want to import pigeons to US?

Question

I live in FL usa. How do importing racing pigeons from europe directly to me .

Answer 1

Imisidro's answer is correct in so far as it goes. I've imported pigeons from Europe. It can be done, but it is time consuming and expensive.

If you're just looking for outstanding birds, there are already some in the U.S. If you're looking for a particular bird/birds, then you may have to import. You need to not only provide all the paperwork to the exporter, but you have to have everything ready here and paid in full upfront. Overtime charges often add a chunk more money.

Shipping containers MUST be made correctly. I had some birds that sat on a runway in the Netherlands because they couldn't go forward or back to the shipper in the crate they were in. That necessitated some really frantic calls to get things taken care of to get the birds here.

I'd suggest that you contact the AU or the IF and ask them to put you in touch with a few of the guys who've already imported so you can get a better feel to see if you really want to go that route. I've listed both groups' URL's below.

Remember if one of the birds gets sick, the USDA may well euthanize the whole shipment and you could be left with a bunch of very expensive bands.

Having said all that, it CAN be very very gratifying to see the birds you spotted in Europe finally in your loft, settling down, and breeding.


Good luck

Answer 2

US Dept of Agriculture has import procedures for live poultry (which I think pigeons may fall under) http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/live_poultry.html The government defines poultry to "include chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and turkeys."

The import procedures (from all countries except Canada) are as follows:

1. poultry to be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days at a USDA Animal Import Center.
2. You must have USDA import permit (VS Form17-129), issued prior to shipment of the birds.
3. Contact a USDA Animal Import Center to apply for the import permit and reserve quarantine space in the facility.
4. You must have current veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days in the source country
5. Poultry will be inspected by a USDA port veterinarian at the first U.S. port of entry

Answer 3

Contacting the U. S. Department of Agriculture would be a good start.

Answer 4

Why import them? Come to NYC, where the filthy beasts flock en masse.