Ask Me Help Desk - Where do I get a bird

Where do I get a bird

Hi were do I get a bird a indian ringneck

I would think most pet stores would have them

Depends on where you live. Most pet stores don't carry the larger exotic birds, not even cockatiels. They take up too much room. Those that do, I wouldn't buy from.

A breeder is your best choice. You'll want a bird that was hand raised, if you want it as a pet. You might also try looking online. Many parrots are given up because they're too much work and too expensive to care for. You may find one for free in your area.

But, without knowing your area, I really can't tell you where you'll find this bird.

Quote:

Originally Posted by N0help4u

I would think most pet stores would have them

Actually, most pet stores won't carry them. Of those that do, they'll be accidental litters, the worst of the worst. When it comes to animals, pet stores get those that laymen breed, or people that mass breed and don't care at all about the offspring.

A pet store will charge 3 times what the bird is worth, and it won't even be hand raised, or properly cared for.

A breeder is the best bet, or someone that's giving away a bird because they can't care for it.

Of course the bird is the least of the cots. A bird like the one the OP is looking for, will need a huge cage. Even used he/she is looking at spending at least $500 on a cage. The bird, if he/she finds a legitimate breeder, will be around $2500 or up. Food, toys, perches, etc. are extra. So is vet care (good luck with that one).

I know three or four places in my city, Zhengzhou China, so where are you at.

But you work at it, go to the local pet store and if they do not ask them, and work from there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

I know three or four places in my city, Zhengzhou China, so where are you at.

but you work at it, go to the local pet store and if they do not ask them, and work from there.

I hate to disagree Chuck, but the pet store is the worst place to start. The only thing a pet store should supply is food, perhaps a cage, accessories, and maybe a book on how to care for this animal. But not the animal itself.

I would start by looking for breeders in the OP's area. Then I'd find out if they're legitimate breeders, if they hand raise their chicks, what they feed them, when they sell them (age is important), what their return policy is, etc. etc.

If the OP can't find a breeder, I'd go to sites like kijiji, or other sites that sell by owner, and look for anyone giving away their bird. Or post an ad "I'm looking for an Indian ring neck, hand raised, tame, age is not an issue", and go from there.

A pet store is the last place I'd look. Not that I haven't. When I was looking for a male cockatiel and couldn't find breeders in my area, or any rescues at my local shelter, I actually went to a pet store as a last resort. They had no cockatiels. They told me they don't carry them because they're too big, they'd need to dedicate too much space to them. Finches, canaries, and budgies is all they carry. They're small, don't take up too much space, therefore they can make money, without too much care, too much invested. Parrots don't sell, mainly because the price tag is too high. They take up a lot of space, and usually end up sitting in the pet store for many months, if not years.

So I placed an ad on Kijiji, and I found my Bo. Free to a good home. :)

I would start with a reputable breeder in your area or try Kijiji, but look for a healthy bird and ask many questions. I was told when I started buying birds no question is stupid and if seller is in a hurry to sell, be wary!

Quote:

Originally Posted by citydweller

I would start with a reputable breeder in your area or try Kijiji, but look for a healthy bird and ask many questions. I was told when I started buying birds no question is stupid and if seller is in a hurry to sell, be wary!

Very good advice.