Moving to Alaska

[Andria3232]

Hi, I am going to be moving to Alaska within a year and I would really like to be able to take my birds with me. Chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks. I am hoping there is someone who has been in my situation and could spread some light on if this is possible? We currently reside in North Carolina and I have heard Canada makes bringing your birds through to Alaska impossible. Does anyone know what I need to do and how I can make this happen? I am faced with having to find them new homes and I am soooo attached to them as they are me, that I am willing to do whatever it takes to get them up there if possible. Thank you so much!

 

[AlaskaDad]

I live in Alaska - just wondering where everyone is heading to? City?

 

[prostar]

Make sure you have rabies certificates for your dogs. Sometimes they ask, sometimes they want to see it, sometimes a verbal declaration suffices...depends on who you get.

Also be careful of opened bags of dog food. I've never had an issue anytime I've crossed the border with my mutt but I've heard of people who have had this problem. Just keep some small bags of chow for the trip...leave the big bags for when the border crossings are done.

As far as the chickens go...check here: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

There may be some sort of different rules if you're just crossing through. You can always contact them for clarification as well. You'll also want to check the U.S. side of things in case they give you grief coming into Alaska.

Maybe check if there's a way you can fly them out (many airlines carriers offer freight options for live animals of all sorts - mind what time of year you do this though!)

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Umm...laws aside (I'm sure customs is a nightmare with live poultry) how are you planning on packing them up? If you could drive them it would take days if not a couple weeks and I can't imagine how they would be comfortably contained that long. When I was 18 we moved from the Midwest to Montana with a dozen chickens and did it in the back of a truck with a topper. The chickens were free to run around back there. We were only on the road for a few days. But I have driven the AL-CAN and the ferry from Haines to Seattle with my dog and it was...not ideal to ferry the dog. He had to stay in the car on the ferry and be taken out for walks to poop on the deck
I am just curious if you could drive how you plan to do it logistically.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Oh my gosh..zombie thread lol oops

 

[Majd]

I really feel for as i'm moving soon and its impossible to take my bird family with me(i sometimes dont wanna care about my future and wanna stay with my feathered friends)...
Sadly i cannot give you advice about taking the birds through canada but you might find some way? The only thing i will tell you is that if hopefully you succeed is taking your family with you, is make sure you keep them in a bear proof setting armed with heavy duty material/fencing
I hope you find a way that allows you to take your family to alaska and enjoy the fresh salmon!
Wish you the best and hope someone that has such knowledge drops by!

 

[Andria3232]

Thank you moving can be an exciting yet complicated thing. The thought of leaving them behind is very hard. I am already making the move with 6 dogs so why not my birds as well? If I can't go through Canada then maybe I can ship them? I have no idea if shipping adult birds there is even doable. As far as Alaska goes I have lived there before so thankfully I am no stranger to its ways. Having poultry there will be a first, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to have them with me and the proper living conditions. Whatever they need.

 

[Andria3232]

Oh and I am so so sorry you can not take your bird family with you

 

[Majd]

Yeah i was about to tell you no need to go through canada, ship by plane or boat with the US transportation system....

 

[Majd]

Make sure you have rabies certificates for your dogs. Sometimes they ask, sometimes they want to see it, sometimes a verbal declaration suffices...depends on who you get.

Also be careful of opened bags of dog food. I've never had an issue anytime I've crossed the border with my mutt but I've heard of people who have had this problem. Just keep some small bags of chow for the trip...leave the big bags for when the border crossings are done.

As far as the chickens go...check here: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

There may be some sort of different rules if you're just crossing through. You can always contact them for clarification as well. You'll also want to check the U.S. side of things in case they give you grief coming into Alaska.

Maybe check if there's a way you can fly them out (many airlines carriers offer freight options for live animals of all sorts - mind what time of year you do this though!)

Expert!