Parrots in California?! PLEASE ANSWER!

PenguinAndPickles

New member
Feb 6, 2013
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Parrots
6 year old quaker named Penguin
One year old green cheek conure/sun conure hybrid
I am possibly moving to California. I am freaking out. I have a quaker parrot and sun conure/green cheek conure parrot and I know quakers are illegal! Some one please tell me conures arn't too! I don't know what to do. I love my quaker to pieces and cannot imagine having to part with him! Has anyone lived in Cali with a quaker? Conures arn't illegal right? What will happen if I do take him? Please answer. I having been crying for days trying to find some exception or rule that says I can take him. PLEASE ANSWER!!!!!!!
 

ParkersMom

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Nashville TN
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Juno Female BH Caique Hatched 6-3-2013
i would just take them with you...I really don't think that anyone will mess with you about it unless you cause attention to be drawn to yourself...
 

Featheredsamurai

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Aug 24, 2011
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African Greg
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Conures are legal, but if I was in your place I would just take the Quaker too. When you get to CA their will be a booth you have to go through, just put your Quaker out of sight when you are at that section and be on your way. And don't act suspicious, just be calm and carry on.

Once you are in CA no one is going to bother you unless you are flaunting your Quaker
 

crimson

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Unfortunately, the news doesn't sound good. I researched it and this is what I found about Quakers, conures ARE allowed.


Quaker parrots are illegal to own or to sell in California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wyoming. In Connecticut, quakers are legal to own, but you can’t sell or breed them. New York and Virginia residents are allowed to own quakers, but they must register with the state.

The reason so many states prohibit people from owning quakers is because “the birds have been deemed as agricultural pests and those states don’t want pet quakers coming into their borders, possibly getting loose, banding together and threatening the native species in the local environments,” Brosell explained.

What if you’re moving across country with a quaker parrot to a state that allows the birds, but you’ve got to pass through some states along the way that prohibit quakers? “Some states may allow an ‘outlawed parrot’ to be transported through the state as long as it remains in transit and is out of the state with in a short time frame — something like 48 hours. Other states prohibit any entrance of the parrots they feel can create a nuisance and travelers must circumnavigate the state if they are traveling with the suspect parrots,” Brosell said.

Research ahead of time what states are and aren’t “safe” to pass through with your quaker (contact the state veterinarian for each state on your planned route to find out what their policies are regarding quaker parrots), so that you will know if you need to make a detour to another state along the way. To locate a particular state veterinarian office, call 1-800-545-USDA and press option “2,” or visit the USDA Web site at USDA - APHIS, and click on the appropriate state.
 

Zazoothehahns

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Apr 5, 2013
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Conures are legal, but if I was in your place I would just take the Quaker too. When you get to CA their will be a booth you have to go through, just put your Quaker out of sight when you are at that section and be on your way. And don't act suspicious, just be calm and carry on.

Once you are in CA no one is going to bother you unless you are flaunting your Quaker

I agree with this, but what do you mean by there will be a booth you must go through? California is a big state with a lot of miles bordering it's nearby states, how can every state road be set up in this manor?
 

weco

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Nov 24, 2010
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New Mexico, Arizona & California have agricultural ports of entry, as does Florida, on all interstate & many heavily traveled local routes.....

If you are stopped at a port of entry, are asked if you are carrying any livestock (animals, birds, etc) or plants, tell them no & are found to be carrying livestock and/or plants, the animals & plants are subject to confiscation, you end up with a hefty fine & if the animal is a banned specie, the animal is subject to euthanasia.....I have seen people completely unloading packed Suburbans, trailers & other vehicles, because the officer didn't like their responses for whatever reason, so you might want to think twice about lying at a port of entry.....

Because of all the drugs that travel those highways, anything that might look out of the ordinary could pique an officer's interest...even driving down the highway.....

Oh, check current requirements for Arizona & New Mexico...I think one of them requires a current (withing last 30 days) health certificate.....
 

