Finding a Breeder

[anbrownucsd]

Hello!

I have had a very difficult time finding African Grey Breeders in my area (San Diego), or even in all of California (I would be willing to drive). Does anyone have any recommendations on breeders that I could contact or other useful ways of finding breeders. I have only found 10 breeders in all of California with google, and I am sure there are more then that.

I also know that some breeders are better to work with then others, and all of you probably have a lot of experience with some of them! Does anyone have favorite breeders they have worked with that they would like to put a recommendation in for?

And last, how much (on average) should one pay for a hand-fed baby African Grey, either TAG or CAG.

Thanks!

[Astrid660]

check craigslist, under the pets section - there are a lot of parrots that need homes in your area! Perhaps you could look into that, instead?

[anbrownucsd]

I would love to get an older bird, and there is a 14 year old I found in a local pet store named Romio (TAG) who I fell in love with. However, he acted really aggressive with my Senegal Parrot. Even if I did everything I could to keep the birds apart I know that accidents can happen. I have heard it is safer to get a younger bird that you can socialize with your current family from a very young age. My Senegal is still a baby (just over a year old) so I think he would accept a new AG into the flock.

I just thought it would be safer to introduce my Senegal to a baby African Grey rather then get an older bird that might not have ever been around other birds or be aggressive with them. I know it is not 100% safe, ever, but I want to do everything possible to protect Hermes, and regardless of whether I get an older bird or a baby bird I will not let them socialize unless I am watching closer. But once again, I know that accidents happen!

[Vilas]

May I suggest trying the parrot group in San Diego Co? I don't recall the exact name but they have many birds to rehome. I use Magnolia Bird Farm in Anaheim for my birds and I hear that Omar's is a good place to go.. a little on the high side. Besides Craigslist (a lot of scammers), you might want to try Petfinders.com. I got my female tiel that was hand fed from a gal in Costa Mesa. "Pumpkin" is my pride and joy, makes me laugh all the time.

[MicahEspudo]

Yeah... The Omar's in El toro just sold the only two they had there... but I hear they should be getting many more weaned this summer! Also are you going to the NCA bird mart in san diego on the 17th? To my understanding there is going to be grey breeders there... don't hold me to that though!

[Eliza]

Have you tried searching through birdbreeders.com?

You might also want to try kijiji.com or hoobly.com.

Prices for parrots vary from state to state. You can generally expect to pay more at a store than you would at a breeder. That's not to say that buying from one is better than the other, of course.

Best of luck!

[kerbear]

hoobly.com is a good site to find birds in your area. Lots of breeders do not have websites so they use classifieds. Just because a breeder uses classifieds does not mean they are a crappy breeder.

I don't know if it's okay to link, but birdsnways.com has a breeder search. You can also look on Avian Connection - Classified Ads and Listings for parrots and other birds for sale, wanted or for trade and a directory of bird breeders and pet shops. or like someone mentioned, birdbreeders.com

You can expect to pay $900 - $1,200 for a CAG and a little less for a Timneh. People shouldn't be charging much more than $1,000 for CAGs. Also, shipping is about $125 - $150. You can also expect to pay a bit more for DNA sexing ahead of time.