When you are thinking of buying a bird, it's always good to see the facilities in which the bird was raised. However, this may or may not be possible, depending on the breeder. Some breeders operate closed aviaries, which are maintained in a clean, disease-free state for the health of the flock. These aviaries are operated under strict guidelines that minimize the risk of introducing disease to the flock, and the owners do not often allow tours. Do not be offended if you come into contact with a breeder that operates this type of aviary -- these breeders are often among the best to buy from. Most offer health guarantees on their birds, and will work with you to make sure that you get a well adjusted pet that has been raised in a healthy, clean, and happy environment.
If your breeder does not operate a closed aviary, you may have the opportunity to tour their facilities. If you do, take note of the following to help you determine if the breeder operates responsibly:
- Cages should be clean. Dirty cages are an automatic red flag when looking for a quality bird breeder. A good breeder will always strive to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in their birds' environment, not only to reduce the risk of disease, but to make sure that the birds are happy and comfortable.
- Food should be fresh and varied. Good bird breeders don't just feed their birds seeds and pellets. When you go to see the birds that your breeder has available, take a peek into their dishes and see what they're eating. In addition to a seed or pellet mix, the birds should be offered a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Birds should be healthy and sociable. Birds that come from a good breeder will be eager to interact with you. They should be alert and active, and should exhibit all the signs of a healthy bird, such as bright eyes, clean feathers, and full crops.
Closing the Deal
When you've found a breeder that you are comfortable with and seen what they have to offer, you should begin working with them to negotiate the terms of the sale. The breeder may have special requests of you, or the bird you want may still be on handfeedings, so you shouldn't expect to collect your new pet immediately. If you do experience a waiting period, use the extra time to gather all the supplies that you will need for your feathered friend. Set up your bird's new cage, stock up on safe toys and accessories, and have everything ready to go on the day that you bring your new pet home. Doing so will make the transition much less stressful for both you and your bird.After you've taken your new bird home, the breeder should make him or herself available to answer any questions that you might have. Remember, this person has been with your bird since the very beginning, and has played a significant role in his growth and development. They will likely want to remain in touch with you so that they can offer advice and insight, and so they can see how their "baby" is doing. You should welcome this sort of relationship with your breeder and take advantage of his or her wisdom. In doing so, you will be making sure that you are providing your pet with the best possible quality of life -- and that's what bird ownership is all about.