MikeyTN

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Feb 1, 2011
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Some of the states do require a health certificate like weco says. There are some states that prohibits certain Conures such as my state prohibits Nanday Conures.
 

JadeC

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Apr 27, 2013
310
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Seattle, WA
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White bellied caique
I left my Quaker in TX with my mom when I moved to CA, but I should have just took him with me. :( I've been in and out of CA a lot and there is a booth any way you come in. They ask if you have any fruits, veggies, poultry, ECT... Just tell them you have conures but hide the Quaker. They looked in my backseat with my dog and cat, but didn't say anything about the bird or fish. They usually just usher you through. I've had apples and those aren't even supposed to cross into CA. You'll be fine. :) CA is a chill state and I've never heard of anyone losing their Quaker. You probably shouldn't take him outside in public while you live there though.

Hope this helps! :)
 

Oedipussrex

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Jun 3, 2012
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Australia
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Charlie - Galah
I understand and empathise where you are all coming from. But i disagree with some of the suggestions on this thread extremely strongly and at a fundamental level, if the information provided is correct.

Rules like that exist for a reason, and not just because of pushy farmers. Invasive bird species, who can fly and obviously don't heed borders when they do; can still be controlled but it requires the whole system to work together. Individually you can justify that he is not much of a risk - you will probably keep him safe with you until the end of his days. But consider, how many people shared this opinion out of this proportionately small sample of the population on this one thread, and apply that to the whole population. How many other people may already justify their actions in a similar manner? and it is then that the threat becomes more real to the environment. Most invasive species across the globe were not put where they are deliberately, and it is near impossible to remove some of them. - As well as this, i refuse to encourage you to risk getting your bird confiscated and (apparently) at risk of euthanasia.

Cant you see if you can leave the quaker with a family member or close friend, or even a trusted bird person. And perhaps one day you will be able to move back and meet him again?
I am very sorry for the position you and your fids have been put in.
 
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MonicaMc

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Sep 12, 2012
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Of all parrots, only the quaker is illegal in California.

I used to live in California and had to travel to the bordering state of Nevada (that I now live in...) to go shopping for food. I don't know what, if anything, we brought in that could have been dangerous (never heard apples being on the list!), but the people at the border would let us through. We lived in a small town (population 90!) so we didn't have a grocery store. Sure, we had a convenience store, but that's no grocery store! The local towns and cities? Same deal. We had to travel ~30 miles to get to the closest grocery store to shop for food. Well, 30 miles east or west, but it always made more sense to go east! Small city that's likely to be expensive and not have a lot of options to the west, or two good sized cities to the east with plenty of places to shop at? Choice is simple!

I also occasionally traveled with my grandmother (and mother, at times) on the mail route. Mail was picked up out of state (NV) then delivered to various towns and small cities in state (CA).


In short, I went through the border station quite frequently! I rarely ever saw someone get pulled over, too.


I also know some roads that don't have these inspection stations, or I know of a road that could get around one.



Having said all this, I still don't recommend bringing a quaker into the state of California. What happens if your bird gets sick or injured and you have to take the bird to an avian vet? The avian vet would have to report you for having an illegal species and euthanize the bird. Is it worth it to take that chance? Is it seriously worth it to put your pets life at risk like that knowing you could have found a home for him/her instead in another state where they wouldn't be a problem?????



Sorry, but I strongly disagree with those that say to take your quaker with you! It is not worth it if something were to ever happen to your bird!
 

baron1282

New member
Oct 20, 2012
346
2
If you want to keep your bird, call the state ahead of time and see if there is any exception you might be able to get. I am sure in California there will be NO exceptions! But it's not going to hurt to try.

I know in Ohio you can keep the bird as long as the wings are clipped. Yet, I don't think you will be able to find a way around the issue with California.

Personally I would like to see a real study done that shows this bird is a real evasive specie that is harming corps, because I can't find one. It's stupid, but it's the law. Again maybe you can get some papers or pay something to get permission to keep the bird. It might be expansive, but even thou they say "No Exceptions", I have come to find that money talks and you might be able to get a permit.

