My breeder's house burned down

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this...

Back in 2002, I got a beautiful baby Jenday Conure from a breeder here in Iowa, the closest breeder I could find in my area, Zimmerman Pets, about 2 hours away from me in Sioux City. I still remember that trip and getting my baby Jenday and bringing him home. Zeke was my best friend. (I eventually had to sell him as I went off to college years later in a different city and my parents were not willing to care for him, different story)

But 15 years later, I was curious to see if this breeder was still breeding birds and did a Google search for them. Turns out, a grease fire destroyed their home in 2015 and almost all of their birds were killed in the fire. Despite this happening almost 2 years ago I was stunned to hear the news and very saddened. They lost not only their business but their home and all those birds. Super sad. I just remember that the owner Susan seemed very knowledgeable, she knew her stuff.

Do you stay in touch with your breeders over the years? There was a fundraiser set up but as it happened 2 years ago it is no longer listed.

For maybe 15 years, I was in touch with the Rbird's Arizona breeder. When I moved from New Mexico to Ohio, we eventually lost touch. Rb was one of three babies her Patagonian pair produced. It was too sad and nerve-wracking to part with the chicks, though, and she never bred again. While corresponding, we disovered that we were remarkably alike... very tall, thin, long red hair... even wore the same kind of glasses.

...WHICH explained why the Rb flapped and ran straight to me when I walked into the bird store that day so long ago. He thought his mom had come to reclaim him! And of COURSE I had to buy him on the spot...

Very sad about your breeder. I can't imagine the heart-ache that must have caused...

As a breeder myself I stay in touch with the breeders who have invested in me and my flock. Some breeders are just in it for the money and don't care about the birds or the customers. Those breeders I just keep their contact info in case I need something that I can't get elsewhere.

However there are other breeders that have invested a lot in me. For example, the woman from whom I bought most of my IRNs; she pours her heart and soul into her birds and cares deeply for them. She has gone to great lengths to help me learn. I send her pictures and updates regularly


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Thank you for the replies guys! Since many parrots live a lot longer than the average dog or cat I wasn't sure if people with older parrots kept in touch at all with their breeders. I suppose it's a common occurrence though where the bird outlives the business/the breeder retires, etc.

You just inspired me to try to get back in contact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To be continued...

GaleriaGila said:

You just inspired me to try to get back in contact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To be continued...

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Ohh yes keep us updated!! Did you ever get a chance to meet RB's parents??

I want an update too! I should also say I try to stay in touch with those who have my babies so that if they ever need my help they feel comfortable contacting me. I'll send them pics of their baby's siblings as they grow, etc. im actually fostering two babies of mine whose owner came into hard times and she temporarily can't have birds. This way she won't have to part with them permanently. Of course my adopters sign a ridiculously strict contract and one of the stipulations is that the bird cannot be rehomed. If they are no longer able to/wanting to live with the bird it has to come back to me, unless I authorize a direct transfer to a specific new home and the contract passes to that person.


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SilverSage said:

IOf course my adopters sign a ridiculously strict contract and one of the stipulations is that the bird cannot be rehomed. If they are no longer able to/wanting to live with the bird it has to come back to me, unless I authorize a direct transfer to a specific new home and the contract passes to that person.

Click to expand...

I think that's great, all breeders should do this!

I agree, but must "breeders" are more concerned about making a buck or having a cool experience than about the birds.

I actually have an article on what actually causes parrots to be unwanted and homeless (hint; it isn't over population) that you might find interesting. I'll link it here for you if you feel like giving it a read.


http://www.silversageaviaries.com/unwantedparrots/


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