Two stories for you. One about a couple who sold their male ekkie to a breeder thinking the man was just an individual that wanted his female to have a companion and their quest to get their bird back from him [he has been involved in breeding animals and has had several cruelty case brought against him].
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/white/mc-b ... story.html
This one is about a breeder that, having bought a female, lost her and his nonchalant attitude about a bird lost out there [I hope whoever finds the bird never returns it to this man!]
http://www.chronline.com/life/indian-ri ... 7761b.html