Should people transport wild birds in wire birdcages?

• A. Yes, wire cages are fine.
• B. No, transport in ventilated cardboard boxes.
• C. Yes, but only if no perching space.
• D. No, transport in plastic bags.

Answer: (B)

Transport wild birds in a way that minimizes stress and prevents injury, with good ventilation and easy access for observation. Wire cages can injure feet or wings and trap feathers in the mesh, increasing stress and the risk of harm during handling or transit. Plastic bags are a suffocation risk and offer no real containment or visibility. Ventilated cardboard boxes strike the right balance: they provide airflow, cushion against bumps, are easy to inspect without handling the bird, and can be safely closed to prevent escapes. Use a box lined with clean paper towels, punch small ventilation holes, keep the bird in a quiet, dark environment, and avoid feeding before transport unless a veterinarian directs otherwise.