Buying Pet Birds

Where to Buy Birds

So where does a bird enthusiast find their new friend? Let’s take a look at some of the options.

Bird Breeders

Bird breeders are the main source of exotic birds since importing of them from foreign countries has been restricted over recent years due to risk of endangering many species. There are two types of breeders- commercial and hobbyist. A commercial breeder can have up to thousands of different birds. Many of these types of breeders wholesale them to bird marts, pet stores and individuals. Since these breeders have so many of these birds, it’s hard to imagine that they could spend too much time and care with all of them. This is not to say that commercial breeders do not care for their bird’s health, well being etc, it just may result in a bird that may be difficult to bond with. Use your best judgment. When you meet the breeder, ask to see where the birds are kept. Ask lots of questions, look at their environment, cleanliness etc. You will be able to tell right away if that person is a reputable breeder.

Here are a couple websites to find commercial bird breeders-

• Planet Pets.com
• Bird Breeders.com

A hobbyist breeder is a small, family-type organization (many in a person’s own home) where different birds are raised and sold to individuals, bird marts and pet stores. A hobbyist is usually someone who may have started as having a couple of birds and then got more out of love for them. I prefer individual breeders to the commercial ones due to their personal touch. Knowing that a bird has been hand raised by a person usually results in a healthier, more emotionally balanced companion. Don’t forget to ask to see where the birds are kept. It will give you an idea of how well the birds are treated.

So where do you find hobbyist breeders? Try your local newspapers, Pennysaver and others. You can also ask other bird enthusiasts where a reputable breeder can be found.

Bird Marts and Pet Stores

If you cannot find a bird breeder in your area, another option is a bird mart or pet store. These stores are mostly supplied with birds from breeders anyway, so they are more like a middleman. Pet stores vary in the quality and care of their animals. Not all of them are bad, but I usually avoid buying from these locations if I have other options. Since I love all animals, it saddens me to see them in poor conditions with lack of care.

Animal Shelters and Rescues

Want to save a life of a homeless bird? Check out your local animal shelters for your feathered friends. Many times, people buy or adopt animals and then realize they are unable (or don’t want to) take care of them. Then they are dropped off at a shelter in the hopes that a home will be found for them. The shelter usually has a screening process when a person wants to adopt. Once approved, an adoption fee is charged to cover the costs of shots etc for the health care of your bird friend.

• Bird Rescue.com

• Bird Adoption.org – list of reputable groups

• Feathered Friends Forever.org – Georgia

• Knapp Time Adoption, Rescue and Education- Michigan

Summing it Up

Buying birds doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Your feathered friend can be a long-term investment, so make sure you are prepared to care and spend quality time with them. Anyone you choose to buy your bird from, always check the environment and living conditions they are kept in. Also consider your local animal shelter or rescue as a source. Birds can be wonderful pets. Big, small, colorful or plain, birds are interesting characters to have in your life.