How do you find a good parrot breeder?

[Arshia]

1. How do you find it? Is it just by chance, referrals, or do you just go on google and search something along the lines of "lorikeet breeder in California"?

2. Are better breeders specific to the bird species? What I mean is: would it be better to purchase a Green Cheek Conure from a conure breeder than from someone who breeds macaws, cockatoos, AG's, and lovebirds along with conures?

3. What do you think of www.goldencockatoo.com? Have any of you had any experience with them? They seem to me like a pet store rather than a bird breeder, and for some reason, that carries a less positive connotation.

[marie83]

Word of mouth is always good but not always possible, plus different people look for different things in a breeder. If possible ring round as many places as you can, visit the ones that sound best and see how you feel. I always think that a good breeder won't push you into buying from them and tell you only the things you want to hear and will ask you questions too. Of course that isn't the only factor, there are many other things. Is it clean, do they clip, how often do they breed from their birds, do they take all the eggs so the birds are constantly producing more. Lots more to consider too. Some petstores are ok but be careful, the majority are sadly just in it for the money and will raise the birds in such a way that maximizes profit and will tell you whatever you want to hear.

[Michael]

Finding a breeder that is accustomed to raising flighted parrots and is definitely willing to guarantee you an unclipped bird is a huge start. This also says a ton about the breeder. The ones who always clip are less interested in the bird's well being, less expert (cause they need to rely on clipping rather than knowing what to do with a baby bird), and probably just in it for the money (it's easier to raise a lot of clipped birds than focusing on a few flighted ones). Also asking about the foods they ween on can be a good indication of how good they are. The ones who rely on colorful fruity pellets as a crutch are usually less desirable as well. Basically discovering their attitude and aptitude in regards to diet and flight will likely say a lot about their breeding capabilities altogether.

[FirstPenguin]

Finding a breeder who won't clip is a seriously tall order though. I've corresponded with many that have either flat out said no, and told me why it's such a horrible idea, or tell a light clip is no big deal, the primaries will grow out eventually.

I also look for someone who does all their own breeding and practices a closed aviary system. Meaning, they're not shipping barely hatched chicks in from a parrot mill in florida that's potentially carrying disease and came from stressed parents.

I also ask what kind of environment the breeder has their birds in.

[marie83]

[quote="FirstPenguin"]Finding a breeder who won't clip is a seriously tall order though. I've corresponded with many that have either flat out said no, and told me why it's such a horrible idea, or tell a light clip is no big deal, the primaries will grow out eventually. quote]


This is so sad. I guess I've been lucky with my birds as none of mine have ever been clipped. Tbh it wasn't until the last 2-3 years it really sunk in that people do clip as I've never come across anyone who does. I really think people need to stick to their guns though if they want an unclipped bird (which imo they should). The beeders will be reluctant to clip if their business is affected by people refusing to buy clipped.

[Grey_Moon]

I do not condone or support anyone purchasing from a breeder/pet store---quality or otherwise.

Anyone who has done their research as needed and knows about parrots knows about the overflow of unwanted, neglected, abused or abandoned birds. They also know how by and large these wild animals are unsuited to living as 'pets' in captivity and the high number of those who are bounced from home to home, display behaviour problems or end up in the already maxed out rescues. Buying from a breeder or pet store instead of adopting through a rescue or rehoming a bird supports these practices and brings another baby bird into this world when there are too many already and robs an older bird the chance of a permanent home.

It is a myth that somehow rescue/rehomed birds are permanently broken or inferior to birds from breeders---and my TAG is living proof of that as are many other rescued or rehomed birds.

THUS---I say contact your local rescues and adopt. Save a life---don't bring another into the cycle.

[Eurycerus]

If you live in California, preferably northern California, we have the best Parrot rescue up here: Mickaboo.

I strongly support their mission and the care that they give all their parrots. You are required to attend a bird class, although sometimes you can do a phone in bird class. And then you have an informal phone interview, where you can ask questions. Then a home visit to check for toxic cookware and hidden dangers and then you can adopt! I was going through the process when I found a little lady on craigslist. Her owner seemed nice and the bird was very cared for.

http://www.mickaboo.org/

[pennyandrocky]

i completely agree with greymoon aside from my first mine have all been rehomes and adopted.i was going to go to a breeder and get a baby until i happened to see a rescue site after finding out so many were in need i couldn't do it so i went with adoption again and fell instanly in love with mya .

[cmaygar]

I purchased my pineapple gcc from the Golden Cockatoo in Deerfield Beach, FL. This is an excellent source for parrots. The staff is very knowledgeable. The birds are impeccable and all are hand-raised and well-socialized by the staff. I'm fortunate because I live very close to this store but I would not hesitate to recommend them to someone that would need to have a bird shipped to their location.

They always have a great selection of many different types of parrots and they don't push anyone to buy their birds. They also offer an incredible health guarantee on their birds. They update their website quite often to show the birds that they have for sale. They will not sell an unweaned bird, which is very good in my opinion. I've read of horror stories where people buy unweaned birds from breeders and experience horrible results.

[liz]

I never intended to have anything but tiels. When Rambo's home was in distress I took him.

I contacted many rescues. They either needed more money than I could lay out at one time. (they socialize and work with the birds while they have them) I was even turned down by a rescue because I had too many pets. I searched Craigslist for a second bird to keep him company. I am really glad the rescues did not work.

Myrtle was basically a throw away bird. She was neglected and mistreated and the woman was about to sell her to a breeder.

If you have read about Rambo and Myrtle you will see that they are a special part of my family. Scared and starved Myrtle is a joy in my life. She is on my shoulder preening me at the moment.
Rambo taught me a lot. I always thought parrots copied words. He set me straight by telling me things and asking questions.

Rescued birds are not broken. They are just a little dented and dents can be pulled out.