Long shot! Wanted; mentor.

MutatedFungi

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Nov 13, 2016
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I'm from New Hampshire and am looking for a mentor with one catch, I am still not sure what species I want to start with, I've narrowed down my species that I want between love birds, parrolets, budgies or cockateils.

I don't mind a few pen pals on here though, bonus if you have an amazing camera, and a great knowledge on any of the species that I have listed, maybe even in shows?

I realize that I can ask on the forums and everyone does seem to be extremely friendly despite how silly a question may be, however with so many questions I am afraid of bombarding anyone with thousands of questions (have not had a bird since the 90's.)

If this is the wrong section feel free to move or delete it :)

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SailBoat

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Mentoring seems to becoming a lost Art or is changing to a group support structure with like people providing what could be defined as helpful support.

I have had several Mentors over the years and their advise had been helpful. For near twenty years I have return the favor by doing the same.

Regarding Parrots, I'm a self-professed Amazon Snob. It is my hope that someone who has the background you need will come forward.

The other way of doing this is to search the Species specific Forums of the Parrots that you have interest. Then place a Thread in one of those Forums.
 

GaleriaGila

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I like what Mr. Boat said!
I consider myself to have multiple mentors here, among whom is a certain Amazon snob.
Why have one mentor when you can have a bunch!?
 

Scott

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I like what Mr. Boat said!
I consider myself to have multiple mentors here, among whom is a certain Amazon snob.
Why have one mentor when you can have a bunch!?

^^^ This!! ^^^

A typical definition of mentor is one present in the physical world. Because we are a forum that literally girdles the globe, it is highly unlikely to find someone near you. I do understand your desire, and am confident Gail's words of wisdom are helpful . You'll find forum buddies who are immensely talented and giving of their advice and comfort.
 
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MutatedFungi

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Oh, so on the breeders section when it talks about getting a mentor, is out of date. (Not wanting to breed, but I do want show quality birds)

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GaleriaGila

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Oh, if you find a local mentor, that'd be great.
Meanwhile, you have the whole world. :)
 

SailBoat

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Oh, so on the breeders section when it talks about getting a mentor, is out of date. (Not wanting to breed, but I do want show quality birds)

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The 'Art' of Breeding and the knowledge needed really wants someone that the 'Trainee' can call ASAP when, not if, a problem develops. That statement is not 'out-of-date.' It is painfully real! Far too many baby Parrots are lost every year due serious errors that 'Trainees' make with no one to connect too! The end result is the baby Parrot dies!
 
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MutatedFungi

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And you lot don't mind answering so many questions?

I do have one big question!

Show quality birds, are they like dogs? Too much inbreeding, and poor health?

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GaleriaGila

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I don't know a thing about showing.
I do know that ensuring appropriate genetic diversity would/should be a MUST for any responsible breeder.
 

SailBoat

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And you lot don't mind answering so many questions?

I do have one big question!

Show quality birds, are they like dogs? Too much inbreeding, and poor health?

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You really want to re-think this questions!

The World of Show Dogs is very different from the World of Show (Birds) Parrots. Show Dogs have International events, that are support by National events, which are support by State events, which are support by local events. The likelihood of an International Show Bird event is maybe a couple of Countries in Europe! The likelihood of a USA National level event is iffy as is State level events. That does not mean that it doesn't happen at the local level, its just not as popular as Show Dogs, even at the local level.

You really want to be seeking out Bird Shows in your area. Since, the great depression of 2008 - to current, they have been on a very sharp decline as has the number of high quality (Show Level) Breeders.

So, Web Search for Bird Shows in your State and the States near you!
 
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MutatedFungi

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I don't know a thing about showing.
I do know that ensuring appropriate genetic diversity would/should be a MUST for any responsible breeder.
And one must also have a good knowledge on morphs, to not breed lethal parrots as some genes are not compatible.

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Terry57

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And you lot don't mind answering so many questions?

I do have one big question!

Show quality birds, are they like dogs? Too much inbreeding, and poor health?

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This completely depends on the breeder. If you are able to find an ethical breeder, that should not be a problem. But there are many breeders who breed only for show quality, and only care what the bird looks like in the show cage, and not how short his lifespan may be, or what issues he will have in his too short life. That is why finding a good breeder is so important, whether you are looking to show or just have a pet.
 
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MutatedFungi

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And you lot don't mind answering so many questions?

I do have one big question!

Show quality birds, are they like dogs? Too much inbreeding, and poor health?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J321AZ using Tapatalk

This completely depends on the breeder. If you are able to find an ethical breeder, that should not be a problem. But there are many breeders who breed only for show quality, and only care what the bird looks like in the show cage, and not how short his lifespan may be, or what issues he will have in his too short life. That is why finding a good breeder is so important, whether you are looking to show or just have a pet.
How would one go about finding a good breeder?

What do I look for?

Would a basic knowledge in breeding help me to find a good breeder?

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SailBoat

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Okay Grasshooper, lets stay a bit on task!

Short list of Parrots, First!
Find What Bird Shows are in your Area, Second!
Find What Birds or Parrots are Commonly Shown is Third!
Reevaluate short list of Parrots is Forth!

Once that is completed, then its time to look for the needed Breeder! Not Before!

Yaaaa, I'm that grumpy old guy at the end of the Street! Mentoring is an Art!
 
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MutatedFungi

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Okay Grasshooper, lets stay a bit on task!

