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Michelle&Lola wrote:[
Aww..my BHC gets carsick too. it's awful. The only time she doesnt get sick is if i take her some place real early and she hasnt had a meal yet.

Isn't it awful, Michelle?? It breaks my heart to see her so upset. I would love to take her out more with me, but hate to put her through the torture of getting sick. I keep hoping that maybe she will outgrow it, or if I do take her out more, she will get used to the motion. I just know that now, I only take her out in the car if I have to...

oops..That is regurgitate.....I think that is the correct spelling!!

Sparky never had a problem with car travel, but when we brought Mika home she was carsick, and to and from the vet the first time. The second time we had Sparky next to her and she didn't get sick until just before we got home. A few weeks ago we took them to South Carolina, an 8 hour car ride, we were worried about how she'd do. They were in the same cage. Mika started to bob and toss her head like she was about to get sick less than a mile from home but Sparky cuddled up next to her and she calmed right down and was fine the rest of the trip. Same thing on the way back. So it turns out she wasn't motion sick just scared sick. She even ate and drank with no problem on the trip. I don't know how you tell the difference if you only had one bird or what you could do but its something to think about.

sandy wrote:Sparky never had a problem with car travel, but when we brought Mika home she was carsick, and to and from the vet the first time. The second time we had Sparky next to her and she didn't get sick until just before we got home. A few weeks ago we took them to South Carolina, an 8 hour car ride, we were worried about how she'd do. They were in the same cage. Mika started to bob and toss her head like she was about to get sick less than a mile from home but Sparky cuddled up next to her and she calmed right down and was fine the rest of the trip. Same thing on the way back. So it turns out she wasn't motion sick just scared sick. She even ate and drank with no problem on the trip. I don't know how you tell the difference if you only had one bird or what you could do but its something to think about.

Sandy..I have thought the same thing. I just don'tknow what to do for her since I only have her. That is so sweet that Sparky consoles Mika. If you can think of anything I could try, let me know!

Beth,
I don't have any really good ideas for what do to sooth her. I was so relieved when Sparky calmed Mika down. I think I would have been a wreck by the end the trip if he hadn't. Maybe you could put something in her travel cage that she feels really comfortable with, a favorite toy or maybe even her sleeping tent if she has one. What does she do at home when she gets scared? that may give you an idea of where she feels safe and you could make a spot like that in her travel cage. My other thought, and I'm sure I will hear how horrible this is from someone, is if she is harness trained, maybe you could hold her while someone else drives.

Also, Mika's breeder recomended giving them Guardian Angle in their water starting 24 hours before they travel to help keep them hydrated and nurished if they did get sick.

Let me know if you find anything that works, I still worry that Mika will have problems if we ever have to take her anywhere on her own.
- Sandy

Hi Beth
Try covering her carrier before you actually leave the house so she can't even see that you're headed to the car. Then place her carrier on the floor behind either your seat or the passenger seat. Because of the center of gravity, so to speak there, they 'feel' less movement and she should do better. You can also give her a little bit of minced fresh ginger a little before you get in the car.

It is so wierd for me to hear about Caiques and car sickness as I can't even imagine Dweezel not being able to ride in the car! His favorite thing to do is go for car rides! This is the time he talks the most and will respond the best to vocal commands (i.e. "gimme kiss", "wave hi" and he will finish the wolf whistle if I start it).

sandy wrote: Maybe you could put something in her travel cage that she feels really comfortable with, a favorite toy
Also, Mika's breeder recomended giving them Guardian Angle in their water starting 24 hours before they travel to help keep them hydrated and nurished if they did get sick.

Let me know if you find anything that works, I still worry that Mika will have problems if we ever have to take her anywhere on her own.
- Sandy

Hi Sandy..Thanks for the suggestions. Bella has a stuffed bear that has been with her since she left her Mom, and came home with me when i adopted her. It is like her security blanket. It is in her cage all of the time, and she sits on it during the day, and even naps on it I think. I always put that in there with her, plus her favorite toy. I try to make it comfy and homy. I will keep trying new things! I never heard of Guardian Angel..Where do I get that?

brimonster wrote:It is so wierd for me to hear about Caiques and car sickness as I can't even imagine Dweezel not being able to ride in the car! His favorite thing to do is go for car rides! This is the time he talks the most and will respond the best to vocal commands (i.e. "gimme kiss", "wave hi" and he will finish the wolf whistle if I start it).

You are SO lucky!! Hopefully Bella will get to to the point of loving riding in a car, too!

beakerskyler wrote:Hi Beth
Try covering her carrier before you actually leave the house so she can't even see that you're headed to the car. Then place her carrier on the floor behind either your seat or the passenger seat. Because of the center of gravity, so to speak there, they 'feel' less movement and she should do better. You can also give her a little bit of minced fresh ginger a little before you get in the car.

Good suggestions! I did wait to cover the carrier when we got in the car, so doing it before we leave the house would be new for me. I heard about ginger before, I just never tried it. I will have to try these suggestions the next time I take her out.

Beth wrote:new things! I never heard of Guardian Angel..Where do I get that?

We got it from Mika's breeder, DJ Feather's Aviary but I'm sure its available from anyone who sells bird diet supplements or vitamins. It's a powder that you can mix with thier water or sprinkle on foods. I hope you find something that works for her.

We have only had Daisy in the car a few times, and so far so good. But when we first took our sennie in the car, he seemed to do fine. Until it rained and the wind shield wipers came on!!! Totally freaked him out. now we always have something to cover his cage with, and always cover his side window, as big trucks also seems to scare him. Now he loves traveling.