Info about bird expos?

[caseymayyne]

Not sure what topic to put this under, so my apologies if it's under the wrong one. But theres a bird expo coming up in my area, and I was wondering if birds are generally cheaper there? I have been having a lot of difficulty finding breeders on long island, and I never like buying birds at pet shops.
I also heard that the birds tend to not be as hardy and in good shape as opposed to buying from a breeder, but again, I can't find any breeders selling at a reasonable price around here. Any info about expos would be greatly appreciated.

[Mum2rory]

I cant really answer your question from experience but there was another recent thread where the person was advised NOT to get their bird from an expo or bird fair. Will try and find it and re-post.

[Cage Cleaner]

I believe the above poster is referring to my post here. It is the fourth post down.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6246&p=41966&hilit=bird+fair#p41966

I am not necessarily advising against purchasing from a bird fair. I myself have done so. But I am saying that you need to be extremely careful when you do. In short, I'm saying that there is risk. Make sure you quarantine if you have any other birds in the house already. Quarantine is a huge, annoying, but absolutely necessary process. Birds are exposed to many many other birds at the expo, thus increasing the chance that you may bring home a pathogen of some kind. The last thing you want to do is have the newcomer infect an animal that you already have an emotional bond with.

Pay attention to the kind of seller that is handling the birds. If the seller is trying to push the bird on you without really any second thought, politely decline and walk away. This is a really bad sign. You want someone who has put in time and commitment when raising the babies. Hand sanitize your hands before handling another bird, because that next bird you handle might be the one. Of course, hand sanitizer isn't a sure way to prevent disease, but at least it's one step closer to doing so.

Don't be discouraged from attending a bird fair, though. You should definitely go, whether or not you are buying. There are many different breeds of birds present that are not regularly found, and most vendors at the expos are actually very caring toward birds. They are also great resources.

And I have to say YES! The prices there are absolutely AMAZING (at least in my experience with the ones I've been to here in northern California). Bartering is basically expected with live animals. My advice, if you mean to buy, is to WAIT until almost the end of the fair. Things will be cheaper because breeders will lower their prices as the day passes.

Have fun

[caseymayyne]

Thank you very, very much. That was extremely helpful