Short list of Parrots, First!
Find What Bird Shows are in your Area, Second!
Find What Birds or Parrots are Commonly Shown is Third!
Reevaluate short list of Parrots is Forth!

Once that is completed, then its time to look for the needed Breeder! Not Before!

Yaaaa, I'm that grumpy old guy at the end of the Street! Mentoring is an Art!

BOAF is a show close by, that also sells parrots, it is annual though.

My short list is English budgies, love birds, teils, and parrolets, though I am leaning towards love birds, and parrolets, all are commonly shown.





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SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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Western, Michigan
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DYH Amazon
Okay Grasshooper, lets stay a bit on task!

Short list of Parrots, First!
Find What Bird Shows are in your Area, Second!
Find What Birds or Parrots are Commonly Shown is Third!
Reevaluate short list of Parrots is Forth!

Once that is completed, then its time to look for the needed Breeder! Not Before!

Yaaaa, I'm that grumpy old guy at the end of the Street! Mentoring is an Art!

BOAF is a show close by, that also sells parrots, it is annual though.

My short list is English budgies, love birds, teils, and parrolets, though I am leaning towards love birds, and parrolets, all are commonly shown.





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Well, at least you got one near you and a good one at that! And yup, the the vast majority are yearly. But if you're going to show at the Spring BOAF, you need to get going! After all April is less than six months.

Time to get going!

Research the show and find out who was selling the Birds on you're short list. Get their names and numbers from the Organizers.
Find out who the Winners (1, 2, 3 places) are for the Birds on you're short list. Get their names and numbers from the Organizers.
Research time again, Web Search each, get as much information as the Web will provide you.
Look to see what other shows they attend and gather the same information at those shows (1, 2, 3 places).
At this point you will have a detailed list of the top 'Show Placers' for your short list birds.

Once completed, it will be time to develop your skills at choosing the Right Breeder that will provide you the Healthy, Strong, Show Birds you will need to place in the top three position in this coming April's show!

Mentoring also involves pushing and a little praise, darn little. Now get going, times a wasting!
 
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MutatedFungi

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Okay Grasshooper, lets stay a bit on task!

Short list of Parrots, First!
Find What Bird Shows are in your Area, Second!
Find What Birds or Parrots are Commonly Shown is Third!
Reevaluate short list of Parrots is Forth!

Once that is completed, then its time to look for the needed Breeder! Not Before!

Yaaaa, I'm that grumpy old guy at the end of the Street! Mentoring is an Art!

BOAF is a show close by, that also sells parrots, it is annual though.

My short list is English budgies, love birds, teils, and parrolets, though I am leaning towards love birds, and parrolets, all are commonly shown.





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Well, at least you got one near you and a good one at that! And yup, the the vast majority are yearly. But if you're going to show at the Spring BOAF, you need to get going! After all April is less than six months.

Time to get going!

Research the show and find out who was selling the Birds on you're short list. Get their names and numbers from the Organizers.
Find out who the Winners (1, 2, 3 places) are for the Birds on you're short list. Get their names and numbers from the Organizers.
Research time again, Web Search each, get as much information as the Web will provide you.
Look to see what other shows they attend and gather the same information at those shows (1, 2, 3 places).
At this point you will have a detailed list of the top 'Show Placers' for your short list birds.

Once completed, it will be time to develop your skills at choosing the Right Breeder that will provide you the Healthy, Strong, Show Birds you will need to place in the top three position in this coming April's show!

Mentoring also involves pushing and a little praise, darn little. Now get going, times a wasting!
I can tell that we are going to get along great, have you gone to the BOAF show?

Is it only in New Hampshire or other states as well?

I have been doing as much research as I can on the different species, colors, what colors to avoid crossing, and every bit of other information that I can read.

My experience in shows are limited to goats at fairs, as I was in 4H.

Off to follow your advice and send some E- mails out, and see what I can do on that front.

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MutatedFungi

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Okay E-mail sent, which was good as I also let them know that the breeders websites were mostly invalid.

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AmyMyBlueFront

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Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
I'm from New Hampshire and am looking for a mentor with one catch, I am still not sure what species I want to start with, I've narrowed down my species that I want between love birds, parrolets, budgies or cockateils.

I don't mind a few pen pals on here though, bonus if you have an amazing camera, and a great knowledge on any of the species that I have listed, maybe even in shows?

I realize that I can ask on the forums and everyone does seem to be extremely friendly despite how silly a question may be, however with so many questions I am afraid of bombarding anyone with thousands of questions (have not had a bird since the 90's.)

If this is the wrong section feel free to move or delete it :)

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Hi there!
Well I'm KINDA close to you! LOL..living in CT,depending where in New Hampshire you are,we could be as close to less than three hours away.

I see you listed cockatiels as one of the species you are considering.
I do have a youngster,and he is just a sweetheart,and have had him now 6 months or so,he was 4.5 months old when he came home with me.

However, I have had birds in my life for nearly thirty years,having Amy a Blue Fronted 'Zon who is 27 years young,and she was four months old when she came home with me. I also had a Grey and a Goffin 'Too..

At any rate...if I can help with something....


Jim
 

AmyMyBlueFront

Well-known member
Apr 14, 2015
6,315
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Connecticut
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Amy a Blue Front 'Zon
Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Oh CRAP! NEVER MIND! Silly me didn't read this entire thread before opening my big fat...ummmm....FINGERS! I know ZILCH..NADA...NITCHIVOE...ZERO...about breeding! :rolleyes: :eek: :(




Jim
 

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