Choosing a Healthy Baby Bird

Talking to the Breeder

• When were these birds hatched? In order to make sure that you get a baby who is old enough to leave its aviary, inquire as to the hatch date of the bird that you are interested in. Avoid buying birds that have been force weaned or that cannot yet sufficiently feed themselves.
  
  
• Do you keep an open or closed aviary? Birds bred in a closed aviary have a much lower chance of disease due to the fact that all birds in the aviary are essentially quarantined from any outsiders. As many avian diseases are airborne and spread quickly, it is always best to buy from a closed aviary in which the chance of contact with questionable birds is eliminated.
  
  
• Have these babies been sexed? While most avian enthusiasts will tell you that either gender makes a wonderful pet, some owners like to know the sex of the bird that they are buying, particularly if they already own a bird of the same or similar species.
  
  
• Have the babies been tested for disease? Since most diagnostics labs offer combination testing, if the birds you are looking at have been sexed, there is a great possibility that they have also been disease tested. If the breeder has had them tested, ask to see the documentation or certificate from the lab that processed the results.
  
  
• Are the bird's parents on the premises, and if so, can I see them? Healthy parents generally make healthy babies, so it's always a good idea to observe your bird's mother and father if you can. Keep in mind that many breeding birds are not treated as pets, and will likely not be tame. Base your opinion instead on the overall appearance of the birds, their activity, and their appetites.
  
  
• Have these birds been handfed or parent raised? While many of those involved with aviculture swear by handfeeding to produce tame birds, a considerable amount are quick to point out that parent raised babies usually do just fine as pets, provided that they were adequately socialized by their breeders. This is completely a matter of personal preference, but is helpful to know when considering a training schedule for your new pet.
  
  
• What sort of diet have the birds been eating, and what do you recommend? Switching a baby bird's diet "cold turkey" can be harmful or even fatal to the pet. Some bird's can be extraordinarily picky eaters, and will starve themselves to death rather than try a new or different diet. It's always a good idea to purchase a supply of whatever the bird has been eating before you bring your new pet home. Your bird can always be switched over to a different diet later on once he or she is settled in your home.

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