Delivering live parrots from our aviary in Llíria, Valencia to the United Kingdom involves careful preparation, strict regulatory compliance, and specialist handling throughout. Here is exactly how our delivery process works.
Well before travel, we begin preparing all required documentation. This includes the Spanish CITES export permit (applied for 4–6 weeks in advance), the veterinary health certificate (completed within 10 days of travel), and any species-specific paperwork. For Appendix I species, we will have been guiding you through your UK import permit application in parallel.
Each bird travels in an IATA Live Animal Regulation (LAR)-compliant crate. These crates are specifically designed for live bird transport: adequate ventilation, appropriate dimensions for the species, secure latching, and moisture-absorbing substrate. We select the correct crate size for the species — a Conure travels in a very different crate from a Hyacinth Macaw.
The bird is acclimated to the travel crate in the days before departure, reducing stress during the journey. Food and water are provided in secure containers within the crate.
Not all airlines accept live birds, and those that do have strict requirements. We work with specialist live-animal freight forwarders who have established relationships with airlines operating approved live-animal cargo services between Spain and UK airports. The birds travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold, not in the passenger cabin.
On arrival at a UK Border Control Post equipped for live animal inspection, your bird will be cleared by a Border Force officer with APHA authority. All documentation is examined, the bird is briefly inspected, and clearance is issued. The entire process typically takes 2–4 hours from landing.
You collect your bird from the airport cargo terminal once clearance is issued. We will have communicated the precise collection procedures, timing, and location in advance. You will need to bring your identification and UK import permit documentation.
The total journey — from our aviary to clearance at a UK airport — is typically 12–24 hours for most UK destinations. Our birds are conditioned for travel and show minimal stress. We monitor welfare throughout and the freight forwarder maintains contact with us during transit.
Browse our available birds or contact us to discuss what would suit your household best.