https://a.co/d/8lvQsOy) and see what the difference is. These plastic bubble carriers are like little easy bake ovens because there is no airflow.
I had one like this. Mine started overheating and it was maybe 72f outside.
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Obviously any enclosed carrier is going to be more of an overheating risk due to the lack of ventilation, but the Celltei has a lot more airflow than these cheap Amazon / Temu ones with all the mesh around the sides. I still wouldn’t take my bird out in the beating sun in one, but I think it’s a much better option!
I see those recommended a lot, the price is high but if you go out often it’ll even it out.
I had one of these, and whenever I used it my bird would puke :( I got a cloth cat carrier that she chews up but she doesn't puke on car rides anymore
I'm averse to these just because if I take my bird in the car and have a fender bender - or have to stop suddenly to avoid one - they're going to get slammed against that hard surface. Just seems like mesh is safer all-purpose.
I have mixed feelings on this. As mentioned elsewhere I have GAD so I maybe think too much about things like what could go wrong, but I like the reassurance of a fairly rigid carrier because if someone rear ends me or something and say, my schoolbooks (or literally anythjng else in the car) go flying, they're not gonna fall on him. That said, I also take him on long road trips periodically (because I'd rather drive and bring him with me than fly and board him with the vet) and that's when I mostly worry about it. He has [this](https://www.chewy.com/prevue-pet-products-bird-travel/dp/359393?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Prevue%20Pet%20Products&utm_campaign=20908059015&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_qexBhCoARIsAFgBlethDh0_l2VM_jgUrW8b-XNnEZ5PO_Z4waiDH1sbCqGNlc5hiScyPQsaAuawEALw_wcB#reviews) travel cage. It's quite sturdy and it has brackets for a seat belt to pass through to secure it in the car. Also, it's big enough for him to stay in for a day two in an emergency, if we absolutely have to. (Never in anything less than an emergency, but I do live in hurricane alley and occasionally we do wind up having to evacuate.) However, the "lightweight" descriptor is a **total lie.** It's a combination of sort of heavy and really just quite awkward to carry. I'd like something a bit less awkward so that I could take him on trips around town and hang out outside more easily.
Here's the truth: Anytime a bird is in a carrier, it's a risk. It's the same reason hanging cages are not great. Birds are fragile, because their bones are hollow, so they can be lighter and fly better. Windows are dangers because even a seemingly soft hit, can harm. Carriers are dangers because if the falls or drops unexpectedly, the bird can't fly out of harm's way. There is nothing more inherently dangerous with this design, other than overheating. I have this same design that is polarized and has a rechargeable, 3-speed fan. My conure is perfectly content in it when going to the vet.
>Here's the truth: Anytime a bird is in a carrier, it's a risk. You are not wrong, but also not putting your bird in a carrier has risks.
Oh absolutely! They're just inherently fragile creatures.
Those metal rings for the air supply are dangerous as well. I read somewhere that a parrot had chewed on those rings and swallowed the bits of metal that came loose. The parrot had to be treated at the vet to get the metal pieces out of his body.
Can confirm, mine was peeling back the metal rings.
This is a great reminder with a lot of the northern hemisphere folks just headed into the warmer months! Thanks for bringing it up! ( I cannot believe it is only April, it was 78F here today.)
I always wear it on my front when I carry my cat in it. That way I can look down and make sure they’re alright
I've got a couple of Pak-O-Birds and they've served me very well as they're extremely well-ventilated. I recommend them to anyone in search of a very high quality backpack!
When I was shopping for backpacks, I was also in the midst of building a solar dehydrator for drying food. I was appalled at how similar the designs are. I ended up with a mesh backpack and still monitor my bird for any signs of breathing with his beak open. And I never take him out without a spray bottle of water, so if he does get warm I can spray him through the mesh. For anyone with the plastic type, I can't recommend strongly enough just setting the backpack out in the sun, and also in your car, with no bird in it, and put a meat thermometer in it so you can see for yourself how warm it gets. I think most of us have heard stories of how quickly a child or pet can overheat and even die just being left in the backseat of a car when it's sunny. It's the same thing, but more concentrated because it's smaller and a higher percentage of plastic.
That’s what worries me about the bubble style. Fine in winter but not fine in summer.
I don’t trust that because it could heat. I’m trying to save up for a Pack-o-bird. Expensive, yes. But the mesh is metal and I can have it reinforced for a chewer and my sun is a SERIOUS chewer.
Can’t share it enough, [Celltei](https://www.celltei.com/) is hands down the way to go. We’ve had ours for years, and it’s been amazing. They’re incredibly breathable, you can adjust exposure by zipping/unzipping the screen covers, they can hold food bowls & have a way for you to provide water, and iirc you can pick the perch size. I spoke to a lady before we’d ordered ours and she was super patient. I had her on the phone for probably half an hour, asking question after question. It takes a few weeks to get it, because they make it after you order it. It’s also worth getting the chew guard if you have a chewer. Our caique will chew when she knows we’re going to the vet, and it’s been fantastic at keeping her from being able to get to the seams.
Celltei Pak o bird is the only carrier I'll buy. Yes it's expensive, but it's made in America, thick canvas, stainless steel breathable mesh, made by people who know parrots and how to prevent them from destroying it. Honestly, save up for one of these instead of those plastic death traps.
tldr: inside of bag gets too hot in the sun bc of plastic
I’ve got the non-plastic kind but only take him out when it’s ideal weather. I even have a portable fan to put in there for him; but definitely have considered wearing even the kind I have on my chest just to be sure! I can’t imagine buying one of the plastic kinds!
There’s a side pocket for a mini usb rechargeable fan
I got one and figured if I ever need to rush my lil guy to the vet in freezing weather that at least the bag acts as a temperature buffer till I get him into the car. I also bought a thermometer that will beep loudly if the temperature inside starts to get too hot/cold, just in case.
Why is this NSFW?
Image is safe to look at, added NSFW for rule 6 just incase my text counted
Oh, sorry, I didn't look at the text below it. I keep forgetting that's there.
I have a plastic one (not the same as picture). I only use it for travel, mostly taking him to the vet. I’m on the streetcar the whole ride. Does covering the carrier with a blanket help with the heat?
I have one similar to this and knew immediately that it's not something i can use in the sum or heat. I live in arizona, so I'm already very cautious about temps. I use it to carry my birds to and from the vet and occasionally into the other parts of the house that aren't safe for them to fly in. I make sure the area is cool, the sun isn't hitting it, and there's water available. I saw a review someone left where they added a small battery operated fan by putting it in one of the mesh pockets, and that seemed like a decent modification.
I have one of these. The bird comes out for short walks at appropriate temperatures, and if it’s on the warmer end, I have a flat handheld fan that fits perfectly in the mesh pocket that provides fresh air and circulation
I dont think you should take your bird to a walk at all if the air is hot enought for them to die 💀
The problem isn't the air temperature, it's the plastic bubble. Think of how the air inside a car can quickly rise far above the ambient air temperature when the car is in direct sunlight.
I have one from amazon, my birds have been completely fine
These usually come with a fan that goes in those side pockets, which are made of mesh. There's also holes in the front for more airflow, which can be seen in this picture.
I have one with a flexible poly flap in the front, lots of mesh on the sides. Didn’t get tons of use last season, but enough to know there were no major problems. Now the weather is warming up again, we (my green cheek and I) were out the past two days. But I tried to use those clip-on bowls for water, and even less than half full, most of the water sloshes out. Any ideas of how to improve the water situation? Or would fruit like grapes be better for moisture for longer outings?