Bird backpacks have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way for pet owners to bring their birds with them outdoors. These little carriers allow pet birds to tag along during activities like hiking, bike riding, and even errands around town. While bird backpacks can enable more quality time with feathered friends, some concerns exist regarding their safety and appropriateness.
What are bird backpacks?
Bird backpacks, also sometimes called birdie backpacks, avian carriers, or bird slings, are small, lightweight carriers designed to hold pet birds close to their owner’s body. They allow the bird to be transported on their human’s back, chest, or over the shoulder. Most bird backpacks consist of breathable mesh or fabric materials with openings for airflow and visibility. Some key features include:
- Lightweight, hands-free design
- Made of breathable mesh or fabric
- Adjustable straps for wearing over shoulder or across chest/back
- Pockets and pouches for storing bird supplies
- Perches, tethers, and bowls may be included
- Zippered or velcro openings for access
- Available in a variety of colors and patterns
Bird backpacks allow pet owners to go hiking, biking, walking, shopping, and more with their feathery companions along for the ride. They make it easy to monitor the bird while still keeping hands free. Backpacks range widely in size, with smaller bags made for budgies and cockatiels while larger backpacks can fit macaws, conures, and other big bird species.
Are bird backpacks safe for birds?
When used properly, bird backpacks can be safe for birds. However, there are some important considerations regarding welfare and safety:
- Proper sizing – The backpack should be appropriately sized for the individual bird, not too cramped but also not so big they can get tossed about inside.
- Ventilation – Mesh panels and openings allow airflow so the bird does not overheat. Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Time limits – Limit outings to an hour or two at most initially, watching for signs of stress.
- Monitoring – Frequently check on the bird, keeping the backpack within sight at all times.
- Stops and breaks – Make periodic stops to offer water, food, and rest periods.
- Carrier orientation – Wearing the backpack facing front can reduce motion sickness.
- Security – Use tethers and secure closures so the bird cannot escape.
- Supervision – Do not leave a bird unattended in a backpack.
With proper precautions, short bird backpack outings are unlikely to cause harm. However, there are still some circumstances that warrant caution.
What are the potential risks?
Using a bird backpack does introduce some inherent risks, including:
- Injury – Falling, rough movement, crashes, or compression could result in bruises, broken bones, or other trauma.
- Escape – Birds may escape from the backpack if openings are not well-secured.
- Temperature – Birds may overheat if airflow is inadequate on hot days.
- Exhaustion – Unfamiliar environments and physical forces can be tiring.
- Stress – Being in an unusual situation may terrify some birds.
- Predators – Dogs, cats, wild animals, or birds of prey could attack.
Bird backpacks also make it easy for people without experience to attempt bringing birds to inappropriate environments. Crowds, loud noises, extreme temperatures, and other hazards require careful judgement to avoid.
What kinds of birds are backpack appropriate?
Not all bird species are suitable for backpack transport. Best practice is to evaluate each bird’s individual personality and needs. However, a few factors determine appropriateness:
- Size – Small and medium sized parrots, such as conures, cockatiels, and budgies, fit best in most backpacks. Larger parrots may require custom carriers.
- Personality – Calm birds that enjoy human interaction adapt better. Anxious birds may find it excessively stressful.
- Health – Birds must be fully feathered and physically able to perch/move within the backpack.
- Training – Previous positive carrier training helps acclimate a bird.
- Bonding – Birds very bonded to their owner tend to feel more secure.
Backpacks are not recommended for extremely small birds like finches or canaries. Larger parrots like cockatoos and macaws may need an oversized carrier designed specifically for their size and strength.
What training is required?
Proper training is key to having a bird that enjoys backpack rides. Some tips for successful training include:
- Use positive reinforcement, offering treats for desired behavior.
- Train the bird to enter the carrier on cue using a reward as incentive.
- Take short trips around the home before going outdoors.
- Try short 5-10 minute outdoor sessions and slowly increase duration.
