A question I hope y'all might be able to help me with.

[Susan Calvin]

I am retiring in May and I want to move back to Southern California, which I should never have left. Unfortunately, I just discovered my 22-year old Quaker parakeet, which cannot possibly be adopted out, is illegal in California. Is there any way to get a waiver for a bird that you've had that long? Or what is your opinion about having one illegally, as in how to get it in in the first place, and how to keep it from being taken away from you when you are living there? And how to be able to take it to the vet, since it is not legal to have. Needless to say, I would prefer a legal method.

[LizBeth]

1. The vet would be the issue, otherwise how would they know. Bummer that. I hope because you have had

it so long there is a waiver. I want you to be able to get back to where you are comfortable and happy. Where are you now?

[Susan Calvin]

4. Texas.

It was my late husband's idea.

[LizBeth]

7. I hear you and ya. I want you to get back to Calif too. I got up to Oregon four years ago

and though I miss my family tons, it is utopia.

[Susan Calvin]

12. Really? Where in Oregon?

I always pictured Oregon is being kind of chilly and damp. Am I wrong?

[LizBeth]

13. Eugene. An hour from the ocean, half hour from the mountains. Hour and half to Portland.

This winter has been in forties almost exclusively hitting low 50's every once in a while. Forecast says next week in 50's. That is about ideal for me. Summer can get in upper 80's and 90's. Too hot for me. I hate the heat.

And it rains, a lot. I am good with that. I prefer the rain and the green and less chance of fire. I really might bug some people, but I am not bothered by it. It stops raining about mid June and nothing until Nov'ish.

[LizBeth]

8. What is the life span of this bird?

[Susan Calvin]

11. 25 to 30 years.

Possibly more, I guess. He's an awfully good shape for a geriatric bird.

[Timewas]

2. Bad news there

Not sure about any waivers but f they catch you trying to take it across the border they may very well just take it and dispose of it... they are pretty hard on that .... Good luck

[Susan Calvin]

5. Yes, I don't want to take any chance of that.

If I can't adopt him out, I certainly cannot have him taken away and killed.

[Mr.Bill]

3. Maybe contact a Vet in the area you will be moving to.

If a waiver is possible, they would know the details.

[Susan Calvin]

6. I tried emailing one that I found on the web.

It's probably the one I would go to if I were able to move. Unfortunately, they never answered.

[Karadeniz]

9. Ask their dept of agriculture. But, there are no border checks between Texas and California, so you

Should be okay with getting him in. If he needs a vet, just make an appt for your (some legal bird that looks similar) and take him in!

[IbogaProject]

10. California has border checks at some crossings

Hi California has agricultural inspectors at some crossings, I've only crossed a couple of times and don't recall the particulars. I'm pulling for a solution that keeps that pet with his people.

[Juneboarder]

14. Your best bet would be to call a Bird and Animal Hospital.

I am in San Diego county, and can name three off the top of my head here in the county. I think they would probably know best, and I would call them. Don't just send an email hoping for a response.