I just discovered the following, thanks to a newsletter called the Bird Bank 
News ($16, AIM, 1115 Fern Ave., Felton, CA  95018-9515 [I have no idea why I 
got the one issue and do not subscribe])
As of May 15, 1995, New Jerseyites who want to breed birds, and especially 
those who want to acquire wild-caught birds, must comply with a whole slew of 
regulations.  Even pet owners are subject to the law.
To summarize:
Want a pet?  When you, a New Jersey resident, acquire a new bird, you must 
also obtain written documentation demonstrating that the bird is captive-bred 
or has been in captivity since before 12/10/91.  When you transfer the bird, 
you must transfer the documentation.  Looks like you may also have to pay a 
$20 per year fee for keeping and/or breeding captive-bred birds.
Want a wild-caught bird?  You must apply for a bird breeder permit and pay 
$150 a year, and approval is not automatic.  You'll get approved only if the 
bird are to be used to increase genetic variety, and you have met all federal 
guidelines for import and possession.
Want a ring-necked parakeet, a Monk/Quaker, or a Patagonian conure?  Forget 
it.  They've been outlawed.
Have babies on the way?  New hatchlings have to be banded with a seamless 
band or microchipped, unlesss they're from an exempt category, like 
hummingbirds, sunbirds, ostriches, emus, rheas, and cassowaries, OR if they 
are from aviculturally recognized color mutations.  [So I guess you have to 
band your green budgies and grey cockatiels.]  
And you can't use just any old band, either!  Current rules require you to 
use bands from the AFA, National Ficnch and Softbill Society, Society of 
Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors, or from L&M Bird Leg Bands.  Microchips must 
be from Identichip.
If you have questions, you can contact the NJ Division of Fish, Game, & 
Wildlife at (908)735-5450.
--- MacWoof 1.5.3
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