I will no longer share my business with The Exotic parrots home. They always clip my parrots' nails too short. And every time this happens, my bird clearly dislikes having me touch their feet, which was never an issue before.
The staff isn't as friendly, informed, or engaging as other stores I've visited. And none of the personnel appear to spend much time trying to socialize their birds, which I believe is most important. And their store mascots, the birds, are usually caged up, which is a sad fate for such beautiful creatures. I recall when they originally obtained Tootsie, one of their store's mascots. They got Tootsie since the previous owner was too old to care for her. Tootsie was extensively socialized throughout her life, and she displayed many evidence of spending the majority of her days outside a cage as a pleasant, loved bird.
The saddest part is that from the start, everyone wanted to buy Tootsie because she was so pleasant and awesome. Which I assumed was what all birds wanted: to find their one human or family. Not to be probed through a locked cage by random strangers all day.
Tootsie no longer cares about other people's interactions as much as she once did because her life is no longer as beautiful as she remembers.
I'm not sure why The Bird Shop is the only animal store that doesn't understand this basic concept about the LIFE of animals.
This is why I will no longer be supporting The Bird Shop. If I could give them less than one star, I would.
How to Get a CITES Permit for an Emerald Macaw Purchase
Introduction: Why You Need a CITES Permit for an Emerald Macaw
If you’ve been searching for an Emerald Macaw for sale, you’ve probably come across the term CITES permit. For those unfamiliar, CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and it’s a worldwide agreement designed to protect rare animals and plants from illegal trade.
As a professional exotic bird breeder based in California, I’ve helped countless customers legally bring home their hand-raised Emerald Macaws, and I always make sure they understand the importance of a CITES permit. Not only does it keep your purchase legal, but it also ensures that the trade of these beautiful parrots remains ethical and sustainable.
So, how do you get one? Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from applying for a permit to ensuring you’re buying from a trusted breeder like us.
What is a CITES Permit and Why is It Required?
Understanding CITES Regulations
CITES was established to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered species, and parrots—especially rare macaws like the Emerald Macaw—fall under its protection.
Macaws are categorized under CITES Appendix I or II, depending on their conservation status. The Emerald Macaw (a hybrid of the Hyacinth and Buffon’s Macaw) is considered rare, which means a CITES permit is needed to ensure that these birds are sourced responsibly and not taken from the wild.
Why Do You Need a Permit?
If you’re purchasing an Emerald Macaw from a breeder (like us) or importing one from another country, a CITES permit is mandatory to verify that your bird has been bred and sold legally. Without it, you could face legal trouble, confiscation of the bird, and hefty fines.
I’ve heard horror stories of people unknowingly buying parrots without the proper paperwork, only to have them seized at customs or, worse, realize later that they purchased from an illegal breeder. That’s why getting a CITES permit is non-negotiable!
Who Needs a CITES Permit for an Emerald Macaw?
You Need a CITES Permit If:
You’re buying an Emerald Macaw from a breeder.
When importing a macaw from another country.
If You plan to breed Emerald Macaws in the future.
You’re a seller looking to ship macaws internationally.
You May Not Need a Permit If:
You’re buying from a US-based breeder who has already obtained a permit (like us).
You’re not planning to resell, trade, or transport your macaw across borders.
That being said, I always recommend keeping a copy of your CITES permit with your macaw’s records—even if you’re buying domestically—because it proves that your bird was acquired legally.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a CITES Permit
Step 1: Buy from a CITES-Compliant Breeder
The easiest way to ensure a smooth permit process? Buy from a breeder who already provides CITES-approved macaws.
At my breeding facility in California, we take care of all the legal paperwork so that when you receive your Emerald Macaw, it’s already certified and ready to go. No hassle, no headaches!
If you’re buying from another breeder or shop, make sure they have the proper documentation. Ask questions! A responsible breeder should be transparent about their CITES compliance.
Step 2: Apply for a CITES Permit in Your Country
If your breeder doesn’t provide a permit, you’ll need to apply for one yourself. Here’s how it works in the United States:
- Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) website (www.fws.gov) to access the application forms.
- Fill out Form 3-200-46, which is required for importing or exporting CITES-listed species.
- Submit proof of purchase, breeder documentation, and bird identification details.
- Pay the required processing fee (usually $50–$200).
- Wait for approval (this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months).
If you’re outside the U.S., check with your local wildlife or environmental protection agency to find the correct application process.
Step 3: Understand Import and Export Regulations
If you’re buying an Emerald Macaw from another country, you need to comply with international shipping laws.
- The seller needs to obtain an export permit from their country.
- You need to apply for an import permit in your country.
- Your macaw must go through wildlife inspection at customs to verify its permit.
Sounds complicated? That’s why buying from a breeder who handles permits is the easiest route!
Step 4: Receive and Register Your Emerald Macaw
Once you get your CITES-approved macaw, make sure to:
Keep copies of your CITES permit and breeder documentation.
Register your parrot with local authorities if required.
Make sure your macaw has a closed leg band or microchip for identification.
This protects you in case of future ownership disputes or legal issues.
How We Provide CITES-Compliant Emerald Macaws
At our California-based breeding facility, we specialize in hand-raised, socialized Emerald Macaws, and we ensure every bird is:
Legally bred and CITES-compliant
Hand-fed and raised in a loving environment
Shipped safely with proper documentation
We handle all the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Whether you’re buying locally or need international shipping, we’ll guide you through the entire process.
Common Questions About CITES Permits for Emerald Macaws
How much does a CITES permit cost?
It varies by country, but in the U.S., it’s typically $50–$200.
How long does the approval process take?
Processing times range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the workload of your country’s wildlife agency.
Can I buy an Emerald Macaw without a CITES permit?
Not legally. If a seller doesn’t provide one or can’t prove compliance, run the other way!
Do I need a CITES permit if I’m buying from a U.S. breeder?
If the breeder has already obtained the permit, you don’t need to apply separately—but always keep the documents for proof of legal ownership.
Final Thoughts: Buy Your Emerald Macaw the Right Way
Owning an Emerald Macaw is an incredible experience, but it comes with legal responsibilities. Ensuring your bird has a CITES permit is the key to responsible and ethical ownership.
If you’re looking for a CITES-certified, hand-raised Emerald Macaw, check out our available birds for sale and adoption. We make the process easy, legal, and stress-free—so you can focus on welcoming your new feathered friend into your home!