SWAP MEETS

Swap meets also known as "Tailgates," "Flea markets," "Trade Days," or "Bird Meets" are just meeting places for people to congregate, purchase, talk about animals, exchange idea, and form friendships.  Here in the Mid-West, Swaps usually run from March up until late October and are worth visiting.  The main thing is to enjoy, but carefully look over the bird(s), TALK to the seller(s), ASK questions, and ALWAYS consider relatedness and purity before you buy. You will find many Golden and Amherst hybrids at these swaps, so be careful too many are crossed now days.  It seems that people are not concerned about conservation and aviculture as much as the dollar and the "Pretty Colors."  If a seller has no time to answer your questions about either relatedness, purity or health issues of the birds or animals, be leery and talk to the guy down the road. You are the best judge as you talk to the individual sellers. Cheaper is not always better, but can create problems for you and others down the road... A pet peeve of mine is overcrowding so....Also always remember to be careful buying from people that overcrowd their birds and supply no food or water during the hot summer months or at anytime of the year.  I have seen some horrifying conditions birds have been placed in with some not making it to a new home or back home with the seller. Place mouse over photos to read caption.