Finch Imports -- When They Stop

[annague]

Thanks for the reality check, Ladies. I AM inexperienced in this stuff -- just starting my 3rd year actually.

But -- I think the basic premise is sound. And when I spoke of choosing ONE species I was just talking about the average hobbyist that may not have a lot of room but who is willing to volunteer to help in whatever way they could. For instance, I have a lot of birds (about 60) but of the Africans --- which are the ones people say will not be imported for much longer -- I only have the cordon's in any quantity. So... that is a species it would be logical for me to choose to help with.

Others, like Jan, etc. probably can and will handle several of the "at-risk" species with no problems!

I mean it COULD be organized through the FF for those who can commit, meet the guidelines that are established and WANT to participate (if we had some of the most knowledgeable people step up as leaders) right?

[Sally]

Anna, the FinchSave program with NFSS is pretty much set up to do what you would like. It is just getting off the ground and needs much more participation, but they will be setting up Species Coordinators to coordinate various species, help breeders get in contact with other breeders, etc. There is a database for breeders to enter all their breeding pairs, their clutches, etc.

If you are interested in working with an African species, I would say definitely go with a species that really intrigues you. The Cordon Bleus are on the way to being domesticated, but it will take many generations still, so if that is the species you have and enjoy, there is nothing wrong with working with them. There is already a Species Coordinator for Uraeginthus species, that is Vonda Zwick. You must be a member of NFSS to join in this program.

The secret is participation--no program will work if people don't participate. NFSS is involved with U.S. and Canadian breeders, whereas the Finch Forum is aimed at the entire world.

[annague]

Thanks Sally. I am already an NFSS member (brand-new) and I will see what I can find out...

[Brant's_Finches]

I hope to get more involved in african species, especially the waxbills. In the future I plan on concentrating on waxbills, and mannikins. Those are my two favorite groups. I would like to hope that I can contribute in that regards.

[MLaRue]

Amen Candace.... I think it all comes down to ego's.. I belong to five bird clubs (3 within Texas) and they will not coordinate any efforts among themselves, it's all a competition... I have been a member of NFSS for many years, admire much of what they have done but have also seen some of that behavior of small sub groups within that organization.. I guess it's human nature, I catch myself getting caught up in it to from time to time.. It is one of the things I really admire about this site, the level of sharing & support is amazing.. IMO, it will come down to groups like this to continue the propagation of many of the species in captivity.

Very well said and it will depend on us to make a difference. It is almost like we need to form the groups once people have decided on what species they want to work with - and commit to a certain amount of that species.

See the NFSS has formed certain yahoo groups that are for specific species but just being part of that group because you have 2 or 3 pairs is not going to make a difference.

[MLaRue]

Anna, the FinchSave program with NFSS is pretty much set up to do what you would like. It is just getting off the ground and needs much more participation, but they will be setting up Species Coordinators to coordinate various species, help breeders get in contact with other breeders, etc. There is a database for breeders to enter all their breeding pairs, their clutches, etc.

If you are interested in working with an African species, I would say definitely go with a species that really intrigues you. The Cordon Bleus are on the way to being domesticated, but it will take many generations still, so if that is the species you have and enjoy, there is nothing wrong with working with them. There is already a Species Coordinator for Uraeginthus species, that is Vonda Zwick. You must be a member of NFSS to join in this program.

The secret is participation--no program will work if people don't participate. NFSS is involved with U.S. and Canadian breeders, whereas the Finch Forum is aimed at the entire world.

But as noted by Candace - the NFSS doesn't really help get us any new bloodlines from Canada. I think the NFSS is very much a society within a society.

For example - try to get a show quality Zebra from any NFSS members. Do you ever see anyone trying to sell Zebras on NFSS yahoo group - ever? And if you do - notice they never ship...

[annague]

Well it sounds like the NFSS is like any company -- lots of politics and egos competing for their own benefit over any nobler purpose.

Maybe when enough caring people decide that the welfare of these wonderful finch species that we have all come to know and love supersedes any personal gain there will be a concerted grassroots effort that we can join.

[Jan]

"In Canada if you are really dedicated, all you can do is research on your own and create relations with other breeders on your own; there are no other ways".

It's really no different in the U.S. .. It's up to individuals and their desire to make it happen..

[MLaRue]

But is it worth mentioning that we know for fact that somehow birds seem to trickle in around the Midwest into the shows? How does someone from Canada bring birds over into the US for shows???

Who is making sure all those birds go right back? How are they getting into the US to begin with without all the red sticky tape we would have to go thru to get birds shipped to us from Canada??

I'm not trying to be ugly - just doesn't add up... but we know it happens at these NFSS shows.

[MLaRue]

But is it worth mentioning that we know for fact that somehow birds seem to trickle in around the Midwest into the shows? How does someone from Canada bring birds over into the US for shows???

Who is making sure all those birds go right back? How are they getting into the US to begin with without all the red sticky tape we would have to go thru to get birds shipped to us from Canada??

I'm not trying to be ugly - just doesn't add up... but we know it happens at these NFSS shows.

Any person can cross the USA border with birds as long as the birds have a CHC. The breeder must sign a declaration (FWS) at the border stating that he/she will return the birds back to Canada on a certain date. If a bird is lost/missing he/she will have to provide evidence, ex. A dead bird must be returned dead, if the bird flies away there has to be witness testimonies written and signed with their contact info provided (at least 3 individuals).

Then perhaps they just swap them out and return with different birds? Because we know many stay which is where certain breeders get the new Canadian bloodlines all the time... without having to go thru all the red tape and expense most would.

[flrancho]

I'd thought I'd already read something about them stopping imports on some species. I don't remember all of them, though do remember Pin-tailed Whydahs being named, as well as several others that I do not remember right now.

The Whydahs stood out to me as I have a pair myself, but they've never bred due to my inability to find anyone selling St. Helena's Waxbills. I'd really like to find a pair and start breeding Whydahs, especially if this import ban on them is something that will or already has taken place, as I think they're a gorgeous species. I just don't see how I could keep more than one breeding pair though, seeing as how aggressive they're supposed to get.

[cindy]

For St Helenas...go to the Orlando show in April, I got mine from a breeder/broker there. When I call to see if he brought more owls in, I will check on St Helenas for you and get back to you.