wHITE HEADED NUNS...Miami ebayclassifieds

[Sally]

I used to always think it was near impossible for anyone other than a broker to get birds from Canada, and I still haven't a clue as to what is involved. There are certain brokers in Canada (Ponytail Joe for one) who do shipments to the U.S., but they all restrict it to large orders. I know there are fees involved, but don't know what, if any, quarantine procedures are in place. The group I worked with ordered 40 birds at a cost of over $5,000--this is the only way most of these brokers will ship to the U.S. There is another guy in Canada I had heard of, I think his name is Fleming or something close to that, but I heard he had an order minimum of $10,000. So unless you are a broker or can get a group together, this is not an option.

[CandoAviary]

Sally,
Is it possible to get some of these fourm members in your buying group ?

[Sally]

Candace, I would be willing to help anyone get some birds. My group was set up by another person, she did all the work and contacts, ordered, paid for the birds (and then we each paid her, once she figured out each person's share). I picked up the birds at the airport, took them to another person's house, where we all met to share out the birds. With the group all being local, that was it, everyone had their birds as soon as the shipment arrived, took them home, and put them into quarantine.

I heard about a group of NFSS members who got together and ordered a large number of birds from Canada. The members were from all over the country, so the birds were shipped to one person, who then kept the birds for a bit to get them over the stress, and then she reshipped the birds to each person. I did hear that some of the birds died while in her care (not saying it was her fault, it happens).

So it seems that the safest way to do it is if a group can be formed from one location, where everyone can get their birds right away with a minimum of stress. Plus reshipping would add to the cost. It probably wouldn't be practical for someone to order just one pair of birds and pay double shipping.

I had ordered 18 birds, and I did lose 2 of them, but it was several months after getting them, and I don't think anything to do with their health. Another person lost one bird. But any time shipping is involved, there is always that chance.

As far as I know, my group isn't planning to buy any time soon. I know I am about out of space and money! Of course, I can always find room for Strawberries or Grens, I don't really have to sleep in my bedroom. My neighbor teases that one day he will look out and see my bed set up in my carport!

And I should add that this was the first time I have done an order like this, I was terrified to commit that much money for birds I couldn't see. Though ours went very well, I recently spoke with someone who didn't have such a great experience and lost more birds than you would expect.

[CandoAviary]

Thanks Sally,
Maybe after I get a bit more organized with the shop and some serious spring cleaning at the crazy bird house, I will look into seeing who may want to do a shipment. Members in GA, FL, AL are all within say 6 hours driving time to me..... I have a great quarentine building... maybe in the future, someday. Thanks for the information, does make a lot more sense to do it more local and with people that understand that with importing, come risk...

[cindy]

Sally out of curiousity do you have to have them sent into a major airport like Tampa International Airport which is 20 minutes from me or have they be sent to smaller airports like St Pete/Clearwater?