How do I go about finding an ethical breeder etc?

[buurd]

I know my bird is going to need another bird for company, but I just realized that I have no idea how to go about finding an ethical source for a bird.

I came by my bird from pure chance, I think the person who I got him from is garbage, so Im not going back to that source. But who do I go to? How do you find someone ethical, who isnt breeding birds for pure profit and who takes care of the birds?

I have a bourke's parrot, so i need another compatible, gentle bird.
That means another bourke's or a scarlet chested/splendid/turquoisine parakeet. The only people selling these birds locally in my state that I have found, might come up infrequently in craigslist ad, or in a hoobly classified or something like that. And there is very little information to go on. I can't even find clips of how/where they keep their birds, etc. Its almost like most of these people are doing it clandestinely, and it seems shady.

How do you vet a local bird seller/breeder etc?

 

[noodles123]

Just remember, there is no way of knowing your birds will get along---and you definitely don't want birds of the opposite gender. If you get a new bird and they don't work out, are you able to devote time to them separately?
Also, your new bird will need to be quarantined for a month before entering the same space as your current bird.

In terms of breeders, I guess you can look at reviews etc. but even highly reviewed ones aren't always doing the things I wish they would (based on observations over the years). I would probably avoid shipping birds.

 

[SailBoat]

Great advice provided above.
I'm going to recommend the nuts and bolts side of this topic.

Are they a register corporation in the State in which they exist. The vast majority of States provide semi current lists of register corporations. Many individuals who are breeding are doing it as a side line and are not register, hence they are not paying taxes and not keep records of any sort. A sign of a questionable operation at best.

Are they using an Avian Professional (Vet) to Vet check their breeders and the chicks? You want the name of the Vet they are using. There is nothing wrong with contacting the Vet they state they are using. Clearly the Vet is limited in what they can tell you, but they can provide an idea how often they bring their Birds in for examination.

At what age are they offering the chicks for sale and individuals taking them home. Birds who are not weaned is a Stop Sign, a clear statement they are pushing Parrots (a Parrot Mill).

Yes a short list, but a method of targeting from the business side.

 

[Kiwibird]

Have you considered adopting a Budgie or other similarly sized XS parrot that has lived in a community setting peacefully before? There is obviously no guarantee, but that may be a good solution for you. I know your situation is slightly out of the norm in terms of parrot keeping and if I were you, I might feel more comfortable seeking a bird who is known to get along with other birds even if not the same species (just as long as in the same size range).

 

[Rozalka]

Have you considered adopting a Budgie or other similarly sized XS parrot that has lived in a community setting peacefully before? There is obviously no guarantee, but that may be a good solution for you. I know your situation is slightly out of the norm in terms of parrot keeping and if I were you, I might feel more comfortable seeking a bird who is known to get along with other birds even if not the same species (just as long as in the same size range).

If somebody wants a friend for the bird not for human, only the same species/genus is a good solution. This is posible to keep Bourke and budgie together but they never will be friends. They are two different species and two totally different characters. Budgie is very social, for Bourke too social. If they are friends, probably they had been together since chicks, then everything is possible. In the case of two different species not being friends, both birds will be "alone"

 

[Laurasea]

I found my breeder that I got Neptune from on craigslist. There were lots of breeders and I called them all talked and asked questions. The o e I liked I drive three hours to pick up my Neptune , but I was prepared to walk away if they weren't up to snuff!
Neptune's breeder was just getting started. But she weaned by abundance, feed pellets seeds and veggies, fed by hand tell they slowly refused all of the feedings. the babies were handled by the whole family. I asked for DNA test before as I wanted a boy. And I am very happy with Neptune!!!

Sometimes a mom and pop breeder is a good thing. Not all craigslist people are bad. You just have to trust your instincts and ask questions.

 

[buurd]

Just remember, there is no way of knowing your birds will get along---and you definitely don't want birds of the opposite gender. If you get a new bird and they don't work out, are you able to devote time to them separately?
Also, your new bird will need to be quarantined for a month before entering the same space as your current bird.

