OK, now this is a stupid question. First, I have never to date purchased a bird (or any other kind of pet, for that matter) so it goes against my instincts somewhat to consider purchasing one (jury is out on that!) but I have a question...

I have imported dogs and horses from abroad.. but is it possible to ship a bird (more specifically a qp) from say, USA to Canada? Is there quarentine required, vet certificates etc etc? I am very seriously considering actually on purpose acquiring a qp. So, what I am thinking- is, would it be possible to rescue one from one of those nasty states that outlaws them (and thus prevent a bird from being nuked)? Can birds generally fly safely (I guess those wild caught exotics must have come by commercial airline at some point, no?).

IF, I found the right bird somehow- would geography be a limitation? No disrespect meant to breeders here, btw- I know you must do your best to find responsible and loving homes and that you care deeply for your fids just because you are here. That is why it is only somewhat against my instincts and why I prefer to find a bird who needs to be re-homed. But I am not closed off entirely to a baby, I just figure- I will ask the question about shipping and then let the universe bring me what is meant to be.

I have another stupid question... with all the problems of lost birds etc etc... is there some reason I haven't heard of the microchipping program we have for the furbabies being common with the fids? Is there some reason with todays microtechnology that this is not routinely done (or is it done elsewhere, just not in Canada??) I haven't heard of it, but would support it if its not contra-indicated. (Those anti-qp states might too???). I know there is different companies offering them, and that there is no universal chip reader- but would vets/shelters not routinely swipe every animal that came in- cat, dog, bird etc etc? Do bird owners not do this for some reason routinely? Are the chips not good for the birds somehow?

I am still recovering from turkey day here yesterday... so my brain is worn right out and Im having strange thoughts!

Anyone know anything about these things?

Thanks!



J

You could but it would require a lot of paperwork and perhaps even a quarantine period. Most parrots fall under CITES and you would have to follow the regulations to import.

First off there is no such thing as a stupid question...

YES, you can import birds from the US however, it is a lot of work and you are only allowed to import 1 bird per year, as I understand it. But the kicker is that you supposed to be a breeder in order to do it.

The bird has to go through a Vet check prior to go to Canada or entering the US. And then is still has to go through quarantine for 30 days at your expense. And from what I understand, it isn't cheap.

You might contact your nearest border crossing and ask for particulars. You might also contact your agricultuarl department as well as your wildlife dept to see if they can help shed some light on the particulars.

As far as micro chipping, I have several of my birds microchipped. The vet that did my birds doesn't like to do them on anything much smaller than a quaker because the needle they use is a large guage and so inserting it under the tissue on the breast of say a cockatiel or a parakeet(budgie) can cause problems. But yes, it is possible and it is a very good source for identification. It can't be removed by just anyone,as a leg band can. But it isn't as simple as doing it to any other animal such as a dog or cat who have a lot of loose skin.

Honestly, the paperwork involved is atrocious and basically, unless you can prove you have owned the bird for 6 months, then it is impossible to import a Quaker into Canada (for pet purposes). Breeders are given more leniency for importing birds into Canada from the US, so long as it's for breeding purposes and there are other requirements that need to be met.

As far as microchipping goes, yep, birds can be chipped too!! It's just not as common in the smaller species of birds, although I do know of some breeders who chip their Quakers, Green Cheek (and other small Conures) and Cockatiels. With the larger birds...macaws, toos, and greys...more and more breeders are moving towards microchipping instead of banding.

Great questions!!