CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BIRD SALES

Revised October 2007

1. This Code should be read in conjunction with the separate publication "Code of Practice for the Housing of Cage Birds", approved by the Minister for Agriculture and Resources, published in the Victorian Government Gazette No. 18, dated 6 May 1999.

2. This Code applies to all avicultural species presented at Bird Sales, as defined in point no.1 above.

3. Bird Sales are open to all members of the public, who by virtue of the appropriate wildlife licence, are entitled to buy or sell native birds.

4. Organisers of the Bird Sale are to provide stewards that are familiar with this Code of Practice to be in continuous attendance at the venue. A copy of this Code of Practice is to be displayed in a prominent position at the entrances of the Bird Sale Venue, and copies are to be made available.

5. Stewards have the right to refuse entry to any person or bird in breach of this Code of Practice.

6. Bird Sales are to be limited to a maximum of four hours.

7. Only birds and bird related items are to be made available at Bird Sales. Other vertebrate species are not permitted.

8. Only birds in good health, fully feathered and self-sufficient may be offered for sale.

9. All‑wire bird cages are not permitted to be used by either sellers or buyers to contain birds. If necessary, these cages can be modified for use by enclosing the top, bottom and three sides with a draft proof solid material. Cloth is not acceptable.

10. Every buyer of birds should provide containers suitable for the species that are intended to be purchased.

11. The bottom of all cages are to be a minimum of 75cm. above the floor level of the venue.

12. Only one species of bird is permitted per cage. Extra cages are to be provided to prevent mixing of species within the one cage.

13. With the exception of guide dogs and for the safety of birds, other dogs are not permitted to enter the Bird Sale area, whether on leash or carried.

14. The Bird Sale venue is to be fully roofed and to be able to be securely closed off to enable the capture of any bird due to accidental escape. Bird Sale organisers are to provide a minimum of two suitable catching nets to enable the owner[s] or any sanctioned helper[s] of the owner[s] to recover any escaped birds.

15. Organisers of the Bird Sale are to ensure that sellers present birds with an adequate supply of fresh clean water, seed and / or other appropriate food for the species for the entire period of the sale.

16. Only freshly cleaned cages are acceptable.

17. Sales cages containing birds are to be sight covered to prevent pre-selling. Removal of covers is to take place no sooner than 15 minutes before the advertised starting time of the sale. Sellers are to provide their own covers.

18. Lighting levels within the venue are to be conducive to clearly view the birds within their display cage.

19. Any person in possession of native birds requiring a licence is to produce their Wildlife Licence and Record Book to authorised officers of the Department of Sustainability and Environment or members of the Victoria Police upon demand.

20. Upon the transfer of native birds subject to licence, both buyer and seller are to exchange licence details.

21. All licensed native birds sold at Bird Sales are to be recorded on the Department of Sustainability and Environment survey forms issued by the Bird Sale organisers. These forms are to be returned at the finish of the sale to the sale organisers.

22. Birds are only to be confined to a transport / display cage for a maximum period of twenty-four hours.

23. Birds being transported to and from the Bird Sale venue are to be carried within the well‑ventilated passenger section of an automobile.

24. Bird Sales are to be deferred or cancelled if the ambient dry‑bulb temperature is predicted to reach 32°C or above on the day of the sale.

25. The predicted temperature to be used will be the regional temperature as advertised on the A.B.C. evening television news on the day before the sale. All Bird Sale advertising should warn members of the public of this condition.

26. Commercial trades people are permitted to sell new all wire cages as part of their goods. Birds are not permitted to be placed in these at the sale.

Unlicensed Native Birds in Victoria

Effective from October 1st. 2009

Blue-faced Parrot Finch

Bourke's Parrot

Budgerigar

Chestnut Breasted Finch

Cockatiel

Common Bronzewing Pigeon

Crested Bronzewing Pigeon

Diamond Dove

Double-barred Finch

Eclectus Parrot --- All except mcgillivray

Elegant Parrot

Galah

Gouldian Finch

Green-winged Pigeon

Hooded Parrot

King Quail

Long-billed Corella

Long-tailed Finch

Musk Lorikeet

Painted Finch

Peaceful Dove

Princess Parrot

Rainbow Lorikeet

Red-rumped Parrot

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Short-billed Corella

Star Finch

Stubble Quail

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Turquoisine Parrot

Twenty Eight Parrot

Western Rosella

Zebra Finch

Native birds may not be taken from the wild