Calling for Mannikins Munias and Nuns!

[Stuart whiting]

Neighbor Boy Just FYI, importing birds is a challenge in itself. It isn't just the cost of shipping, the birds have to go into a quarantine station for 30 days. You have to pay the daily rate for keeping the birds in quarantine, plus you almost have to have a broker to do all the paperwork needed, plus pick up the birds on arrival, take them to the quarantine station, etc. It is such a hassle/expense that only brokers who deal in large numbers undertake importing. To top it all off, you wouldn't be allowed to import from Indonesia (once again, bird flu raises its ugly head). Sigh, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but didn't want you to get your hopes up too high.

Exactly what I was thinking but didn't want to be the bearer of bad news,

As you rightly say Sally there's a lot involved in importing / exporting birds and birds the size of finches I've noticed that many don't make it,

I know this first hand experience as I knew a freind many years ago who was one of the biggest importers of foreign birds here in the uk, before the import ban and I can onestly remember hearing the casualties of birds that never made it and some where large birds let alone small, finches.

In my mind the movement and shipment of such small birds really isn't worth the hassle,

you'd need a lot of birds to be sent to realistically have any real chance of survivors

[Sally]

w.l. You are right about the Strawberries. They were supposedly all captive-bred, which still shouldn't have made a difference, if they were concerned about bird flu. The games governments play!

[Neighbor Boy]

Sally w.l.
Thank you both for giving me this information. I think part of me expected that this was the case but I can't say I'm not disappointed. So typical of me to be just starting off with something and already want what's almost impossible to have.
No, I know I won't be upset ending up with something more common and easy to find as my first bird friends. I may end up with the Spices, although I'm also attracted to Cutthroats. They'd have to be the only species in my cage and I'd only get two... anyway, I'll figure it out. Maybe eventually I'll end up with a few of my dreams, I won't give up. Thank you both for your help.

Anyway, should any Asian birds find their way into the US somehow, ideally they should go to breeders rather than end their days as solo pets without offspring.

This was something I was worried about and part of why it might be better I get something more common. I don't want to take specimens out of the breeding pool that would otherwise be producing more birds.
And I definitely think you should find a way to send over some White-headed nuns! Although my search for my other species has come up lacking, I've found literally no trace of these anywhere I've looked. I bet there are only a few in the U.S.. It seems like there are a ton over there so I'm sure you could find some U.S. breeders who would be interested if you send some over.

[Sally]

I know someone who is working with White-headed Nuns, but they aren't selling, or if they do, it would be to a breeder (and I know they have turned down LARGE amounts of money!). Perhaps one day this species will be available again. There are a few working with Chestnut-breasted Mannikins.

[w.l.]

Neighbor_Boy

Cut-throats are quite unlike munias. They are much tamer, less wary of people, but also pushy and can be aggressive towards other birds. They are not ideal for a mixed collection, and if kept in a pair with a chance to nest, they may give you lots of frustration or heart-break by failing to raise their hatchlings.

The Spice would be a sound choice, and I am pretty sure you can eventually find Chestnut-breasted and Tricolors somewhere.

I had already told you I couldn't send birds from here.
I also told you the only relatively easy way I know of to get some over there - discuss the next big holiday's plans with your loved ones!

[w.l.]

w.l. You are right about the Strawberries. They were supposedly all captive-bred

I am pretty sure "supposedly" is the key word here!
So there may be a hope of similarly supposedly captive-bred munias also making it in one day, though as they are less pretty and popular than strawberries, traders may not bother.

[Stuart whiting]

Neighbor_Boy

Cut-throats are quite unlike munias. They are much tamer, less wary of people, but also pushy and can be aggressive towards other birds. They are not ideal for a mixed collection, and if kept in a pair with a chance to nest, they may give you lots of frustration or heart-break by failing to raise their hatchlings.

The Spice would be a sound choice, and I am pretty sure you can eventually find Chestnut-breasted and Tricolors somewhere.

I had already told you I couldn't send birds from here.
I also told you the only relatively easy way I know of to get some over there - discuss the next big holiday's plans with your loved ones!

Yep have to say that I totally agree