Cockatoo with no band/microchip. Help!

[Shellybelly]

Hello everybirdy❤

I have a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Shelly, and we live in Lebanon. I’m getting married in December and I’ll be moving to Switzerland. Undoubtedly, I want to take my lovely Shelly with me. I’ve had him for about a year and a half, but he was brought to me with no ring band on his foot, barely tamed. After some hard work and training, he is no longer afraid of me, loves to cuddle, has a healthy lifestyle, and is happy.

After researching online, I found out that he should either have a ring band or a microchip in order for me to bring him to Switzerland with me. But I don’t know how to do that. The vets here are not that reliable, and I don’t know if it’s possible to put a ring band on him now. I don’t have any DNA test for him, nor any papers. I was just told that he is 5 years old. What can I do? I would never leave him here, he’s my son! Please help

 

[sunshine.within]

I would contact the Swiss embassy and ask for specific requirements regarding entering the country with an exotic bird. Then I would contact the airlines and possibly pay the airport a visit in order to acquire information on how exotic animals are handled and what airlines allow them on board. If there are no reliable vets nearby I would consider driving to the best option, even if it meant driving for a long long time. Let us know how it goes!


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[Shellybelly]

I would contact the Swiss embassy and ask for specific requirements regarding entering the country with an exotic bird. Then I would contact the airlines and possibly pay the airport a visit in order to acquire information on how exotic animals are handled and what airlines allow them on board. If there are no reliable vets nearby I would consider driving to the best option, even if it meant driving for a long long time. Let us know how it goes!


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Hello,
Thank you for your reply. I did all of that. Fortunately, all the travel arrangements is set and easy. The only issue is the leg band or microchip. I live in Lebanon, and unfortunately I called almost all the vets and clinics available and none of them do either. He is not allowed to enter Switzerland without one form of identification such as a leg band or a microchip.
What if there is no one who can microchip Shelly or put a leg band on him (which seems very likely). What can I do? Is it possible for me to put the leg band and register it including the forms and whatnot?

Seems like my options are fairly limited.

 

[charmedbyekkie]

I know it seems tricky to find a vet that can handle this. What I would do is reach out to Destron Fearing. They're one (?) of the companies that create and sells the microchips accepted internationally. See if they know of any buyers or vet clinics that keep their microchips on hand near you. They might be able to find someone who can help you.

 

[sunshine.within]

Is it easy to cross the boarder and enter another neighboring country where having him chipped or banded is easier? Like, Israel or Turkey? Otherwise I would consider stopping in another EU country where they don’t require a chip or band and then have it done there. I’m from Italy and will eventually travel with my parrot to Rome in the future. Chips and bands are not required as of right now. Only recent blood tests.


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[bill_e]

Is it easy to cross the boarder and enter another neighboring country where having him chipped or banded is easier? Like, Israel or Turkey? Otherwise I would consider stopping in another EU country where they don’t require a chip or band and then have it done there. I’m from Italy and will eventually travel with my parrot to Rome in the future. Chips and bands are not required as of right now. Only recent blood tests.


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All EU countries require a chip or leg band in addition to medical certification/testing/and-or quarantine.

Here's a link to info on Switzerland.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-switzerland

and Italy
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-italy

 

[SailBoat]

Your goal should be the microchip as an increasing number of EU and North American Countries are no longer accepting or will shortly stop excepting split ring bands. Whichever of the two Counties you can easily travel, select either. My choice would be Israel as there are likely more Certified Avian Vets (CAV) in Israel. By choosing a CAV, it will add credibility to the documentation set.

NOTE: Both Switzerland and Italy are members of the EU and operate under its guidelines i.e. follows CITES requirements for the transfer (import) of Exotic Parrots.
IMHO, you should obtain the microchip and the DNA testing, plus a Full physical examination, including Blood testing ASAP as you need to develop a health history for your Parrot. NOTE, you will need to obtain yet another Blood test just prior to your traveling with your Parrot to Switzerland.
Select your Airline ASAP and follow their requirements completely as the last thing they want is to have your Parrot rejected at point of entry into Switzerland because they did not assure you had a complete document set.
Obtain a Bill of Sale from the organization /individual you received you Parrot from with Date of Sale and monies paid. Also work to obtain any additional information they may have regarding your Parrots past (history, like prior owners, vet visits, etc...).
Gather all documents you have regarding Vet medical care of your Parrot since you owned your Parrot, including test results and findings resulting from those visit(s).

 

[bill_e]

And a link for Israel....which seems to be the easiest but you will first need a health certificate to get in.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-israel

 

[Scott]

Might one of the zoos in Lebanon be helpful to acquire a microchip and related documentation? Wishing you the best of advice so you can safely and reliably take Shelly to Switzerland.