Breeder bird becoming a pet?

[Wynter]

Hello, I wanted to ask a question regarding the possibility of a breeder becoming a pet.

I am considering a 6 year old white cap pionus who is being sold as a breeder. What do you think the realistic chances are of him becoming tame and trained? I know with enough time and training it is possible. My current experience with parrots is above beginner but I'd say below moderate as it has all come from working in a pet store (13 years). It's been a good experience with a large number of species and has included some training experience but O wouldn't consider myself an expert. I mostly know the theories not as much practical experience. So in your opinion how likely would I be develop a good bond with a breeder bird?

I know it's a tough question lol but has anyone successfully done this? If so how long before you started to see results? Would it be a lot different then working with a bird who is say agressive with any one other then their owner?

[CheroneseGirl]

I'm curious what's going on with/happened to it's mate?

Like you said, "enough time and training". I believe the chances of taming and training depends on the time and effort you're willing to put into it. Have you met the bird? Are you a (very) patient person?

[Wynter]

I have not yet spoken to the breeder (I wanted to think about and possible find out some info from anyone who successfully has trained an ex breeder bird) so I don't know what happened to the mate. There are a tonne of people trying to breed birds in my area and not all of them are successful (a lot of people think quick easy money because of how much parrots sell for).

[friend2parrots]

i don't understand why he is being sold individually, if he is being sold as a breeder?

There are a tonne of people trying to breed birds in my area and not all of them are successful

and if they are not having success, then how can this bird be considered a "breeder"? do you mean that it is simply a bird that they TRIED to breed, but failed?

(a lot of people think quick easy money because of how much parrots sell for).

yes, a lot of people do think this, unfortunately. your post was really disheartening to read, especially after spending quite a bit of time writing recent posts about what is required for humane bird breeding. PLEASE check my posts out - they are in a thread in the General and Off Topic section of this forum, dated today, started by CaitlinRice, and titled "How to find a good breeder". after you read my posts, i would be really curious to find out if the breeder from whom you wish to purchase this bird follows any of the humane practices outlined in my post.

if they don't then you shouldnt purchase this bird from them. instead, DO A LOT OF RESEARCH and locate a bird bred by a good breeder that meets higher standards. you should tell the breeders in your area that breeding birds is a serious responsibility toward parrot species, many of which are on the verge of extinction, including the poor bird you are thinking of buying. emphasize that its not a frivolous money making scheme, but rather, it is an expensive undertaking that only those who love animals should undertake, and which never makes a profit if you are doing it right.

i don't breed birds, but i do believe and support the idea of quality, ethical, and humane parrot breeding. if these breeders in your area are what you say they are, they are a disgrace to the efforts of good breeders everywhere who truly care about their birds.

[terri]

Ive never owned a retired breeder .But here are my thoughts -My rehomes I have spent alot of time building my relationship through the bars of the cage .Meaning It might take a LONG TIME with probably a bird thats not used to being handled or have that sort of attention.But you have to ask yourself if your willing to be ok with what the bird is willing to give with no expectations.I think how wonderful for the bird [as long as your not taking it away from its mate]maybe the mate died.He could have a nice big cage [by a window ]toys [do you ever see breeders with toys? and someone to give it kind attention everyday.He might just start to like his life.I visit these Queen of Bolivia birds and the one always comes to see me [i can pet him a little through the cage]and I know these guys arent handled the one just seems to like people.You never know .

[marie83]

I don't see why you cannot rehome an ex breeder bird but bear in mind it may be a very very slow process to get him adapted to living in a house and tame. Its certainly not an impossible task but it may be a very big task.
Have a quick read through the post called "harlies progress" further down the page. It can take years with some birds but every success is so worth it and makes up for the frustrating times in between. Remember she was abused though not just brought in from an aviary, I have heard stories about some aviary birds that have settled into a domestic environment very quickly (matter of days) though but I have no idea how credible those stories are.
I would suspect that the shortest time realistically would be a few months of hard work and the right approach whereas the worst case scenario would be a few years or never. You have to expect the worst and hope for the best as it really does depend on the individual bird.

[Pricey_boy]

I have a friend who got a 14 yr old extremely aggressive aviary cockatoo now it's the friendliest house bird

[friend2parrots]

i certainly agree with terri, marie, and pricey-boy that ANY bird, regardless of its background, can be successfully rehabiliated. and yes, ex breeders do make great pets. my advice to not purchase the bird was not with respect to the pet potential of this particular bird, which is high, but rather a caution to check the conditions in which the bird was raised before you make a purchase, and hence, support this particular seller with your dollars and cents.

however if you have already decided this particular bird is the one you love, thats another story, and i'm sorry if my advice about going elsewhere sounded cold. its a tough call, to dish out money to rescue a bird from a place that youre not happy with, and hence support the previous owners activities with your dollars. but i do think that it is necessary sometmes if thats the only thing thats going to give a particular bird a better home.

as a former breeder bird, the bird you are thinking about is likely to enjoy the companionship of another bird for the rest of its life. if you do decide to get this bird, you may want to consider at some point getting an ADULT bird companion for him from a rescue. (after he's been screened to be perfectly healthy, etc, innoculated, etc by your avian vet, you can take him for a walk around through a bird rescue and let him pick out a bird buddy. ) birds that have spent their entire lives with other birds will do far better with continued bird companionship, rather than just as a single bird. and it is possible for you to have a warm and friendly relationship, and a good bond, with both birds.

[friend2parrots]

just a note that i edited my second post above

[terri]

CML has a pionus that I believe was an avairy bird .Maybe you can contact him and find out what his experience was.