How to Choose a Reputable Bird Breeder

If you’re thinking of buying your first bird, there’s more to it than just walking into the first breeder you find and slapping down your money. Just like with any other occupation, there are good bird breeders, and some you should avoid. Being able to tell the difference will help you find the healthy and happy bird you’ve been looking for.

The first thing to consider is that if a breeder cannot or will not offer references, you should probably look elsewhere. Good bird breeders will be able to put you in contact with numerous customers who are more than willing to endorse them. Just finding a breeder with references isn’t enough though, make sure you actually call them and hear what they have to say.

After you have spoken to a few of the references, take some time and ask the breeder some questions. Find out if it’s an open or closed aviary. Inquire about the type of food and how the birds are being fed. Also, it’s important to know if the breeder shows birds or goes to bird marts.

A breeder that is not supplementing the bird’s diets with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with beans and pellets, may not be giving the birds the nutrition they need. Birds need more than seeds to be healthy.

An aviary that does not buy new birds, or allow people to walk through it, is considered a closed aviary. This means the birds are not exposed to disease that people may carry in from another breeder. Unfortunately, it also means you won't be able to check out the parents of your bird.

In the event that the breeder does show birds and attend bird marts, make sure they have a quarantine policy for birds that return to the aviary. This will reduce the risk of the birds contracting contagious diseases.

The next thing you want to do is find out how the birds are being handfed. If they are being tube fed, they may not be getting the interaction that they need. Tubefeeding takes very little time, but may prevent your bird from becoming tame around people. Ask the breeder if the birds are allowed to stay out and socialize after feeding.

The condition of the cages of the baby birds can tell you a lot about a breeder as well. They should always have fresh food and water in them, and obviously, they should be clean. Also, see if the birds have plenty of toys to stimulate them and help intellectual development.

Of course, the most important thing to check out is the condition of the birds. They should be clean (especially, their vents) and well groomed, as well as being alert and playful. Pick a bird up and feel the area around the breastbone. If the bird does not seem to have enough meat there, or if the bone is sticking out a bit, the breeder should not be selling this bird. This could mean that the bird is just being weaned, but still may not be ready to be sold.

If a breeder meets all of these requirements and you feel comfortable dealing with him, your chances of getting a healthy and well adjusted bird are greatly increased.

         

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