I am thinking of getting a quaker. I found a breeder who is right in my town thru the classifieds of the local bird club. However, when I called him, he said he was going to pick up the birds in Maimi (several different species) to bring home - at that point I could pick the bird I wanted, sign a contract, and he would wean it (I don't know anything about that). I'm a little confused because I assumed he had the birds right there, he can't give me a price yet since he is not sure of the ages of the birds - could be one to six weeks old - and depending on the age, he would calculate the costs. Does this sound normal or am I getting in to trouble here? I had a quaker for about 12 years, she was great and I'd love to get another, but want one that is tame, do you think his birds will be tame? When I asked him that question, he said all his birds were hand-fed, does that automatically mean they will be tame? I'd appreciate any advice.
Thanks, Janice
Thank you, I was getting the same feeling. I have two conures (got some great advice in the conure forum too!) and a couple of dozen finches, it's not like I really need another bird right now. I think I will wait, like my husband tried to tell me, it's not like I'd get my quaker, Cookie, back! There's a possibility that we may take a vacation to NY and maybe I can get to see the breeder I got Cookie from at that time. I think I'll email her. Thanks so much for your help!
Janice
He seems more like a "petsmart" type person where they get their birds from large aviaries then bring them back to raise. Since eggs do not all hatch at the same time he has to see what is there and their ages. While not always bad do make sure you get to know the person and the bird you are getting. I have heard of contracts for a bird that isnt weaned yet though. It usually has to deal with both of you being covered. The dealer not being shorted on cash when you say you are going to buy a bird and you being able to take him to court if he breaches your contract and does not deliver your bird. Contracts are a good thing. Make sure you have a copy of it as well and to make double sure get it notarized. Always read any contract you sign and make sure you are given the option to back out of it if you choose to. Make sure that it states that he cant switch the bird out with out your consent and gives the band number of the bird you chose if it is banded.
He mentioned the band number, that he would band and number it after I picked out my bird. I don't know, I'm a little leary on this. I was supposed to call him tonight but I think I'll wait and see if he calls me, then go from there. Thanks!
Don't do it, he is what is called a broker, bird brokers take birds from breeders that for what ever reason the breeder can not sell, whether that be health, or no buyers, and than they feed them and sell them to the public, these birds typically have issues from what I've seen over the years, and broker are like bird factories they way they treat there birds and they require no actual training to do what they do, I don't like them at all. And since they get there birds from many places things like psittacosis, and PBFD, are very common. When you have one breeder is likely hood of major health issue, (if it is a good breeder) is very low.
Thanks! I'm going to wait and see what answer I get from the NY breeder. If she doesn't have quakers anymore, let me ask you one more question, in September there will be a bird show here - what's everyone's feeling on buying at a bird show?
breeder question
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