Guide to Best Bird Travel Cages & Carriers 20 [+BEST SELLERS]
The best bird travel cages are ones that ensure your bird or parrot is safe and comfortable.
Birds can get stressed quite easily, therefore, getting the right cage or carrier is very important.
It’s important to spend some time deciding what travel cage to buy for your feathered friend. There are heaps of different travel cages on the market, which all have different pros and cons. Additionally, the different travel cage types depend on its purpose, and the type of bird you have.
The main points to consider when looking at travel cages, relative to the species of your bird, are:
- Size
- Materials
- Quality – durability and escape-proof
- Price
Whether you need a simple wire cage to take your bird to the vet, or a parrot backpack to take your bird out on adventures with you – there’s a travel carrier for every bird species and lifestyle.
It’s vital for every bird owner to have at least one reliable, safe, secure travel cage, in case of any emergencies and vet check-ups.
There are 6 different types of bird travel cages:
- Backpack
- Soft-sided
- Acrylic Cages
- Plastic Cages
- Flatpack Metal Cages
- Dog Crates
In this article, we will guide you through the best sellers on the market, and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
Backpack Bird Carriers
A bird backpack carrier makes it easy for you to take your bird places safely and comfortably.
Being able to carry your bird handsfree is perfect for those of you who want to go on adventures with your feathered friend.
Just be sure to select one that is made from high quality materials and have received good reviews. That way, you won’t have to worry about your bird breaking free and escaping.
Saving a few pounds at the risk of losing your bird – it’s just not worth it.
It’s important to note that top manufacturers of top quality bird travel backpacks have often discovered imitations of their products. Although these are cheap, they are usually dangerously low quality and should be avoided at all costs.
HIGHER BUDGET: Celltei Pak-o-Bird
One of the best known and most highly rated brand in bird travel cages is Celltei.
They make high class bird travel cages, which have been designed with you and your bird in mind.
Their bird carriers are made from super high quality material which can withstand even the strongest parrots.
Pak-o-Bird backpacks are lightweight, and come with a natural wood perch, stainless steel food and water bowls, toy attachment, and roll down shades on the sides for extra security while you’re travelling.
They comes in many different colours and sizes, one to suit all the bird species from a small budgerigar to a large macaw.
Okay, Celltei’s travel cages will come at quite a (high) cost, however, the price definitely reflects the quality. For owners planning on using their bird travel backpack on a regular basis, it could be worth the longterm investment.
Size: 13 x 10 x 14 inches
Weight: 1.8 kg
PROS
- Quality / durability – they have specifically developed their travel cages with the escape-artist “must-destroy-everything” birds in mind. The mes windows may look weak, but they are made of stainless steel that can’t be chewed through.
- Security – being made from the best quality materials, you won’t need to worry about your bird or parrot escaping.
- Lightweight – you won’t need to worry about being dragged down by the bird carrier.
- Waterproof – their bird travel cages are made from nylon with polyurethane coating which repels water.
- Size options – they have a number of different size options, from XS to XL.
CONS
- Cost – they are far more expensive than other bird travel cages on the market. You will certainly get amazing quality so if you’re looking for a carrier that will last a lifetime, you may want to consider investing.
LOWER BUDGET: Petsfit Backpack Bird Carrier
They make high class bird travel cages that your bird will feel comfortable and secure in. Additionally, they have designed their cages with you in mind, with lightweight, quality material and comfortable padded straps.
This bird travel cage has received an abundance of positive reviews from owners who praise the quality, design and durability.
Compared to the Celltei, Petfits’s bird carriers are more affordable. However, they’re still high quality.
Many people who thought this travel carrier was surely ‘too good to be true’, were amazed at the quality on delivery!
Size: 13 x 10 x 16 inches
Weight: 2.5 kg
PROS
- Affordable – around half the price of a Celltei, the Petsfit is certainly more affordable.
- Quality / durability – made from high quality Oxford cloth, which is bite proof.
- Security – designed to be secure and escape proof.
- Three ways to carry – carry it as a backpack, over your shoulder with a long strap, or with the short strap on the top.
- Lightweight – weighs only 2.5 kg so it’s easy to carry on long journeys.
- Waterproof –
- Flatpack – the travel cage folds flat so you can easily store it away when not in use.
CONS
- One size – currently, the Petsfit bird travel cage just comes in one size. However, it is spacious enough to fit any bird or parrot smaller than 12 inches.
Soft Sided Bird Travel Carriers
Soft sided material bird travel carriers are far lighter and more portable than metal cages.
However, the problem with soft sided carriers is usually durability. As I’m sure you are well aware, bird’s beaks are powerful weapons. Therefore, bird carriers MUST be durable in order to prevent your feathered friend from escaping.