I would leave the bird within a good home you choose for it. Give the bird up for free, to a family member or someone that you know will give it a good home and the attention it needs.

I use to live in California and I would NEVER GO BACK!! Full of nut cases that want to control everyone lives. Just like I wouldn't live in New York! If you don't have to move, I would suggest staying FAR away from CA as possible! The state is gorgeous, but the laws and cost of living make it not worth living there. A state to visit and that's about it!

Also the Quaker has established many feral colonies, and no data on their evasiveness has ever been shown. To my knowledge anyway. Again at least try to get an exception if you have to move there, it's not going to hurt to try. If you can't than do your bird a favor and give it up to a loving caring home!!
 

baron1282

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Oct 20, 2012
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PenguinAndPickles

Here is a Number to the California Department of Wildlife, Banned Species and Protected Species office.

1-(916)-928-2537
Ask for Cathay!

I was not able to talk to her, as I got her message machine. I just was trying to get the number for you! Good Luck! Let us know how it goes!! You might be able to get a permit, but I wouldn't get your hopes up!
 

legal_eagle

Banned
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Feb 28, 2013
305
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Green Cheek Conure Pee-Wee
As a native Californian, I have to agree with the last two posts prior to baron1282. Welcome to California ... but please obey our laws! I don't know what the penalty is for violating this particular law, but do you really want to take that chance? Not only for yourself, but for your quaker, which might be confiscated and "put down" by animal control?
 
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MonicaMc

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baron, as far as I know, quakers really aren't that invasive... they don't take over the nesting cavities of native birds, in fact they build their own nests! Escaped parrots also aren't eating too much of what the native birds may be eating because we humans have imported a lot of 'exotic' plants and trees, so there are parrots out there that have access to foods that the native wildlife are not accustomed to eating! IMO, the bans are ridiculous and stupid! I understand the reasons for them, but it doesn't make sense in many cases. Granted, parrots can be agricultural pests to farmers, so there is some concern there... thinking about apple orchards or grain fields in particular. It's one reason why the Carolina Conure (Parakeet) went extinct.



As far as I know, there are no exceptions or grandfather clauses in allowing quakers into California legally. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I would seriously doubt that an exception would be made.
 

Mare Miller

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sierra foothills of central California
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we call him Amigo!

7yr. old Goffin cockatoo, she IS Sassy!!
There are wild flocks of parrots in California. San Fran and San Diego are example cities. These originated here from pet birds that got loose and have been around for many years. They aren't Quakers but they are also not indigenous.
I free fly a male U2 and had thought about bringing in a companion for him and BOY did I get the negative responses about being irresponsible, not obeying laws, what ifs and what about thats. I would bring my bird with me, no matter where I moved to. If it is family to you, bring it.
 

MonicaMc

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Sep 12, 2012
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Some of the wild flocks also started from imported wild parrots that escaped at the airports. In fact, many states that have/had import stations have flocks of wild parrots! The flocks of parrots in California include conures, indian ringnecks, canary winged parakeets and amazons.

There are several flocks of quakers and other species of parrots around the USA, ranging from lovebirds on up to macaws. Most of these flocks probably originated from escaped wild caught parrots, and new parrots are added to the group when a natural disaster occurs (i.e. a hurricane that would destroy outside aviaries, and if the birds are lucky enough to survive, may find a local flock to join) or when parrots escape/are let loose by their owners.


I still don't find this a legitimate reason to bring in an illegal pet for the owners happiness, if it might mean the death of the bird in the future. The choice should be to either to rehome the bird or to not move to California. I feel as if this may be an even harder choice for the OP because they may not have any say about the move and would be forced to rehome their quaker.
 

baron1282

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Oct 20, 2012
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As a native Californian, I have to agree with the last two posts prior to baron1282. Welcome to California ... but please obey our laws! I don't know what the penalty is for violating this particular law, but do you really want to take that chance? Not only for yourself, but for your quaker, which might be confiscated and "put down" by animal control?