In terms of breeders, I guess you can look at reviews etc. but even highly reviewed ones aren't always doing the things I wish they would (based on observations over the years). I would probably avoid shipping birds.

Im aware that not all birds become buddies. Im not talking about a mate, because I dont breed. Im just talking about bird company for my guy. That said, you wont find a more easy going parrot. So as long as the other bird is another gentle one , like a bourke's or splendid, I doubt they will hate each other.

I wouldnt have any bird shipped to me. That sounds inhumane.
I mentioned looking locally. Actually I not even seriously looking, right now. I just realized that I really dont know how to find an ethical source.

 

[buurd]

Great advice provided above.
I'm going to recommend the nuts and bolts side of this topic.

Are they a register corporation in the State in which they exist. The vast majority of States provide semi current lists of register corporations. Many individuals who are breeding are doing it as a side line and are not register, hence they are not paying taxes and not keep records of any sort. A sign of a questionable operation at best.

Are they using an Avian Professional (Vet) to Vet check their breeders and the chicks? You want the name of the Vet they are using. There is nothing wrong with contacting the Vet they state they are using. Clearly the Vet is limited in what they can tell you, but they can provide an idea how often they bring their Birds in for examination.

At what age are they offering the chicks for sale and individuals taking them home. Birds who are not weaned is a Stop Sign, a clear statement they are pushing Parrots (a Parrot Mill).

Yes a short list, but a method of targeting from the business side.

So Im thinking a register corporation would be a breeder or pet store? I dont really trust pet stores because they are in it solely as a business, and from what I can see, they buy birds from any old person breeding them.

Im m not looking for baby birds. Adult company for an adult bird. Handicapped is fine too, as long as I know my bird wouldnt go after it.

 

[buurd]

Have you considered adopting a Budgie or other similarly sized XS parrot that has lived in a community setting peacefully before? There is obviously no guarantee, but that may be a good solution for you. I know your situation is slightly out of the norm in terms of parrot keeping and if I were you, I might feel more comfortable seeking a bird who is known to get along with other birds even if not the same species (just as long as in the same size range).

Are there gentle budgies? Everywhere I read, they say budgies are too aggressive and boisterous for bourkes. There has got to be individual personalities, though, right? Or are they not marked enough, withing a type, like budgies?

You have an excellent idea though. Since I am looking for an adult, it would be great to know that a particular bird was too gentle for the other birds it was with, etc.

But I think the safest bet is to find another gentle breed, such as bourke's or splendid, whom they tend to get along with. I dont want to take a chance that a 'gentle' budgie is actually still too much of a bully for my shy little birb. Not liking each other is fine. I just wish to avoid having another type of bird try to beat up my guy.

They arent popular like conures and cockatiels though. So the problem is, where can I find local people who are an ethical source for them? I dont want to put money in the hands of someone who is breeding birds as their personal ATM machine.

 

[buurd]

Have you considered adopting a Budgie or other similarly sized XS parrot that has lived in a community setting peacefully before? There is obviously no guarantee, but that may be a good solution for you. I know your situation is slightly out of the norm in terms of parrot keeping and if I were you, I might feel more comfortable seeking a bird who is known to get along with other birds even if not the same species (just as long as in the same size range).

If somebody wants a friend for the bird not for human, only the same species/genus is a good solution. This is posible to keep Bourke and budgie together but they never will be friends. They are two different species and two totally different characters. Budgie is very social, for Bourke too social. If they are friends, probably they had been together since chicks, then everything is possible. In the case of two different species not being friends, both birds will be "alone"

This is why I would rather get another bourke's or splendid. I read that society finches can be gentle too. But if I am going to get him company, it just seems wiser to get him someone who he has an actual chance at bonding with, and a finch is just too different. If i do, and they dont like one another, then at least I tired to give him company that is more rich and substantial for him.

