WHEN FED EX delivered the big brown box from Global Pet Products, Inc., Bertie, my blue-front Amazon, did not waste a second tearing it open.
Eyes flashing, she sank her beak into the cardboard and tore it to pieces as I tried to unpack the contents. When I removed her new Pet Pocket Bird Carrier (about $40 retail), it looked like a deflated black beach ball. It took two days to stretch out to full size. And another two days to air out its plastic odor.
When I finally presented the carrier to Bertie for inspection, she snatched it in her claws like a hungry eagle catching a salmon. She tugged at the black mesh fabric with her beak; she ran her tongue over the zipper pulls; and she munched the padded shoulder and waist straps. Proud she had wrestled the beast to the ground, she perched confidently on top of it.
But when I tried to gently lower her into the carrier, she shrank back in alarm. Like most birds, Bertie does not like being lowered into an enclosed space. Unfortunately, this is not the Pet Pocket Bird Carrier's only drawback.
Pleasingly lightweight
The carrier is the size of a small backpack but designed to wear in front against the chest. It weighs just 1.6 pounds, certainly light enough to tote all day. I found the wide straps comfortable.
The Pet Pocket Bird Carrier comes equipped with one wooden perch, scored for easier gripping. There are two zippered openings at the top: a large one for placing a bird inside, and a smaller one you can slip a hand through to comfort a bird or offer it a drink or food (there are no food cups). The large zippered opening at the bottom lets you easily remove the black plastic tray for cleaning. The mesh front lets your bird see out and provides plenty of ventilation.
Like most other bird carriers, Global's is made only for short jaunts and is not supposed to serve as long-term housing.
However, even with this caveat, the Pet Pocket is difficult to recommend. While the materials and construction are fine for dogs and cats, the makers overlooked one important fundamental: One design does not fit all species. What's good for furry four-on-the-floors isn't automatically transferable to birds.
The Pet Pocket Bird Carrier seems to be a not-modified-enough version of Global's feline and canine carriers. For one thing, the top opening is impractical for birds. As a result, it took a great deal of coaxing to convince Bertie to go inside.
Not enough reinforcement
Apparently, the carrier's outer appearance (available only in black) takes some getting used to, too. Many birds resist new objects, especially carriers, at first. However, three different African greys shrieked when they saw the Pet Pocket. Winslow, a cocky lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo usually willing to tackle anything, would not go near it.
Some birds eventually may become accustomed to going inside a Pet Pocket; however, the ride may not be very comfortable. The carrier's narrow oblong shape crowds a bird. Only the smallest species, such as parakeets and conures, will be able to turn around on the perch without brushing beak or tail against the inside, adding to the claustrophobic feel.
What's more, the Pet Pocket's pliable mesh assumes the shape of the human wearing it. The carrier's two hard-plastic side supports do not prevent protruding body parts from pushing in other parts of the carrier, forcing the bird into an even smaller space.
The lack of rigid construction even could prove dangerous if users are not careful. When I took Bertie for a short walk around the yard, I realized that the collapsible mesh would not protect her if I fell, bumped into something, or encountered a large dog that decided to jump up on me.
I would not be comfortable leaving a bird inside a Pet Pocket placed at my feet or on a table, either. When I set the carrier down I had trouble getting it to remain upright.
Sit. Stay. Wait.
The Pet Pocket Bird Carrier is lightweight, collapsible and compact - all things that would make it attractive to the bow-wow set, but not necessarily bird owners.
The instructions that came with one of the Pet Pocket Bird Carriers we ordered seemed to provide further evidence of Global's less-than-thorough market research: "Lift your pet...inside while telling it to 'sit'...hook...collar to the inside safety hook." (Another Pet Pocket Bird Carrier we received came with instructions more appropriate for a bird.)
It would be nice if Global got together with avian experts and designed a truly safe and convenient hands-free bird carrier. Lord knows there aren't many out there. Guess Bertie and I will just have to wait.
Dana Wilson is a book writer in perpetual service to her parrots, Bertie Marie Caroline the blue-front Amazon, Lady Jane Grey the African grey, and Watson the pionus.