You also need to consider the need for a perch. This why standard dog, cat or rabbit soft carriers aren’t usually appropriate for birds.
You need something that is both designed particularly for birds, made with tough materials and designed to fit a perch.
MEDIUM BUDGET: A&E Soft-Sided Bird Travel Cage
A&E Cage Company is an award winning designer and manufacturer that has been in the industry for over 30 years.
This A&E soft sided bird travel carrier is a simple, yet effective design.
The front side of the bird carrier zips all the way up and down with a heavy duty zipper. There is a removable perch inside, and both the front and back have mesh screens for ventilation and visibility.
Because of the simple design, this is a carrier that’s suitable more for short journeys, like visits to the vet.
Furthermore, as it’s made from a soft material, it’s more suitable for smaller birds, as oppose to large birds which could potentially chew their way to freedom.
Size: 13.5 x 9 x 18.5 inches
Weight: 1.4 kg
PROS
- Affordable – around half the price of a Celltei, the Petsfit is certainly more affordable.
- Lightweight – weighing only 1.4kg, it’s easy to carry on long journeys.
- Flatpack – the travel carrier folds flat so you can easily store it away when not in use.
- Removable base – the bottom of the carrier is attached with velcro so you can easily take it out to clean.
- Movable perch – the perch can be moved into two different positions. Therefore, parrots with a longer tail, such as Indian Ringnecks, can have extra room to ensure their tail doesn’t touch the bottom of the carrier.
- Comfortable – the shoulder strap is padded and adjustable for your comfort.
CONS
- Barebones – It’s barebones inside. No room or safe/practical way of putting in food and water, or toys.
- Thin perch not suitable for large birds – the perch might be too thin for larger birds to get a solid grip on while travelling. However, you could replace it with something a little thicker and with more grip, like a natural wood branch with rougher bark on it.
- No attachments for food or water bowls – another reason it is only suitable for short journeys.
LOW BUDGET: Trixie Bird Transport Bag
This particular bird travel cage is a good purchase for those of you with small birds who will just be taking short trips, like those to the vet.
As is a simple design, with just a small perch inside, and a mesh window on the front.
It’s super lightweight, only weighing 500g, and has a shoulder strap Therefore, it’s easy to carry and you won’t need to worry about dropping it.
Additionally, it comes with a removable, good quality wooden perch with secure fastenings.
Size: 32 x 27 x 27 cm
Weight: 500 g
PROS
- Low cost – one of the cheapest, quality bird carriers on the market.
- Quality / durability – made from a material that a small bird cannot bite through.
- Lightweight – weighs only 500g so you don’t need to worry about dropping it.
- Waterproof – made from a water resistant, yet breathable material.
- Flatpack – the travel cage folds flat so you can easily store it away when not in use.
- Storage – there is a storage pocket on the back of the carrier.
- Private – the travel carrier is dark and enclosed so your bird will feel safe from dangers of the outside world.
CONS
- One size – currently, the Trixie bird travel cage just comes in one size, 32 x 27 x 27 cm. However, it is spacious enough to fit any bird or parrot smaller than 12 inches.
- No attachments for food or water bowls – another reason it is only suitable for short journeys.
Clear Acrylic Bird Travel Cages
The best clear acrylic travel cages are made from polycarbonate, which is an extremely tough material.
This is the main selling point of an acrylic cage – they’re super strong and no beak could break it! Even a cheeky cockatoo would be wasting his time.
For this reason, they are normally rather pricey.
A downside of a clear plastic cage is that not all birds will feel comfortable in them. Many birds get easily stressed out when they can see what is going on around them.
Therefore, bird owners must use their judgement to determine whether their bird would feel comfortable in one.
HIGH BUDGET: Caitec Perch N Go
Caitec have been around since 1992 and pride themselves on product design, value and quality.
The Caitec Perch N Go is a super strong and sturdy bird travel cage made from durable see through polycarbonate. No bird could break through this cage, so it will last you a lifetime.
It’s designed for small to medium sized parrots. Although it’s strong enough, it is not generally suited to long tailed parrots or the large Cockatoos or Macaws due to the size of the cage.
If you pet bird is calm and adaptable, this may be the right cage for you.
With a 360 view, some birds will love the view. However, more nervous birds may need the cage covered partially for comfort and security.
The perch is adjustable and the handle on the top also doubles up as a perch when your bird is outside its cage.
Size: 10 x 12 x 15 inches
Weight: 3 kg
PROS
- Quality / durability – made from a material that a small bird cannot bite through.
- Escape proof – the sturdy stainless steel cage door has a parrot-proof latch to keep your precious pet bird safe.
