How to Import Chickens to USA from Europe?? 😄🐣

[hannahsocal]

Hello everyone!

I doubt this post will get many replies but I just thought I’d see if anyone happens to have any advice or experience in this area. I really really want to buy some high quality chickens from Sweden to incorporate into my breeding program (I’m in California, USA), but I have no idea where to start going about figuring out how to do this. Can I bring some hens with me as carry on pets on the flight back home to USA? I’m afraid to do eggs because of the plane turbulence and security x-rays. What are my best options? Thank you for any advice!! P.S. yes these are breeds I can ONLY get in Sweden!

 

[raingarden]

Start with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S.. Department of Agriculture regulations. Both will be involved in the permitting and they both have information on-line. You will also need a customs broker and veterinarian to consumate the deal when the time comes. You might as well get a customs broker now and let him help with sorting out the regulations.

It is not a good time due to the bird flu situation. The agencies are on full alert and not willing to make any concessions or allowances.

Consider getting way more hatching eggs than you need to increase the odds of getting something to hatch.

 

[hannahsocal]

Start with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S.. Department of Agriculture regulations. Both will be involved in the permitting and they both have information on-line. You will also need a customs broker and veterinarian to consumate the deal when the time comes. You might as well get a customs broker now and let him help with sorting out the regulations.

It is not a good time due to the bird flu situation. The agencies are on full alert and not willing to make any concessions or allowances.

Consider getting way more hatching eggs than you need to increase the odds of getting something to hatch.

Do you think hatching eggs are able to not go through x ray? Can I tell them they are live embryos or do they not really care? What does the customs broker do and how can I find one? What do they usually charge for services? This is all new to me so thank you for your help!

 

[raingarden]

Technically, hatching eggs need all the same import permits as live birds. But, if you went to Sweden and were hand carrying them back there is a chance they would get through.. Having a letter from a Swedish veterinarian in case anyone questions them would be good. Having an import permit from USFWS and/or USDA would be even better. They would get x-rayed at the at the TSA but it would be minimal exposure.

A customs broker is your liaison with U.S. Customs amd Border Protection at the port of entry. Since you will not be there in person to receive a shipped package the customs broker acts on your behalf. The port of entry will probabky be New Yorki. Just google customs broker and New York. It will be expensive.

Another option would be to make arrangements with your Swedish contacts and have someone like Greenfire Farms import them in exchange for part of the livestock.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Live birds must be kept in quarantine at the point of entry and it's that added cost that makes the cost of shipping unrealistic.