Pet Stores

[Stasia]

Is it ok to buy a bird from a pet store? I know all the sayings about not to buy a dog from a pet store because of how they are treated, but is this also true for birds? If not, where IS a good place to buy a bird, such as a parakeet? Can you only get a hand fed bird from a breeder? Thanks everyone :)

Stasia

[LtlWngdAngl]

In my experience, it's primarily the large chain pet stores that I would advise, STRONGLY, against. I know many privately owned pet stores that have a WONDERFUL selection of birds and knows each bird individually. Check in the phone book and see if there's a specific birds-only pet store, you'd be surprised sometimes to know that there's one in the area. For you, I'd suggest a privately owned pet store before I'd suggest buying from a breeder. I only say that because it sounds like you don't have much knowlege of the avian-community in your area and there are a lot of breeders out there that aren't very reputable. If you do know a good breeder, but they just don't breed 'keets, ask them for a recommendation. Otherwise, judge the quality of the birds by the quality of the diet, clenliness of the cages, friendliness of the birds, and knowlege of the staff, that's usually a pretty good indication.

[Stacey32]

i do not like the large chained pet stores. i have not seen good things in the ones near my home. i have written letters, talked the to the managers, etc, and nothing has changed there. i have found that the large chains around my house truly do not care about their birds.

[Sherri]

I agree that it is the large chain pet stores that you have to watch. I travel 50 miles to a petstore in another town because I know the owner and I know she cares about her animals and birds. I have "adopted" 2 cockatiels from her.

[Stasia]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I will definitely stay away from the larger pet stores now! I found a smaller pet store nearby that sells only birds and small animals, so maybe that one will be better. Thanks again :)

Stasia

[LtlWngdAngl]

Let us know how it goes!

[danforth3]

Check out the pet store before making any purchase. If the birds are active and appear healthy and the staff is knowledgable and willing to discuss the birds with you, then, the place is probably okay.

You also need to know your prices so that you are not overcharged.

I was able to get three beautiful birds (2 parakeets and 1 lutino cockatiel) from my local Petsmart. They were healthy active birds, who have turned into wonderful companions. The caretakers are my local Petsmart care about the birds and took the time to discuss our choices with us.

I have been in other small pet stores, where I would not purchase anything.

My other birds were gotten through local bird store.

Bottom line, is you need to check out the place where you want to make your purchase. Check the cage conditions, condition of the birds, knowledge of the staff, price compare and then determine where to get your bird.

Good luck!

[Willow]

Birds from Petco and PetSmart come from large breeding mills. Regardless of how they were treated in the store, I personally would never support that.

Stasia, where are you located? PErhaps someone can recommend a good store or breeder near you.

[CACPioneer]

My advice would be to look to adopt first. Check your local animal shelters. I know that locally, not many shelters near me have birds, but if they do, it's usually parakeets or cockatiels. Also, some petstores offer to take in unwanted animals. This was how I got my second budgie. I went to Petco to buy food for my male budgie, saw a little blue female all alone in a cage in the bird room, and asked about her. She was returned after her owner decided she didn't want her anymore (she was still just a wee baby...about 7 months old), and Petco was going to give her away with her cage and toys to someone who already had a budgie (the female was neurotic if not around other birds)...which turned out to be me!

As far as petstores, I have found the opposite of what everyone says in my area. Here, the Petco BY FAR takes the best care of all the animals. The local petstores are absolutely disgusting and they DO NOT care for their animals. I absolutely refuse to support them (plus their prices are rediculously high!) I know that large chains usually do get their budgies from breeding mills, but as far as care, that varies from store to store. Luckily, the care at my local Petco is actually quite good. Since the lesser of the evils on my area is Petco, that is where I go.

Breeders might also be available in your area. Try this link out: http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/bpreown.htm
and click on "birds for sale search" and type in your state to see the available birds and breeders in your state. Local petstores might also be able to give you a few names.

So, visit, visit, visit, and visit some more pet stores and breeders! Check them out and ask questions. You'll know when you've found the right one. Let us know how it works out!

[Willow]

Also take a look at http://www.petfinder.org and the classified ad section there found at: http://www.petfinder.com/post/classifiedhop.html for birds for adoption.