Location and Phone
120 S. Hays Street, Suite 200
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-877-2300
What is an exotic bird?
An exotic bird consists of any of the following species: Bunting, Canary, Cockatiel, Cockatoo, Conure, Dove, Pigeon, Finch, Lorikeet, Lory, Lovebird, Macaw, Mynah, Parakeet, Parrot or Weaver.
Permit holders, including pet stores as well as private distributors, are inspected annually to ensure compliance with:
- Operational standards
- Record keeping
- Sanitation requirements and humane conditions for animals
- Laws and regulations pertaining to control of rabies and psittacosis
- Sale and distribution of reptiles
- Control of communicable diseases (Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc.)
Other enforceable aspects of State law and regulation include the posting of reptile CAUTION notices, and prohibition of the sale of viable reptile eggs and turtles with shell lengths less than four (4) inches. The overall goal of the inspection program is to minimize the occurrence of zoonotic diseases.
If I breed exotic birds in my own home and sell or give them away, am I required to have a permit?
Yes, if you plan to breed any of the above listed birds, sell them, or give them away, you are required to obtain an exotic bird permit issued by the Harford County Health Department. The fee to obtain an exotic bird permit is $75. Prior to issuing the permit, the Health Department must complete a comprehensive inspection of the facility where you intend to house and distribute the birds.
You will be required to maintain records on all bird transactions (name, address, and phone number of persons to whom birds are given or sold). With your permit, you will be provided the latest copy of the Psittacosis Compendium, which is published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. We request that all exotic bird breeders become familiar with the Psittacosis Compendium and its requirements regarding exotic bird care and Psittacosis prevention.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Health Department at 410-877-2300.
