Opinions on buying from this breeder needed

mantellas

New member
Apr 29, 2011
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Texas
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Senegal
I contacted a breeder who is one of the few I could find in Texas who has Timnehs. Out of 2 breeders I contacted, she's the only one who responded. I can't find anything online about this breeder other than a few ads for birds. She breeds Cockatiels, Conures, Macaws and Greys that I know of. She was very friendly and informative over the phone. We're going to see the facility and the baby that we're interested in tomorrow afternoon. If I decide to buy the baby I can visit weekly to see him/her until he/she is ready to go home. It's a family business w/her family members working there taking care of the birds and hand feeding all the babies. I was told that a vet from Arkansas comes to their facility on a regular basis to check out the birds. They sell to both pet stores and individuals. My concern is that she has a VERY large quantity of birds. All the birds in the pics look healthy and the cages appear clean in what few pics I've seen, but they have a lot of birds. What are your thoughts on this? If the facility is clean & everyone looks healthy is it ok to buy from a very large scale breeder?
 

Spiritbird

Banned
Banned
Aug 20, 2009
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That is a really good question. Personally, I prefer buying from a hobby or small time breeder. It is nice that you get to see the baby. I will drop you another name via PM.
 

Garnet

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May 27, 2011
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Silver Springs, Florida
Parrots
5 Green Cheek Conures; 1 Blackcapped Conure; 2 Sun Conures; 3 Cockatiel; 1 Quaker; 1 Whitecapped Pionus; 2 Peach Fronted Conures; 1 parakeet
Even buying a bird from a small breeder or hobby breeder is no guarantee the bird will be healthy. Make sure you ask to see the parents, most breeders with a closed aviary will tell you immediately. You really cannot tell by looking a the babies if they are healthy, but a visit to the vet would help ease your mind. A simple well bird check up isn't that expensive and can save you alot in the long run.
 

Spiritbird

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Aug 20, 2009
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Well I got my GCC from a small time breeder who advertised on the forum. I saw the parents and her other breeding birds. My birdis very healthy and weined to pellets. I still vote for the hobby breeder.
 

HRH Di

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Jan 9, 2010
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McKinney, TX
Parrots
Max - Alexandrine, Jade - Red-Front Macaw, Ruby - CAG
Having A LOT of birds doesn't mean it's a bad situation. This was our experience with a breeder (a very good experience):

Our breeder has over 100 birds - breeding pairs and "family" birds. On our first visit, we requested and were given a tour of her entire aviary - breeder area and everything. She answered all of our questions without hesitation. All of the birds were active and friendly. The cages were obviously cleaned often if not daily. There was no poop build up or unusual amounts of feathers. Food and water bowls were filled with clean and fresh items.

She told us about what she does to ensure her birds are healthy. She gave us the name of her vet and a copy of her most recent swabbing that tests for avian and other diseases and pathogens. This information is given to each family (in writing) who adopts a bird from her.

We didn't ask, but I'm sure we could have gotten references from other families who adopted her birds.

Any breeder must be open and transparent about their aviary, sanitation/health checks and references to ensure getting a healthy bird.

BTW - I just checked her website and my Ruby's parents are currently on eggs. They're Congo's but I thought I'd mention it. :p
 
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