I wouldnt want to get him the type of company , too, that is constantly overstepping his boundaries. Eg bourkes dont preen one another. If another bird tried to preen him , he'd go straight into Stranger Danger! panic mode, I think

 

[buurd]

I found my breeder that I got Neptune from on craigslist. There were lots of breeders and I called them all talked and asked questions. The o e I liked I drive three hours to pick up my Neptune , but I was prepared to walk away if they weren't up to snuff!
Neptune's breeder was just getting started. But she weaned by abundance, feed pellets seeds and veggies, fed by hand tell they slowly refused all of the feedings. the babies were handled by the whole family. I asked for DNA test before as I wanted a boy. And I am very happy with Neptune!!!

Sometimes a mom and pop breeder is a good thing. Not all craigslist people are bad. You just have to trust your instincts and ask questions.

I know that I cant separate my heart from my head. If I see a bird in a ****ty situation, Id feel bad leaving it there. Thats how I ended up with a couple of birds inthe first place. Unfortunately this is a defect in me that I know I cant fix. That's why I try to be super cautious before I even get into a situation.

I am sure there are people out there who are trustworthy, but I have no idea where they are hiding.

 

[Noahs_Birds]

To all who do not understand
Breeder privacy is a very big deal, all private breeders like myself wish to not spell out everything they do for the world to see
It is not because they are shady, it is because of other reasons such as: chances of prized birds being stolen if someone finds out where there they live, and they do not want to show their setup as they want to keep their bird breeding success secrets to themselves
Say if a breeder has really good success with Cordon Bleu Waxbills, and they breed 100 per year. The breeder does not want to tell anyone else or give away clues with their success, as otherwise then everyone else will be breeding 100 cordons, which will then affect the breeder and he will not be able to sell his birds.
The main trick is, talk to the breeder and if he knows what he is talking about, then take it to the next level and visit his setup and see the bird.
If it is not up to standards, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SAY "NO"!
Just remember breeder privacy is taken very seriously, do not ask too many personal questions
Thanks
Noah Till

 

[noodles123]

I still wouldn't do opposite gender or you are opening pandora's box in terms of potential health risks etc (whether or not you intend to breed officially).

 

[buurd]

To all who do not understand
Breeder privacy is a very big deal, all private breeders like myself wish to not spell out everything they do for the world to see
It is not because they are shady, it is because of other reasons such as: chances of prized birds being stolen if someone finds out where there they live, and they do not want to show their setup as they want to keep their bird breeding success secrets to themselves
Say if a breeder has really good success with Cordon Bleu Waxbills, and they breed 100 per year. The breeder does not want to tell anyone else or give away clues with their success, as otherwise then everyone else will be breeding 100 cordons, which will then affect the breeder and he will not be able to sell his birds.
The main trick is, talk to the breeder and if he knows what he is talking about, then take it to the next level and visit his setup and see the bird.
If it is not up to standards, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SAY "NO"!
Just remember breeder privacy is taken very seriously, do not ask too many personal questions
Thanks
Noah Till

This makes no sense. At all. Not being transparent to potential adopters comes across as very shady.

I already stated that when I do adopt another bird, that I do not wish to deal with anyone who makes their cash selling birds. This may not be a popular opinion on this site, but it is mine and it is valid. I do not respect breeding for profit. Maybe my mind can be changed on some of it, but I doubt it. From what I have -and havent- seen.

I cant comment on you, of course, because I don't know anything about you. But I do not respect the position you just put forth here. I know there can be a big divide in thinking on the matter, generally from people who grow up with livestock, but I dont share their view.

 

[buurd]

I still wouldn't do opposite gender or you are opening pandora's box in terms of potential health risks etc (whether or not you intend to breed officially).

Noodles, I never said that I wanted to adopt an opposite sex bird. I don't. I never want to breed. As in, NEVER. The world doesnt need more pet birds.

And previously, I had been worried that she might have an egg and I would've been too ignorant to know it. Egg binding sounds horrifying.

