Purchasing a bird from your local pet store is convenient, but sometimes, it’s not the best place to pick your feathered companion. With some research, you’ll find that pet birds might be sourced from inhumane breeding facilities, while others are rescues that are resold. Understanding exactly where budgies, parrots, canaries, and even pet chickens come from can help you support trusted pet suppliers in a very competitive industry.
Reconsider Sourcing Birds from a Pet Store
You may be surprised to discover that some pet stores source their birds, whether parrots or chickens, from mass-production breeding facilities. The birds from these facilities are rarely socialized and only interact when they’re fed or their cages are cleaned. In most instances, retailers place pet birds in cramped conditions and offer very poor diets that affect the health of these animals.
Some buyers have discovered that birds obtained from major retailers don’t have long lifespans. Sadly, cramped and poor conditions cause prolonged stress affecting the birds’ immune systems. The problem with smaller pet stores is the lack of socialization that birds receive, making them difficult to manage when they reach their homes. Only with careful research into where your pet bird comes from can you guarantee their well-being and friendliness.
Benefits of Working with Bird Breeders
If you don’t want to source pet birds from retailers, you can work with bird breeders. When purchasing birds from the right breeder, you can rest assured that the animals have received a balanced diet and proper vet care. Avian breeders won’t cramp their birds into cages and subject them to poorly lit conditions because they care about managing their stock. In addition to clean and spacious enclosures, the breeder takes the time to socialize new birds, ensuring they are ready to adapt to their new homes.
I always recommend choosing suitable breeders based on their experience and former client testimonials. Not every bird breeder prioritizes the health of their animals over profits, so be sure to research sellers before making a decision.
How to Choose a Reputable Bird Breeder
It’s not easy finding a reputable bird breeder. There are a few factors to look for when selecting a seller to avoid being conned into buying unhealthy stock. The first step is to determine whether the breeder is experienced in the bird species of interest. To assess their knowledge, ask questions about diet, suitable cage dimensions, and whether the breed will make a good pet bird for children. The next step is to visit the premises of the breeder or request updated images of the birds. Look for overcrowding and whether the cages are clean.
Most reliable breeders issue a health certificate or guarantee with the sale of each bird. The certificate proves the bird has received a veterinary assessment. Breeders must be honest about any ailments affecting the bird or whether it is a rescue case. Some breeders receive birds from previous owners who no longer want them or simply cannot keep them due to a change in circumstances. Either way, the seller must be open and honest about the history and condition of their animals, providing you with peace of mind.
How to Pick a Healthy Pet Bird
When you purchase a bird, it must be healthy. There should be no signs of severe feather loss, watery eyes, or soil around the vent. Your new avian friend should not be sneezing, gagging, fluffed up, or constantly scratching itself. The bird’s nails must be trimmed, and they should have access to food and water. In addition to the overall condition of the bird, have a careful look at the sales premises if you are collecting the bird yourself.
The birds should have a fair amount of space inside their cage, and the enclosure must be free of dust, dirt, and loose feathers. If all you have are images of the birds, it should be time-stamped. Look out for reviews of the pet store or breeder to verify whether their birds are healthy and the premises are kept clean.
Why Socialization is Important When Buying Pet Birds
If your pet birds are not socialized early, they will be difficult to manage. Having staff at a pet store feed the birds and clean their cages is not enough. Pet birds must be gently handled and accustomed to being touched. It makes life so much easier when you buy a pet bird you can easily hold and train rather than socializing them from scratch.
When visiting a pet store, ask the staff whether the birds receive daily interaction apart from feeding and cleaning. Interact with the bird yourself and determine whether they are fearful and remain in the back of the cage. These signs will help you choose a pet bird that is friendly, social, and confident.
Sourcing Pet Birds – Final Thoughts
Remember, not all pet stores are unethical, and few breeders care more about their bottom line than the well-being of their animals. It’s up to you to do your homework and support a pet store or breeder that upholds high-quality avian care. When you go to a pet store to source birds, ask where their stock comes from. Assess the staff’s knowledge and determine whether they interact with the birds apart from feeding and cleaning cages.
Breeders should be compassionate about their animals, which means putting the time and effort into maintaining breeding pairs and offspring. Only with research into previous client experiences and awareness of the breeder’s practices can you find a trustworthy seller. Whether budgies or cockatoos, take some time to pick your next feathered friend and support the good people passionate about their animals.
