The Exotic Bird Fair

Walking into a bird fair for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. With vendors rushing about, and every bird species from the largest macaw to the tiniest canary chirping, screeching, and squawking in harmony, it can be more than enough to leave an unprepared visitor's head spinning.

In order to make the most out of a day at the bird fair, you need to be aware of what to expect. What lies ahead of you is unlike any pet store you have ever visited before. In fact, by comparison, a bird fair can often appear to be loosely organized and rather unpredictable on the surface -- but truly can be a bird lover's paradise.

Exotic Bird Fairs Defined

Most exotic bird fairs are hosted by localized bird clubs and societies, and can be described as large avian expos filled with vendors, breeders, and others in the "bird business" that have birds or bird products for sale.

Many of the vendors will offer their products at spectacular discounts, even up to 90% less than the price at a regular pet store. For this reason, many bird owners look forward to their local fairs each year so they can buy supplies in bulk at these reduced rates.

Some also attend bird fairs to purchase new birds, or simply to just look around and observe some of the interesting species on display. Whatever an enthusiast's reason for visiting a bird fair, there are rarely any shortages of entertaining sights, sounds, and activities.

What Can Be Purchased at a Bird Fair?

A seemingly endless array of birds, goods, and services are available at most bird fairs. Breeder birds and pets of various species normally abound, and can be acquired at extremely reasonable and sometimes negotiable prices. Products ranging from toys and perches to seed and vitamins can be purchased at wholesale discounts, and cages of virtually every shape and size can be bought at reduced rates.

Some bird clubs also offer additional services at their fairs. For example, Heart of Tennessee Aviculture Society, my local organization, hosts an annual bird fair that includes an auction and surgical sexing performed on-site by an avian vet.

Whether you are looking to buy a new baby bird, or just pick up some supplies for an old feathered friend, a trip to a bird fair is an almost guaranteed way to find what you are looking for.

Photos (c) 2006 Alyson Burgess licensed to About.com