BUYING YOUR FIRST EXOTIC BIRD
Just as prohibition caused the rise of bootleggers, the abolition of legal parrot importation combined with the rising popularity of parrots as pets have increased the number of backyard parrot breeders. It has, however, also caused a rise in "jobbers" (some posing as breeders) - people who buy parrots strictly for resale. This new breed of business people has found an opportunity in supplying lower-priced birds in a pet trade that until very recently was supplied by less expensive, wild, imported parrots.
To the inexperienced person looking for a first bird, a low priced parrot is very attractive when compared to the prices an experienced breeder or a pet store offering the same species. Not knowing enough to recognize potential problems, many unsuspecting people are duped by the sales pitch and the reassurance of the seller. Unfortunately. many well-meaning pet owners, looking for "a good deal", find out too late that saving a few dollars isn't worth the heartbreak of watching a loved pet die, or having a "hand-fed baby" that has developed such a fear of people that no one can get close to it.
At one time, people who did not want to pay higher price of a hand-fed baby had the option of purchasing a wild-caught bird that required patience and time to tame. Although the captured parrots sometimes had health problems, most often the only concession was acceptance that the less expensive bird might never be affectionate as a hand-fed baby of the same species. Purchasing a hand-fed baby from a jobber may present many more problems than the wild-caught bird of the past, if for no other reason that the purchaser of a wild-caught bird bought it knowing the health and psychological problems might occur. When buying a bird from a jobber, the buyer may assume that the hand-fed baby will not have any of the problems of a wild-caught bird. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Jobbers differ from established parrot breeders in that they rarely have a personal interest in their "merchandise". The primary criteria in their purchases is a price that will facilitate profit and a quick sale. This is usually accomplished by buying in quantity or by purchasing young parrots that have not been properly handled and may develop behavioral problems. Precautions may not have been taken to quarantine babies bought from various sources, and disease may spread from infected babies to the others in their care.
Since jobbers may have little or no knowledge of the care or psychology required when raising pet parrots, they may be unable to give their "merchandise" proper care or recognize problems (physical or behavioral), should they occur. Their lack of knowledge also makes it difficult to support, help or advise the people to whom they sell their parrots. Also check the seller's credentials before making a purchase and make sure you get a Guarantee of Health with a Vet Check!
In addition to the jobbers, there are inexperienced breeders who purchase a couple pair of birds to "make a little extra money". They may not know enough about parrots to recognize potential problems and aren't able to train or support buyers of their babies, because they are just learning themselves. Many of them are anxious to sell the babies as young as possible. These people often give up breeding when they learn that it's not quite as easy as they thought.
When you breed parrots, there are no holidays, vacations or time off. It is a 24-hour a day job.
Another danger of buying a "bargain" bird is the greater chance of disease. Low prices and quick turnovers combine to ensure that the birds are sold before they show any signs of disease they may have been exposed to.
Older birds placed for sale in ads that have become unwanted pets, bring with them the personalities and problems taught them by their previous family. Even those that were hand-fed have adapted to that family's ways and may not be suitable to your family's requirements. Birds learn aggression, abuse, cursing, screaming, become feather pluckers and biters and can become cage bound, when their owners stop loving them.
Whether you are buying your first bird or looking for an addition to those you already have; "never buy a bird on impulse". By bringing home a diseased bird, you might be risking the loss of any other birds in your possession. A little forethought and research may help you avoid becoming a victim.
The horror stories about diseased, sick and very young birds being sold to unsuspecting and ill-informed novice buyers looking for a "good deal" are endless. Often, these sellers have little or no concern for the buyers or for the birds. We can't do much for the birds that are in their possession, but we can stop them from acquiring more by curtailing their success in selling those that they have. By recognizing these people and not buying from them, we can eliminate their incentive to continue. If importation was stopped to save the lives of these beautiful animals, we are defeating the purpose by letting "bootleggers" profit from their exploitation. Always keep in mind that a "bargain" may not always be worth the price you ultimately pay.
Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Bird Talk Magazine by Judy Leach
First-time bird buyers often make the mistake of setting their hearts on a specific type of bird, usually because they "like the way it looks". If they know nothing about the bird's general characteristics, including how much care it needs and how trainable it is, they are bound to be disillusioned with their choice.
When this happens, they are likely to give up their new pet, releasing it (this does happen) or selling it at an extremely low price in the local ads.
Time: How much time can you spend with the bird? Some birds require lots of attention on a regular schedule.
Activity Level: How active is the bird? How active is the owner? If one is extremely active and the other is not, serious compatibility problems may arise. Does the owner leave every weekend on planned outings? Some birds don't do well on that kind of schedule. Does the owner want to sit quietly in the evening? Is the bird extremely curious? Some birds snuggle up to their owners and others prefer to explore.
Family: How big is the customer's family? Large families can be good for some type of birds but can cause problems for other species. Not all birds are good with children. They may be tempted to bite kids' tiny toes and fingers.
Bird Size: Do you feel comfortable with the bird? Many large birds intimidate people - it's those large beaks. A really sweet bird can develop behavioral problems if a family member is scared of it. When an individual pulls away, the bird usually tries to hold on a bit tighter, which makes a timid person move away more quickly. You can picture the cycle.
Environment: Would you want a rowdy or loud bird if you live in an apartment or a condominium?
Territory: How much space is available for the bird? Some birds are happy with the space around their cages. Others believe that the whole room is theirs. The first type is generally less aggressive than the first. At a minimum, a bird should be able to completely extend its wings inside the cage. With a macaw, this is sometimes impractical. Who can fit a 4' wide cage through a doorway? In this case, the more space available, the better.
Money: Costs go far beyond the purchase price of the bird itself. Cages, food, toys and veterinary bills all must be considered. Cages often are more expensive than the creature that live in them. If you think the initial cost is excessive, you are not looking at the right bird. We don't want the pet bird to become a burden.
Reprinted by Pretty Birds from PET AGE MAGAZINE by Judy Edwards
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