How are birds Shipped today in 2016 ?

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JerseyGuy
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How are birds Shipped today in 2016 ?

Post by JerseyGuy » Sun Jun 19, 2016 4:55 pm

I have read all previous threads on this topic. However, the threads are not current, so as a new wanna-be Gouldian finch owner, I would like to know if any Member is aware of the current standards
and practices regarding shipping birds in the USA. Can Finches be Shipped to a Customer ?
Thank you all in advance for your assistance with this.
Patrick

1 Male Gouldian finch, 1 Senegal Parrot, 1 English Bulldog and 1 Chiweenie.

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Sally
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Re: How are birds Shipped today in 2016 ?

Post by Sally » Sun Jun 19, 2016 5:43 pm

I have had quite a few birds shipped to me. Since I have mostly African waxbills, I prefer airline shipping, and I find United to be very good with the best prices. With airline shipping, you have the birds the same day. It is currently still illegal to ship finches via USPS, though many still use this means of shipment. It all depends on your local post office, as many if not most either are not aware of the rules or choose to ignore them. With USPS, it takes several days to get the birds. About 6 months ago, I had some birds shipped to me USPS, and my local post office called me when they arrived so that I could pick them up right away.
3 Purple Grenadiers, 1 Goldbreast + 1 cat.

National Finch & Softbill Society - http://www.nfss.org

JerseyGuy
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Re: How are birds Shipped today in 2016 ?

Post by JerseyGuy » Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:08 pm

So, then the birds would arrive at an Airport I assume ? and you would have to go to the airport to pick them up ? Correct ?
Patrick

1 Male Gouldian finch, 1 Senegal Parrot, 1 English Bulldog and 1 Chiweenie.

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Sally
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Re: How are birds Shipped today in 2016 ?

Post by Sally » Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:22 pm

Yes, when you ship via airlines, the seller books a reservation on the airlines and then sends you the information on flight, arrival time, air waybill number, etc. Birds aren't usually ready for pick up till at least 30 minutes after arrival. Each airport has different procedures, with some you pick up the birds at the cargo facility, and with some you pick up the birds at the terminal counter.

When you go to the airport, you will need a picture I.D. Also, I always take a very small flashlight, as I try to check inside the shipping container to make sure the birds are at least alive before I would leave the airport. You would want to file a claim immediately at the airport if you did see a dead bird (I've picked up many shipments and never had a dead bird yet). So it's just a precaution, but you wouldn't want to get home, find a dead bird, and then be told by the airline that it is too late to file a claim.

One supplement that I like to keep on hand is called NV powder, it is an electrolyte solution. Morning Bird also makes a similar product called Vitalize. When I have birds shipped in, I will give them NV powder in their drinking water for about 5 days. It helps get them over the stress of shipping.

https://ladygouldian.com/NV-Powder
https://ladygouldian.com/Morning-Bird-Vitalize
3 Purple Grenadiers, 1 Goldbreast + 1 cat.

National Finch & Softbill Society - http://www.nfss.org

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