....Can I ship pet birds from Guangzhou China to Toronto Canada?

Question

Hi, I am going to China on January 5th 2009. And I am deciding to buy a nice small bird or parrot there because my aunt said there are cheaper and prettier ones there. I've seen all birds from here and isn't interested in most of them. But i know China has different varieties that i haven't seen before. Thanks:)

Also, do you think the birds they sell on the streets out in Guangzhou has had taken a shot? If birds don't get shots will we get sick? If we can ship pet birds how much will it be? Will it be very serious? The first question is very important, please reply!

Answer 1

How do you know you're ready for the commitment of a kind of bird you've never seen before?  Who cares if they're cheaper to buy; that's a stupid reason to get a pet because they're still expensive to take care of over the course of their lives anyway, especially if they get sick from the stress of being shipped.  They may already be sick because there are lots of things they could pick up from being outside on the streets, even if they got vaccinations, which they don't.  Do you have an avian vet you'd go to if the bird got sick?  You'd have to because a bird won't even act sick until it's really bad.

Answer 2

Whoa! Bad karma!

Just leave the dumb birds alone ok?

Answer 3

Probably not.  Both China and Canada are parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).  Whether or not there is any possibility of exporting/importing the bird will depend on whether it is listed in Appendix I, II or III.  If exportation/importation IS permitted,  you'll have to obtain the proper permits from both countries and follow their respective laws.  I can guarantee you that exporting/importing a bird will be significantly more expensive than simply purchasing a bird in Canada where you live.

Colette

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parro...

Answer 4

I just returned from living in China.  Are you aware that southern China has Avian Flu?  Canada prohibits the import of birds from any country that has a history of avian flu.  I have not looked at the specific list of prohibited countries (see Canadian government web page cited below), but I'm fairly certain that Canada would not allow the importation of any pet bird from China.  

If you enjoy seeing birds and exotic things, and if you can stomach seeing them in cages stacked high or looking rather neglected and sad, then you might enjoy a visit to the Huadiwan market in the Fancun District of Guangzhou.  (It is easily accessible by tube and has its own stop.)  On the other hand, some caution is in order.  I have heard rumors of cases where humans caught avian flu from birds in the various markets of Guangzhou (whether pet or food markets).  Since people who catch this illness often die from it, the various Consulates actually advise travelers to avoid markets that have live birds. So, use your own judgment and if you see a bird that looks sick, stay well away from it.  Occasionally you will see a bird that looks ill simply laying on the ground. Stay away from those, as well.  

Moreover, when you visit Guangzhou, you will find that chicken is often served cooked rare or medium rare.  Because of the risk of avian flu, travelers are advised not to eat chicken unless it is well done, not to handle poultry if they have any cuts on your hands, and to wash very well with soap and water after handling any poultry products at all.