- 360 view – with stainless steel bars on each side of the travel cage, you can view your bird from all angles.
- Moveable perch – you can move the perch higher or lower, depending on the species of your bird.
CONS
- Expensive – as it is made from high-quality, escape-proof and unbreakable materials, it is pricier than other bird carriers on the market. However, it is worth the investment if you are looking for amazing quality that will last a lifetime.
- Slippery perch – some bird owners have said their birds found the provided perch difficult to balance on. However, it is easily replaced with something more comfortable.
Plastic Bird Travel Carriers
Plastic travel cages are a popular choice among small pets like hamsters, rats and guinea pigs.
However, they’re not usually recommended for pet birds. This is for several reasons, such as bar spacing, lack of security and inappropriate material.
They are definitely suitable for small pet birds, such as canaries, finches, lovebirds and budgies. These small birds will not be able to break free, so they’ll be safe in a plastic travel cage.
On the other hand, if you have a larger bird like a parrot or a cockatoo, you will want to look at alternative travel cages.
LOW BUDGET: Ferplast Rectangular Cage
The Ferplast Rectangular Cage is a popular choice among small bird owners who are looking for a simple travel cage.
This is a basic cage with a plastic base, metal bars and a metal handle on the top. It does come with 2 small perchs for birds, but you may want to buy a more comfortable, thicker one for your feathered friend.
It’s ideal to transport small birds, such as budgies, canaries and lovebirds, on short journeys. It is certainly sufficient or a quick trip to the vets.
The large size would be big enough to fit a cockatiel, but it’s not recommend for any larger birds. Not only because of the size, but because a larger bird may be able to break free.
Size: 39 x 25 x 41 cm
Weight: 1.6 kg
PROS
- Low cost – it’s good value for money, one of the cheapest on the market.
- Lightweight – easy to carry.
CONS
- Potential quality issue with the base detaching from the wires – a number of people have used cable ties to secure the plastic base to the wire top.
- Only for small birds – due to the size and durability, it’s only suitable for birds up to the size of a cockatiel.
- Not suitable for large, long tailed birds – due to the height of the cage and strength. Large birds may be able to bite through the plastic base.
Flatpack Metal Bird Travel Cages
Metal cages are a popular choice among bird owners, particularly those with large parrots and cockatoos.
They are as solid and strong, so there’s no need to worry about any breakouts! Additionally, they’re also flatpack, so you can easily store them away when not in use.
As you’d expect, they can be heavier than other bird travel cage on the market. So, if you want something super light and portable then you might want to look at the other options.
However, if you need something to withstand a big beaky parrot, then metal cages will be ideal for you.
Pawhut Metal Parrot Cage Bird Carrier
The bird cage from
is an ideal temporary lodging solution for birds on the go.
With plenty of interior space for your birds to feel content while remaining secure. Some birds will love the 360 view the cage offers, while others may need the cage partially covered for security.
The front bird-proof lock prevents your small, medium and large size birds from escaping. The cage is also ideal as a sleeping cage, for short-term travelling or boarding, short-term use outdoor use for healthy sunlight exposure, or for emergency evacuations.
This cage comes with a one foot-friendly shapeable wooden perch and 2 feeding bowls but there’s plenty of space to add extra accessories to the interior.
This travel cage has received an abundance of positive reviews from happy customers who have been particularly pleased with the sturdiness of the cage.
Size: 54 x 49.5 x 20 cm
Weight: 8 kg
PROS
- Strong and durable – it’s good value for money, one of the cheapest on the market.
- Secure – ensure birds stay safe and secure with the reliable bird-proof door locks.
- Flatpack – folds flat so you can store it away easily.
- Removable base – removable metal bottom and pull out trays for easy cleaning.
- 360 view – some birds will love being able to see whats going on around them, while others may require part of the cage to be covered.
- Rust resistant – constructed of powder-coated metal frame, rust-resistant and rugged, built to last for years to come.
- Multiple doors – a large front door as well as a small door to provide easy access for feeding.
CONS
- Heavier than over options – being super sturdy sometimes comes at a cost, weighing 8kg, it is heavier than other options on the market.
Kookaburra Cages Pet Carrier Cage
The Kookaburra Pet Carrier is simple, smart and stylish.
They come in two sizes, small and large. The small is actually more like a medium and is ideal for any happily fits a Conurem, Galah or a Senegal. The large size is more suitable for larger birds like African Greys and parrots.
The frames are made from powder-coated metal which makes them extra strong to withstand a beaky bird.
It is easy to store away out of site as you can simply fold it away.
This travel cage comes with 1 perch and 2 bolt-on bowls, as pictured.
