Vadaxin's Aviary
Raising Exotic Birds for the Pet Trade and Conservation in Captivity
Delivery/Shipping Information
Please review all details carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help.
Delivery Information
I am located in Vallejo which is in the North Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Local pickup is also available, and we can arrange to meet at a convenient public location here in Vallejo. Delivery to surrounding areas is also available, with prices depending on distance.
**Please note that you will need to bring your own carrier for transportation, as I do not have any to provide. For a delivery quote, please contact me.**
Shipping via Delta Cargo
I offer shipping through Delta Cargo for anybody in SoCal or out of state (excluding HI and AK) for an additional fee of $225. While this may seem costly, it is the safest method for transporting birds over long distances. This fee covers the flight, a brand new carrier, and necessary transportation costs such as gas and tolls. Please note, this fee does not include my time and extra supplies required to properly pack and prepare the bird(s) for shipment as I want to make it as cost effective as I can for you.
Additionally, I do not ship live birds via USPS, as it is not only illegal for parrots, but also highly stressful for birds. USPS transit can take 1-3 days depending on the destination, and their lower standards for live animal shipments increase the risk of injury, lost packages, or DOA (dead on arrival).
The $225 shipping fee includes the following:
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$160 for the flight ticket
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$20 for a brand new carrier
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$45 for gas and bridge tolls
Process for Shipping Bird(s)
Shipping via Delta Cargo is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Scheduling
During this discussion, we will go over what qualifies for live animal shipments. We will then find an eligible flight that is convenient for you, including the airport, time, and day for you to pick up your bird(s). Some important requirements for live animal shipments include:
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No overnight layovers are permitted.
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No more than one layover is allowed.
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Layovers cannot exceed 6 hours.
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The shipment must arrive at the destination facility before closing.
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Temperatures must be between 30°F and 85°F during drop-off, layovers, and at the destination.
These policies are in place to ensure the well-being of the bird(s) during transit.
2. Booking
Once we have agreed on the flight details, I will handle the booking. I will need the following information to book:
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Name of the person picking up the bird(s) (as it appears on their ID),
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Address
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Phone number.
After the booking is complete, you will receive an Airway Bill number from me, which acts as your shipment's tracking number. You can check the status of your shipment here.
3. Day of Shipment
I will stay in direct contact with you on the day of the flight and provide an update along with a photo of your bird(s) before departure. While flight changes are uncommon, they can occasionally impact pick-up times, so I recommend keeping your schedule open for the day. Remaining balance for bird(s) including shipping MUST be paid in full before shipment is dropped off.
4. Pickup Instructions
In most cases, pickup will be at the Delta Cargo Facility, which is usually separate from the main airport terminal—not at the baggage claim area. When you arrive at the Delta Cargo Facility, you will typically only need to present your ID or driver’s license to claim your shipment. After signing a few forms, you'll be ready to go home with your new bird(s)!
What to Do Once You Arrive Home
When you bring your bird(s) home, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Settling In
Move the bird(s) into a cage with food and water in a quiet, low-traffic area. Allow them some time to settle down. While most hand-fed birds may be comfortable coming out of the carrier to spend time with you, some might be a bit startled or confused due to the transportation and new environment. It can take a day or even up to a week for some birds to fully relax and feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
2. Acclimating to an Outdoor Area (if applicable)
If you plan to acclimate your bird(s) to an outdoor environment, please check in with me first. I can guide you through the steps to ensure a safe transition, as my local temperatures may be very different from yours. Improper acclimation can be dangerous, so it's crucial to follow the right procedure to keep your bird(s) healthy and safe.
3. Introducing New Birds (if applicable)
If you have other birds, follow these steps to ensure a safe introduction:
Do not introduce the new bird(s) to your existing birds right away, as there is a risk of injury.
Allow them time to get used to each other by placing their cages side by side, with enough space in between so they cannot make physical contact.
After a few days, if you feel confident that they are ready, you can introduce them in a supervised setting. This is especially important with breeder birds, who may not be as social as hand-fed birds. Keep a close watch to ensure they interact safely.
Disclaimer
Although these situations are extremely rare and typically never happen, as with any process, there are still risks involved.
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In the unlikely event that a bird(s) arrives deceased (DOA), you must contact me immediately after pickup and provide proof in the form of pictures or video. You will receive a 100% refund for the bird(s) after we finalize a conclusion.
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If the bird(s) appears to be sick or lethargic at the time of pickup, you must contact me immediately and provide proof in the form of pictures or video. The refund will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
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If the shipment is lost and confirmed by Delta Cargo, you will receive a 100% refund for the bird(s).
No refunds will be issued for shipping as that is out of my control, unless Delta Cargo is at fault and a claim is successful. I will handle all claims with Delta Cargo, and if the claim is successful, I will refund the shipping charges ($160) as well.