Can anyone provide information regarding shipping doves? Does the USPS require a special shipping container. I had heard they do but when I called the USPS, they were unable to provide information as where I could acquire one. I am aware that shipping is overnight express but am unsure if a standard cardboard container would be accepted. Any info provided would be greatly appreciated!
Tony

Tony,

Fortunately or unfortunately, my experience has been that the US Post Office rules are either unknown or not understood by the people who work there. Some will ship them anyway you bring them. I have twice recently received birds in just a plain cardboard box with holes in it (no screens of any sort). I have also been told that they don't don't ship birds at all.

Welcome to chaos!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Hi Bob,
Thank you. I am rapidly learning that the members of the USPS are as overwhelmed by the numerous regulations as the general public. I will continue exploring this and report back should I actually find an answer. Thank you!
Tony

Tony, some of us have done this research in the past. In fact there is an entire topic about it. What has been said so far is correct. Each post office works differently and none of them really know the rules. I even had my local post master send an inquiry to whoever he reports to and there was no matter of fact answer. I've never had any trouble shipping my birds in a plain box. I usually buy one from the post office and poke holes in it. I then write "live birds" on all sides. The cost is about $24 shipping anywhere in the US and while not guaranteed over night, I've only had one shipment that took longer. The box was actually lost in the mail but they found it in 4 days and made the delivery. I was tearing my hair out over concern for the birds. Fortunately, when I ship, I put enough food in the box for several days and provide enough water for them.

Hi Dave,
Thank you so much! I have a secure box I am preparing to use. The dove is going to a fellow member in PA. Will scure express shipping with tracking so hopefully all goes well. Thanks again for the info!
Tony

Tony,

There is good news here too. In all my years (although I am so much younger than Dave), I have never had the P.O. fail to get the doves there in great shape. The real question is whether or not they will take them at all. I think you can count on a good job if they do take them. (The usual cost anywhere in the USA is $22-27.)

Good luck!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Well Bob, you may be younger than me but I've held my good looks a lot longer

Oh, Bob and Dave! Quit squabbling over beauty...You're both still cuties!

See, Dave! She said my name first. (I hope that wasn't birth order.)

At my age, if a good looking lady will just say my name, I'll take it.

Bob

She's just showing respect to her elders, Bob but when it comes to beauty, we both come in second best next to Autumn.

If you have any questions call me. 916-607-4915 I have does method a lot.

Andy Amyx

I shipped some doves a while back and the USPS required a bio-secure shipping container that had filters over the air holes. The boxes have the words "Live Birds, Avoid direct sunlight, Keep away from cold and heat" printed on the box. They are made by Horizon Micro-Environments and their toll free number is (800) 443-2498 or http://www.hm-e.net. Of course, you then need to ship them Express Mail.

I checked with the local Post Office this week about shipping doves. The ruling I got was that you can ship fighting roosters in any container that will hold them securely. However, doves have to be shipped in a special box which is not the same one as a few months ago!

Chickens, ducks and geese can be shipped in any cardboard box with OPEN air holes cut in them. (And I also received some that way.)

This is not a confidence building process!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I just want to hear Bob and Dave.......(don't get excited Bob, that was alphebetical order) go at it some more!

Regan

Regan, we're not going at it. We understand each other. Bob's name should always be first. That's just a sign of respect for the elderly.

Your turn Bob!

Oh, now I understand!

LOL

Regan,

If you go look at the "Meet the Staff" photos, they must be in order of seniority. (Dave's is WAY up there!)

Bob

Call me If you have questions. Too much to write. I have done this about 60 times now.

Andy Amyx

Oh, so that's it....but wait....didn't Dave just say..... oh, nevermind. You guys are confusing me now!

But Regan,

At Dave's age confusion isn't unexpected. You have to be kind to grandparents.

This will be a confusing year for him anyway with the election coming. When Dave started voting, voting machines didn't exist.

Yep! Dave's first doves were probably shipped by wagon! Back then flash powder was for photography.

Bob