New Bird Imports Into The U.S

[Sunbay]

I know of one breeder who specifically stopped with African species as he said it was just encouraging the illegal capture and selling of the birds.

Wouldn't the opposite be true? More breeders working with the species equals more captive bred birds for the market. Competition for the illegal trappers.

Have to agree with Wonder Wooer. I too, have moral issues with wild-caught species. But, if there are limited numbers of these rarer birds in the captive breeding population in the US - we NEED new bloodlines and the gene pool would benefit by new blood.

Maybe someday these will be common enough cage-bred pairs HERE in the States, that there won't be a need to have to get them from import vendors.

[Rox]

I totally agree that new blood is needed to keep the gene pool fresh. The problem here in SA, is 1) you have to pay for a permit to keep indigenous birds and 2) it can be a real pain in the neck to get the permit approved. That is why there is still the illegal trade. Lots of people want the birds but don't want to go through the effort and expense of getting the permit. If everyone was responsible bird keepers and breeders it would be a different story.

My CB's I bought on permit but the GB waxbills and RH finches I'm waiting to see if they breed before applying because it IS a pain to get the permit (I also blame my ignorance, as I happily just trusted the petshops when purchasing these birds). If I do get successful clutches, I will apply and then sell only on permit. The cost doesn't bother me, its the red tape that's the problem. Lots of people just ignore the permits completely and that encourages the illegal trade. The other problem is that there is no one to enforce the law here, so it can be a free for all.

[Sunbay]

Btw, these birds, at least the Purple Grenadiers, won't be out of quarantine and available to ship until at least Oct. 1.

And, shipping is a bear - at least $200 to air-ship.



Lauren

[nixity]

$200?

The last time I shipped birds to a customer through United it was $93.

[Sally]

That must be Delta, I heard it was about $160 on Delta. United is still keeping their charges reasonable for shipping, less than $100. $450 for the Grens may not be much for some, but previous prices for Grens were about $300 a pair, more in line with what someone on a retired, fixed income can afford. And it is hard to justify spending that kind of money with the poor breeding record I've had with this species--2 babies made it to adulthood in three years of breeding.

[Pukasand]

Just hearing that Strawberries may be available, I get sick to my stomach with anticipation.

[Sunbay]

$200?

The last time I shipped birds to a customer through United it was $93.

From the BE site:


Estimate Shipping Costs
Airlines
Quantity
Western and Central Region
Eastern Region
Delta
1 to 300 Finches
$155.00 + $20.00 Box Charge
$175.00 + $20.00 Box Charge
Alaska
1 to 300 Finches
$165.00 + $20.00 Box Charge
$175.00 + $20.00 Box Charge
American
1 to 300 Finches
$205.00 + $20.00 Box Charge
$205.00 + $20.00 Box Charge

[608duj]

Regarding shipping costs : I just placed an order with BirdProducts. ( Black-Faced Fires and Masked Grassfinches ). Shipping cost for up to 20 finches from AZ to WI is 120. using United.

[Sally]

I'm surprised that Birds Express doesn't use United, they have a huge presence in Los Angeles. Of course, they don't fly everywhere, so there are some buyers who would have to use one of the more expensive airlines, but I would certainly go for United if possible, they have an excellent pet care program.

[Sally]

For those who have always wanted Strawberries, this may be your big chance. There are several vendors who are offering them at around $250 to $280 a pair, which is a decent price. If you can only get or want one pair, you can always swap out the babies with other breeders. If enough people work with this latest opportunity, Strawberries should be available to all before too long. It would be important to closed-band any babies, most breeders are reluctant to swap/buy unbanded birds, due to so many older birds being passed off as proven breeders. For more information, PM me.

[waxbill lover]

Sally
I find the strawberry situation totally frustrating. I am happy for all the people on the forum who will get the opportunity to get these birds to work with in the United States...
However...these birds were flown TO Canada, and then brokers in the US snatch up all the birds that were destined for Canadian sales. It is SO depressing!
The only broker/wholesale supplier of birds (BirdsExpress) that will actually ship birds to Canada (for a $350 documentation fee!) doesn't even have strawberries for sale at this point.
I was in touch with Fardad about this shipment, and he advised there wasn't even supposed to BE any Strawberries in this order, however last minute they piled them in, and the person/broker with the deepest pockets gets the huge shipment of "Assorted birds"... alot of times these brokers have no idea how rare some of these birds actually are.
Anyways, thats my rant for now about this...

[Sally]

Brady, I can certainly understand your frustration, I would feel the same way if a huge shipment came to the U.S., only to be sent to Canada, without us getting a chance at them. And it must be the Canadian brokers that are selling these birds to the U.S. brokers, instead of offering them to Canadian customers--that really sucks. I don't even understand how there can be large quantities of Strawberries anyway, since they aren't supposed to be coming out of Asia. Makes you wonder where these birds are coming from, especially since most of the birds in this shipment are from Africa! And I am very surprised that other vendors have them but not Birds Express.

We'll see how many birds actually wind up coming out of quarantine, I'm hearing depressing news on the Purple Grenadiers.

[608duj]

Another concern as I see it, is that these birds just coming out of quarantine in Canada are shipped to brokers in US next week and then immediately shipped out again to waiting buyers in the US. Pretty tough on a wee finch.

[wellingtoncdm]

Who should Florida members contact for some of these birds?

[Sunbay]

And then WE put them in quarantine - treating with all sorts of dewormers and mite, etc meds.

Next time I get some in, I am just going to give them a week to 'Chill out' in a large flight with good food and some peace and quiet before I start the routine.

Poor birdies.