In search of Java Rice Finch

[tam]

I would like to know where I can buy some java rice finches. I think their is a exotic bird show coming up in jackson,TN in the end of february, has anyone been to that fair and is so do you know if they would have java rice finches for sale? - thanks tam

[cindy]

Javas by law (Lacey Act) are illegal to transfer, ship across state lines, they must remain and be sold and bought within the state they currently reside in. If answering or soliciting java from people out of state please be warned a few breeders buyers have been "set up" to catch (by Fish and Wildlife) the illegal shipment or agreement to purchase out of the state the birds are currently in. You may want to start looking in your own state first. If I come across a Mississippi breeder I can let you know.

[tam]

Thank you for the info on the lacey act and if you should happen to know someone (java rice breeder) in mississippi please let me know. Is the lacey act referring to all finches/birds or just java rice?

[Sally]

tam In this case, it is just Java Rice finches. All other species of finches that are available in the U.S. are fine to ship anywhere.

[Sojourner]

Sally

cindy

OMG, why is that? My mother raised these decades ago - I'm pretty sure her starting stock at that time were all wild-caught birds.

Why just Java finches? That just seems like a nightmare as far as genetics!

[Sheather]

It's a law, but it's one that's very hard to enforce. Nobody is going to stop you between states to check your car for Java finches (with the possible exception of California). I imagine a lot of Javas still move between states.

[Sally]

Sojourner

Java Rice finches are considered an agriculture pest, and that is the reason that they are restricted. Some states don't allow possession of these birds at all (California is one that I know of for sure).

The National Finch and Softbill Society will be working with the American Federation of Aviculture to try to get these laws changed to allow interstate shipment of these birds. If any of you are NFSS members, you can contact Roland Cristo to help with a committee he is forming.

Dylan, I have no doubt that birds are moving interstate, either in private cars or even in USPS or airline shipments. After all, most shipments are never checked at all. However, it is a risk to attempt this, as I'm sure there are hefty fines if caught.

[Sojourner]

Sally

Well that leaves me conflicted. I love those birds, but I also fully well recognize the dangers of introducing foreign species. I HATE the English House Sparrow, LOL!

I know none of *MY* birds would get out and infest the countryside, but I recognize this can't be said of every bird owner by a long shot.

Wow. That's a real disconnect. On the one hand, breed them to continue the species in captivity. On the other, don't perpetuate invasive species - and an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure in these types of situations.

I guess I have to be concerned (among other things) about how adaptable they are, and which geographical areas they are most and least likely to survive on their own.