In the end though, since Im going to be looking locally for two types of birds that aren't commonly found, I have a feeling that I will probably take what I can get.

I really wish this was as simple as adopting a budgie, because there are always abandoned budgies up for adoption at the humane society.

 

[Noahs_Birds]

To all who do not understand
Breeder privacy is a very big deal, all private breeders like myself wish to not spell out everything they do for the world to see
It is not because they are shady, it is because of other reasons such as: chances of prized birds being stolen if someone finds out where there they live, and they do not want to show their setup as they want to keep their bird breeding success secrets to themselves
Say if a breeder has really good success with Cordon Bleu Waxbills, and they breed 100 per year. The breeder does not want to tell anyone else or give away clues with their success, as otherwise then everyone else will be breeding 100 cordons, which will then affect the breeder and he will not be able to sell his birds.
The main trick is, talk to the breeder and if he knows what he is talking about, then take it to the next level and visit his setup and see the bird.
If it is not up to standards, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SAY "NO"!
Just remember breeder privacy is taken very seriously, do not ask too many personal questions
Thanks
Noah Till

This makes no sense. At all. Not being transparent to potential adopters comes across as very shady.

I already stated that when I do adopt another bird, that I do not wish to deal with anyone who makes their cash selling birds. This may not be a popular opinion on this site, but it is mine and it is valid. I do not respect breeding for profit. Maybe my mind can be changed on some of it, but I doubt it. From what I have -and havent- seen.

I cant comment on you, of course, because I don't know anything about you. But I do not respect the position you just put forth here. I know there can be a big divide in thinking on the matter, generally from people who grow up with livestock, but I dont share their view.

Seeing the birds and setup is not shady, and privacy is taken very seriously among breeders, and if not taken seriously it will and I mean WILL land you in trouble. In breeders groups, bad names stick like mud. And, for your information, breeders sell their birds in order to get cash so they can keep feeding their birds, they can't just pull their money straight of their cloaca, they need the money to keep their birds well cared for. If your in a breeders group you would understand better, if every breeder was so transparent, the whole bird breeding community would be a whole lot worse, privacy of all breeders should not be a point of argument, it is their choice to protect their birds

 

[ParrotGenie]

t I have found, might come up infrequently in craigslist ad, or in a hoobly classified or something like that. And there is very little information to go on. I can't even find clips of how/where they keep their birds, etc. Its almost like most of these people are doing it clandestinely, and it seems shady.

How do you vet a local bird seller/breeder etc?

It is not necessary that they are being shady as it might seem. Most private breeders hide info as there are people that will steal a expensive bird at any cost. I even heard of some breeders get rob at gun point, or people wait till they leave sit in front of home for days and then break in with a couple of other people and steal the birds, they even do this at stores. It a huge issue for them. Especially on Craigslist and Facebook being the biggest targets. The other main issue is that people will also steal the actual listing as well and etc and use the address as well to scam other people. So yes privacy is a big deal for them and taken seriously to protect themselves and their birds. It sad that what it come to, but they pretty much have to.

Your best bet is talk over the phone and ask questions related to the bird and test knowledge and then show interest and then they will give you address if they think your serious and meetup with you. Yes their are some good professional breeders that care for their birds well, but you do have to put personal feeling aside if you buying a bird as they all pretty much do it for profit. Rare to find someone that breed bird for hobby, or by accident. If your not ok with that then a rescue is only option, as even people re-homing birds are mostly bird flippers that know how to reword listing, so they won't get flagged.

NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER buy from someone that ships a bird. 95% of them are scammers to try to steal deposits and use stolen info, so when you look them up they come up as legit with good feedback rating.

 

[Noahs_Birds]

t I have found, might come up infrequently in craigslist ad, or in a hoobly classified or something like that. And there is very little information to go on. I can't even find clips of how/where they keep their birds, etc. Its almost like most of these people are doing it clandestinely, and it seems shady.

How do you vet a local bird seller/breeder etc?

