The Right Parrot Breeders

What would you want in parrot breeders? If you are going to buy a baby parrot, you will certainly place a lot of importance on where the parrot was raised and how the parrot breeders cared for it.

“Aviculturists” is the technical name for parrot breeders. It includes, however, all who raise and care for birds, especially wild birds in captivity. So we will refer to them simply as parrot breeders.

The Society of Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors

This society is a good place to start your search for the right parrot breeders. It is an international society, working to improve captive breeding programs on the proper management and improved care of parrots of all kinds. Through their website and shows, they can put you in touch with good parrot breeders.

Disreputable Parrot Breeders

Most people have heard of puppy mills - those irresponsible, disreputable operations that ignore their duties. “Parrot mill” is not as familiar a term, but parrot breeders can be as disreputable as those who breed puppies.

Some signs that parrot breeders are disreputable?

* Cages are over-crowded
* Cages are dirty
* Parrots have health problems
* Parrots are not socialized
* Parrots are fighting
* Toys are few or non-existent

If the parrot breeders you visit show you conditions of this sort, move on.

Reputable Parrot Breeders

Reputable parrot breeders raise their birds in humane conditions. They talk to them and handle them. They socialize them with visitors. Reputable parrot breeders may even screen you, the potential customer, quite rigorously. Their concern for each parrot makes them want it to go to a good home.

Although reputable parrot breeders may seem too strict in their demands on you, it is for your good as well as for that of the bird. They often will not sell a parrot to a customer who seems to lack the necessary commitment.

Parrot Breeders as Parents

Good parrot breeders often find themselves with the job of parenting. Adult parrots abandon their eggs sometimes, or even attack them. Parrot breeders must be aware of this possibility and be prepared to play surrogate parents.

There are a number of ways in which parrot breeders care for abandoned babies.

* They may place the eggs with other parrots who show a willingness to accept them.

* They may place the eggs with non-parrots who have proven themselves able to care for offspring that are not theirs.

* They may place them in incubators if no foster parent is available.

Whichever method parrot breeders use, the chicks often grow up to be perfectly healthy adult parrots.

Parrot Breeders as Friends

The right parrot breeders are bound to become your friends. After all, they are friends of your baby parrot.

To become friends to parrots, parrot breeders hand-feed the baby birds while they are very young. They play with them, and talk to them, making them comfortable with human touch and voice. They know that socializing your baby bird will make it ready to become a part of your family.

Parrot Breeders in Your Community?

You may not be able to find local parrot breeders. If you must buy your bird without meeting the breeders, at least take time to learn as much about them as you can. Your parrot will live a long time. Be sure you start with one that is healthy and happy.