- Bring the bird’s favorite toys, treats, and food for comfort and reward.
- End sessions on a positive note before the bird gets tired or upset.
- Watch for signs of stress like increased vocalizations, thrashing, or aggression.
With time, many birds learn to willingly hop into their backpacks for exciting adventures with their favorite humans. But forcing an unwilling or untrained bird into an unfamiliar backpack often results in a frightened, stressed companion.
What kinds of outings are appropriate?
Bird backpacks are meant for casual, relatively calm excursions. Some suitable activities include:
- Walking around the neighborhood
- Hiking on easy, level trails
- Dog walking on straightforward routes
- Visits to outdoor shopping centers
- Low key outdoor dining at restaurants
- Running simple errands like post office or bank trips
Avoid overly crowded venues, contact sports, rigorous exercise, off-roading, and anything requiring concentration that could compromise the bird’s supervision. Many birds also dislike loud machines or motor noises.
Ideal weather conditions
Bird backpacks are designed for fair weather use. Some parameters to keep in mind:
- Temperature between 65-85°F
- Avoid direct sun, heat, rain, and humidity
- Wind speeds under 12 mph
- Moderate, pleasant conditions ideal
Birds are susceptible to heat, cold, and drafts. Use common sense gauging the weather, and bring the bird inside at the first sign they seem uncomfortable.
Outing time limits
Limit initial backpack outings to 30-60 minutes, with plenty of breaks. Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration. Over time, some birds may tolerate longer adventures, but forcing long durations can cause immense stress. Reassess the individual bird’s needs with each excursion.
What risks exist for the human?
In addition to considering the bird’s welfare, using a bird backpack also imposes some risks on human health and safety. Be aware of these hazards:
- Bites and scratches – Birds in distress may bite or scratch the human, which can lead to infection.
- Distraction – Carrying a pet can divert attention away from hazards like traffic.
- Limitations – Mobility, awareness, and activity may be constrained.
- Balance problems – Uneven weight can affect balance, especially in the elderly.
Never jog, bike, drive, or engage in dangerous or complex tasks while wearing a occupied bird carrier. Focus attention on monitoring the bird’s condition at all times during use.
What precautions should be taken?
Here are some key precautions to take when using a bird backpack:
Pre-Trip Planning | En Route Precautions | Hazards to Avoid |
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Are bird backpacks legal?
Laws regarding bird backpacks vary by location. Some key legal considerations include:
- Public health laws may prohibit non-service animals in stores, restaurants, etc.
- Localordinances may ban unrestrained pets outdoors.
- Airlines, public transit, and other transport often prohibit pets.
- Protected wildlife areas may restrict all pets.
- Harassment, cruelty, and capture laws may apply.
Check all applicable laws in your region before taking a bird backpack out in public. Private property owners may also forbid pets. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm a bird backpack is permitted.
Are there alternatives for safely transporting pet birds?
For those who prefer not to use bird backpacks, some other options exist:
- Traditional bird carriers – Plastic or metal cages can protect birds but are less convenient for hiking, biking, etc.
- Tethers – Leashed harnesses allow birds outdoor supervised time.
- Strollers – Enclosed strollers keep birds safe but contained.
- Motorcycle sidecars – For travel by motorcycle instead of walking.
- Indoor activities – Enrich birds’ lives through indoor playtime and foraging.
Bird backpacks serve a unique purpose in allowing birds to experience the outdoors from a carrier on their owner’s body. However, they require significant training and may not suit every personality. Many alternatives exist to provide birds enrichment in a secure environment.
Conclusion
With proper precautions, bird backpacks can offer a unique opportunity for pet birds to safely experience the outdoors with their owners. However, a number of risks do exist. Key considerations include the individual bird’s personality, extensive training, weather contingencies, time limitations, legalities, and human factors. Bird backpacks are not well suited for all owners and pets. With informed judgement, though, they can be a fun way for some birds to expand their world beyond the home.