It is not necessary that they are being shady as it might seem. Most private breeders hide info as there are people that will steal a expensive bird at any cost. I even heard of some breeders get rob at gun point, or people wait till they leave sit in front of home for days and then break in with a couple of other people and steal the birds, they even do this at stores. It a huge issue for them. Especially on Craigslist and Facebook being the biggest targets. The other main issue is that people will also steal the actual listing as well and etc and use the address as well to scam other people. So yes privacy is a big deal for them and taken seriously to protect themselves and their birds. It sad that what it come to, but they pretty much have to.

Your best bet is talk over the phone and ask questions related to the bird and test knowledge and then show interest and then they will give you address if they think your serious and meetup with you. Yes their are some good professional breeders that care for their birds well, but you do have to put personal feeling aside if you buying a bird as they all pretty much do it for profit. Rare to find someone that breed bird for hobby, or by accident. If your not ok with that then a rescue is only option, as even people re-homing birds are mostly bird flippers that know how to reword listing, so they won't get flagged.

NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER buy from someone that ships a bird. 95% of them are scammers to try to steal deposits and use stolen info, so when you look them up they come up as legit with good feedback rating.

Thank you Parrotgenie
This is what I am trying to say all along
I know so many people who have had their birds stolen, and people who steal their birds don't even know how to care for them, and that is how we loose species in aviculture
I keep 2 of the rarest species of finches, soon to be 3 species, that are in Australia. I never let random people come on my property to see the birds, I meet people at half way between my place and theirs, unless I genuinely know them. Breeders already get a bad wrap from the government, and the rights activists, and the whole lot of us are fed up with this &@?$. Private breeders are the ones that save species from extinction, because we rewrite the care, management and breeding records and we get better results than the zoos. You can't do a course or get a certificate in bird keeping, it is something learned overtime through other breeders and things you find out in your own time.
In the local bird club, there is a person that comes and tries to inspect all our aviaries and everyone hates and I mean HATES him, because he is such as stuck up pain that asks too many personal questions and always invades people's privacy, do you want to be known like that?
Also, I have had birds shipped from all over the place. I got birds from Tasmania, and Western Australia and I am in Queensland without any trouble. Once you get to know a legitimate breeder, they are the best people you can meet.

Please stop trying to alter breeders privacy and giving them a bad wrap. Remember, bad names stick like mud

Thanks
Noah Till

 

[FloridaParrotLover]

I know my bird is going to need another bird for company, but I just realized that I have no idea how to go about finding an ethical source for a bird.

I came by my bird from pure chance, I think the person who I got him from is garbage, so Im not going back to that source. But who do I go to? How do you find someone ethical, who isnt breeding birds for pure profit and who takes care of the birds?

I have a bourke's parrot, so i need another compatible, gentle bird.
That means another bourke's or a scarlet chested/splendid/turquoisine parakeet. The only people selling these birds locally in my state that I have found, might come up infrequently in craigslist ad, or in a hoobly classified or something like that. And there is very little information to go on. I can't even find clips of how/where they keep their birds, etc. Its almost like most of these people are doing it clandestinely, and it seems shady.

How do you vet a local bird seller/breeder etc?

not sure where your located, but here in Florida I did a search for "bird shows" and "bird expo" and I came up with a list of shows and expos plus a list of breeders...



also the show and expo will also have a list of all Breeders who will be there displaying there birds. :27:

 

[buurd]

not sure where your located, but here in Florida I did a search for "bird shows" and "bird expo" and I came up with a list of shows and expos plus a list of breeders...
also the show and expo will also have a list of all Breeders who will be there displaying there birds. :27:

Thanks but I read on here that you should never go to those shows or buy from them, as the birds are all exposed to potentially infectious birds. And that you can bring home disease by just walking through them.

Along those lines, I also learned on here that anyone breeding birds will not let you tour where they keep their birds, because you can potentially bring in disease from other birds. I get that. That is understandable. I still think if you have a set up, then it should be visible to potential adopters behind glass or something, though.