Unsure of what type bird you want?

Spring has definately sprung and we have a lot of new babies right now and a lot of people inquiring about them. I am finding that many are not sure what type of bird they want and several have never even had birds before. Taking a bird into your heart and your home is a great joy. But it also carries with it a lot of responsibility. We highly recommend that you do research online, through your local library and to talk to breeders before you decide to purchase a bird. Even if you do not decide to call on us please find a breeder or someone who is knowledgeable about the parrot of your choice. Make sure that this is the right bird for you and your family. Too often, people will buy a bird and later discover that it is just too much for them, or not the type of bird they expected, then the bird gets passed on. When this happens too many times, the bird can become traumatized, which leads to negative behaviors such as self-mutilation and screaming.

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that a bird is a long term commitment, you can't just buy it and forget it. Birds are very social creatures and they can only thrive if they are provided an enviroment that supplies them with interaction with their "flock". When you add a bird to your home, you become that "flock".

Secondly, is the cost. Can you afford a bird? Aside from the initial investment (cost of the bird, cages, etc.), you have the monthly costs of food. There is a big debate between breeders between seed and pelleted diets. We recommend a combination of both. We serve ABBA feeds to all of our birds, as well as, fresh fruits and vegetables. All of our babies are weaned onto ABBA and Zupreem Fruit Blend. {Our Mischeif even has his own plate and eats supper with us!} You also have to consider the cost of toys. Bird toys are made to be destroyed. Birds will spend many hours destroying toys, so they need to be replenished on a regular basis. And they need to be toys that will keep the bird's attention. They have to be rotated on a regular basis so that the bird does not become bored and begin to exhibit negative behaviors.

Then you also have the cost of routine Vet care. Even if your bird is never sick, which hopefully it is not, then you do need routine check-ups.

Next, do you have time for a bird? Birds require a good deal of time. In many ways they are like children, they need quality time with their "parents" so that they can grow and learn. They are not just a new, hot item in the house. They are now a part of the family. You have to be willing to spend this time with them. You are now their "flock".

You also have to consider things like the noise and the mess. Are you willing to put up with these? It seems like the larger the bird, the bigger the mess, and almost always, the more noise. I had a Quaker once that would throw his food and small toys out, then when I would go to retrieve them he would laugh. (It sounded like a laugh, anyway.)

I do not say this to discourage you. Too many people either do not know or do not really consider these things when they decide to purchase a bird. Then these birds become unwanted and end up in rescues with screaming or plucking problems to name a few. We recommend that you seriously consider the type of bird you are getting BEFORE you purchase. That way, you and the bird will be happier for it.

Here are pictures of some of the wonderful babies that we have in the nursery at the moment.