Small Size: 49.5 x 34 x 41 cm
Small Weight: 2.9 kg
Large Size: 59.5 x 42 x 50.5 cm
Large Weight: 6 kg
PROS
- Low cost – affordable price for a quality, sturdy metal cage.
- Strong and durable – it’s good value for money, one of the cheapest on the market.
- Two size options – ideal for short trips to the vet.
- Flatpack – folds flat so you can store it away easily.
- Removable base – removable bottom and pull out trays for easy cleaning.
- 360 view – some birds will love being able to see whats going on around them, while others may require part of the cage to be covered.
- Rust resistant – constructed of powder-coated metal frame, rust-resistant and rugged, built to last for years to come.
CONS
- Packaging – a few people have said there could of been improvements when it comes to packaging. A couple bars have been bent out of place on arrival.
Dog Crate for Birds
Certain dog crates can make wonderful bird transport cages, however others are not.
Firstly, be sure to evaluate the space of the bars.
Most dog cages have bars much wider than cages made specifically for birds. Therefore, they are generally not so suitable for smaller birds. A small bird could risk getting its head stuck in the bars, or could even escape! Try to avoid any cage with bar spaces of over 2.5cm (just under 1 inch).
Secondly, evaluate the height of the cage.
Dog crates tend to be longer than they are high. Therefore they’re not usually suitable for long tailed birds like Macaws. However, they are suitable for short tailed birds like Cockatoos.
Additionally, as they’re usually longer than they are high, you’ll often need to purchase a larger size to cater for the height of a bird. This will add weight to the cage, and will also be more difficult to carry.
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PROS
- Strong and durable – if it’s built to keep a dog from escaping, you can be sure it’s strong enough to withstand a beaky parrot.
- Multiple size options – they come in a multitude of sizes, so you could easily find the right size for your bird.
- Flatpack – most dog crates fold flat so you can store them away easily.
- Low cost – compared to cages that were built specifically for birds, they tend to be cheaper.
- Large front door – having a large door makes it easy to take your bird in and out of the cage.
- 360 view – some birds will love being able to see whats going on around them, while others may require part of the cage to be covered.
CONS
- Bar spacing – often, dog crates have a bar space that is too wide for birds, making it easy for them to escape or get stuck in the bars.
- Not all safe for birds – birds tend to bite the wires, so check the dog crate is made from safe materials before purchasing.
- Not usually appropriate for long-tailed birds – as dog crates are normally longer than they are high.
Tips for Travelling with a Bird
Any caring bird owner will have some concern about how their feathered friend will react to being enclosed in a travel cage or carrier. You want your bird to be comfortable and not stressed out.
As we all know, each and every bird and parrot is different. Some confident birds will take to their new travel cage with ease, where other more nervous birds will not.
You will need to work with your bird to develop confidence and comfort in their new cage.
#1 Purchase your bird travel cage before you need it.
Therefore, you can spend time to get your bird comfortable in his/her new temporary home.
As I’m sure you know, it takes time for a bird to get used to a new cage. Therefore, you want to ensure that your bird is comfortable by the time you may need it, for a trip to the vets for example.
#2 Train your bird to think that it is a happy place.
Give your bird plenty of treats whilst in its new travel cage, therefore he/she can associate it with good things.
#3 Do some practise runs.
To get your bird used to his/her travel cage, do some practice runs. You could start of with some sessions in your back garden to start off with, somewhere close to home. Then you could work you way up to a trip to your local park.
Therefore, when the time comes that you will need to use your travel cage, your bird will feel completely content and comfortable.
Conclusion
So, as you now know, there are lots of different options for you and your bird. You will need to make a judgement on which will suit your bird’s personality and the purpose of the travel cage.
All birds and parrots are different with individual personalities. Therefore, each bird will have a preferred type of travel cage.
If you have a confident bird, then he/she may enjoy the travel cages which allow a 360 view, such as the Caitec Perch N Go or the Pawhut Metal Travel Cage. However, if you have a more nervous bird, you may want to opt for a travel cage with a bit more privacy, such as the Petsfit backpack bird carrier. Of course, there is the option of covering a 360 cage with a piece of breathable cloth.
Additionally, the particular travel cage that you opt for, depends on the size of your bird, as some cages are only suitable for small birds, while others are only suitable for larger birds. You will also need to take the length of your bird’s tail into consideration as some cages are only suitable for shorter tailed birds, such as Cockatoos.
Lastly, the type of travel cage that you choose should depend on its purpose. Some of the smaller travel cages are only suitable for short journeys, such as trips to the vet. Where, on the other hand, some cages are built to be able to temporarily home your bird or parrot for slightly longer durations, such as short holidays, or even hikes.
Hopefully, you have found this helpful and are one step closer to finding the perfect travel cage for you and your bird.
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