Eep!

[EmberSanja]

We have recently come into contact with a quaker breeder selling weaned babies for the same price as the pet store's cockatiels, and my father is interested in them due to talking ability that cockatiels don't normally have. It seems convincing him to get one of the sweet baby birds from the pet shop is almost futile! I've decided not to press so much and see what the rest of the family ends up saying about all these opportunities. While I would be the main caretaker, I just want a bird to love and give a wonderful home, so I'm not too picky on the type (though I'm almost positive cockatiels would make my job as a cleaner much easier!)

All that being said, I think I'll stop always settling in a type of bird since it's always thrown up in the air again at some point. I'll finally update and introduce myself in the introduction forum when I actually have a new feathered friend, which will probably be in at the least month, but probably longer.
Thank you all for your replies, reassurances, and time

[Wolf]

Do not get a Quaker Parrot under any circumstances as they are prohibited in Wisconsin and if the state discovers it the minimum that will happen is that they will take the bird and kill it. Also you may be charged with violating the law.

[EmberSanja]

I've researched already and they are not actually prohibited. I will go copy paste to ease your mind:

(From February 4th of this year)
"A legally obtained nonnative wild animal that is a pet may be possessed, transported or transferred without a permit issued by the department under this chapter, but may not be introduced."

So I may have one as a pet, but can never release it or take it to public places like parks and such. I shouldn't take it outside period, but I will be harness training it and will keep its boundaries to my (very secluded) back yard. I also am not allowed to buy from a pet store but a breeder should be fine.

I will also be calling the dnr soon to ask them and make sure since they have a contact number on their page.

I promise I will never endanger myself or a bird like that!

Edit;; also for clarification this is how they define "introduce":

""Introduce” means to stock, plant, release or otherwise put an invasive species into the outdoor environment or use an invasive species in this state anywhere except within an indoor facility which is designed to physically contain the organism, including but not limited to a laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber or fermenter."

When I call the dnr I will also ask about vet visits, but I think if I get a proper bird travel case that there should be no problems as it's designed to hold birds when out of doors. Plus it would be considered transporting and that is also legal as long as the bird isn't "introduced" as stated in the first copy/paste

[Wolf]

Once you check with them and if they say that you can have a Quaker Parrot as a pet get them to send you an e mail or a letter to that effect. There is nothing better than having it in writing, to protect yourself.

[EmberSanja]

Okay, definitely! I was just about to call, but I'm not sure if the place is open right now. If they aren't my father said to just call the state. Not sure where I'd get that number but I am going to find out soon for sure about the quakers!

Edit;; the number I called told me to contact the agricultural branch and gave me a number specifically for exotic pets. They are closed now and won't be open Saturday or Sunday but I will call when possible Monday (hours are 8 to 4:30)

[Pajarita]

I don't know where you found that they are permitted because both places I checked said they were prohibited and not restricted (it's the restricted that you can keep with a special permit) - see here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Invasives/speci ... AnimalsReg)

[EmberSanja]

http://dnr.wi.gov/about/nrb/2009/april/04-09-3b1.pdf

On page 56 it lists them as prohibited but says in paragraph d under that what I copy/pasted above about them being allowed as pets. The definition of introduce is on page 48 and is the twenty third definition. And on Monday I'll be calling to make sure (and to inform the wisconsin breeder I've been conversing with )

The article was made/updated? On February 4th of this year and I can't find anything more current, though that number technically counts I guess. I'm very shy and want my father to call but since he doesn't know all the facts I'll be attempting it myself (gulp)

Thank you for your concern and for taking the time to check please let me know if the article is outdated or if I'm interpreting it wrong!

[Wolf]

The paragraph that you posted to me basically says that you may own a pet parrot, all of them are non native species without any special permit from the state. but no parrot other than the Quaker is listed as an invasive species which is prohibited.
Whatever passes as the department of wildlife in Wisconsin is in charge of interpreting and enforcing this law, so they are who you must check with.

[EmberSanja]

I called the DNR and they gave me the number for the agricultural department, and specifically for the branch dealing with "exotic" animals. They are only open on weekdays so I will be calling them Monday after 8 AM. I've also found another, apparently professional breeder (of conures, quakers, and indian Ringnecks) in WI who I just asked about the legality of quakers.

This breeder allows the buyers to come check out the house, visit the babies during weaning, will send pictures/videos, sells babies only after a vet check and DNA sexing, and has a background in bird work at a place called Busch Gardens, which is a theme park with bird exhibits. I'm hoping this person knows what they're doing with the law.

[Wolf]

It has been my experience to trust only the legal entity involved with the enforcement of a given law as to its interpretation as they are the ones that would take the bird if you follow the wrong advice. I can't tell you what to do, nor do I want to. I just don't want this to end badly for you or more importantly, to me , the bird as he/ she is the one who will pay the price for our mistakes. I am sure that you will take the time to check everything out thoroughly before you make a decision on this matter. Pleas keep us informed as to what you learn so that I can update my data on this, please.