> Hello All!  I was wondering if anyone had any information about Grey 
 > Cheek
 > Parakeets and their legality in the US..  I used to own one several 
 > years
 > ago, but have ben unable to locate one for quite a few years now.  
 > Someone
 > told me that they are no longer legal in the US, but had no details 
 > as to
 > why.  Anyone know??  I am very interested in acquiring another one 
 > of these
 > beautiful miniature parrots.  Thanks in advance!
Unless some laws have been passed that I'm not aware of, Grey Cheeks are 
still allowed in the U.S.  However, here may be a state or two that has 
banned them because they consider them agricultural pests of they escape. 
Check with your state's agricultural or health department to find out which 
birds are not allowed to be kept as companions.
What you may have heard is that importation is no longer legal. But not just 
of grey cheeks, but of most birds. Oh, some still come through but they're 
usually reserved for zoos, research facilities, etc.
Because of the ban on importation, MOST birds are more difficult to find 
these days. And with it are the skyrocketing prices. But Grey Cheeks ARE out 
there; you might want to do some research through the ads in Bird Talk or 
Bird Breeder magazines.
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