I was born in San Diego California at Kaiser hospital. I would say that makes me a native. I live in Indiana now, and after living in a state that almost allows anything you want to do without hardly any restrictions when it comes to pets, guns, and what I can do with my land. I would have to say, I could not live back in California! Plus 30 grand a year here in Indiana is living well! 30 grand in California and I would still be in the poor house. :p

My friend has a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment in Santee and pays 2 grand for it a month! I was paying $750 for a 3 bedroom 3 bathroom townhouse in Indianapolis! So yea, price of living is out of hand in CA!!

I am not saying it's a horrible state, I am just saying if you ever moved out to a better state, you will be saying the same thing.

Good luck to the OP!! I really hope you can use that number to your advantage and get a permit! If a zoo can get a permit maybe you can. I hope it all works out for you!!
 

legal_eagle

Banned
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Feb 28, 2013
305
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Parrots
Green Cheek Conure Pee-Wee
As a native Californian, I have to agree with the last two posts prior to baron1282. Welcome to California ... but please obey our laws! I don't know what the penalty is for violating this particular law, but do you really want to take that chance? Not only for yourself, but for your quaker, which might be confiscated and "put down" by animal control?

I was born in San Diego California at Kaiser hospital. I would say that makes me a native. I live in Indiana now, and after living in a state that almost allows anything you want to do without hardly any restrictions when it comes to pets, guns, and what I can do with my land. I would have to say, I could not live back in California! Plus 30 grand a year here in Indiana is living well! 30 grand in California and I would still be in the poor house. :p

My friend has a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment in Santee and pays 2 grand for it a month! I was paying $750 for a 3 bedroom 3 bathroom townhouse in Indianapolis! So yea, price of living is out of hand in CA!!

I am not saying it's a horrible state, I am just saying if you ever moved out to a better state, you will be saying the same thing.

Good luck to the OP!! I really hope you can use that number to your advantage and get a permit! If a zoo can get a permit maybe you can. I hope it all works out for you!!

Sounds like you made a great move for yourself! One of the blessings we have as Americans is a huge variety of places to call home. I admit it is very expensive to live in California (and particularly in SF), but I think the rule about getting what you pay for applies. In any case, I think it's a bad idea (and not being a good citizen) for someone to decide knowingly to break the law. I would think the bird would be lost if the OP were caught with contraband.
 

Mare Miller

Banned
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sierra foothills of central California
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13yr. old male umbrella cockatoo,
we call him Amigo!

7yr. old Goffin cockatoo, she IS Sassy!!
I travel to Mexico and back, frequently. I checked into bringing my U2 with me with USDA, I was looking into how to do this, legally. Mexico has no ban or problem with this but to bring my bird back would cost me over $200 just so's a USDA agent could come meet me at the border to check my paperwork. I understand why the law is there but I also think it has a lot to do with money. :(
 

MonicaMc

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Wild Caught ARN - Sylphie 2013
There are a lot of parrots and other animals being smuggled from Mexico to the USA. The paperwork is to prove that you have a captive raised animal and that should also include fees saying that the bird is healthy and not sick.

Antiques, Furniture, and?Parrots? Why Animals Don?t Belong at Swap Meets
Dickinson Bill to Restrict the Sale of Animals at Swap Meets and Flea Markets Advances to State Senate - AD07 - Assemblymember Roger Dickinson Representing the 7th California Assembly District
The concrete jungle - Malibu Times: News


Thursday, May 23 2013

Dickinson Bill to Restrict the Sale of Animals at Swap Meets and Flea Markets Advances to State Senate

A recent estimate suggests that anywhere from 3,000 to 9,400 parrots are smuggled from Mexico into the United States annually. In addition to conservation and animal welfare concerns, this trade has the potential to introduce parasites and diseases that may be transmitted to people, wildlife, and domestic livestock. Eradication costs associated with exotic poultry disease outbreaks in the United States typically cost about $1 million per day of the outbreak.
 

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