Home
Site Map
Parrots
Do's and Don'ts
Apply for Our Award
Winners List
Awards Received
What's New
Adopt Charlie Guard

Bravenet Guestbook
View Guest Book
Sign Guest Book

Articles of Interest
From my experience
or opinion

Causes Rooms
Stop Animal Abuse

Free Winamp Skins 
Winamp Skins

These are only a few of the very basic needs when purchasing a larger parrot. Research and common sense are a necessity when bringing any bird into your family.
 

• Do purchase from a reputable breeder
• Don't purchase from an overcrowded understaffed Pet Store

Pet stores that are understaffed usually have problems with birds/parrots getting the attention they require for socialization. They also seldom make sure they are getting the fresh fruits and veggies that are required. Another problem I've seen is people poking fingers at the birds or making loud sounds trying to get their attention. This problem would not occur with a breeder or a pet store that kept cages out of the reach of customers.

I prefer buying from breeders.   They know the parrot you are purchasing and how well it will adapt to you and your family.    In most cases they have already started their parrots on fruits, veggies and pellets.   This is very important to give them a good start.  They also offer handfed socialize babies which translates into *tame* babies!

• Do research the bird you are interested in purchasing
• Don't buy on impulse or before dinner ;)

When researching your prospective parrot make sure he/she will fit into your families lifestyle. If purchasing for a small child or one that requires less upkeep a parakeet would make a nice pet. If you travel often try to find options for care of parrot before you purchase that large macaw of cockatoo.

• Do try to stay within the going price for that species
• Don't look for a cheapie you get what you pay for

Some parrots are more pricey than others. This depends on species, ease of breeding, time and care required (quality time and care). Don't try to beat these breeders down in price. If they are a good reputable breeder they have earned their wage. Of course,  you may run across some who are just over priced.

• Do purchase a bird that will fit into the space available
• Don't purchase a macaw for the little cockatiel cage

If you only have a small amount of room in your living area buy a bird that will fit nicely in the smaller cage. There are several species that would do well. Parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds for example.

Please don't make any bird suffer a small cramped area just because you want a larger parrot. No one (especially the parrot) will grow in an unhappy environment. Some requirements are never negotiable and (from experience) I feel a cage is one of them.

• Do try to be prepared with cage assembled waiting at home
• Don't bring baby home late, clear area, then assemble cage

Often we buy on impulse not having any arrangements made ahead of time. Trust me I know how this one goes, been there done it a couple of times. Best for parrots and all concerned is to have area set aside for cage already assembled. This way all that is needed is food and water when bringing baby home. If you don't have this prepared ahead of time at least try to make it early in the day when you bring baby home. That way everyone can enjoy the homecoming with less tension and stress.