Dealing with breeders and other stuff....

[parrotntn]

I'm learning the ropes on dealing with breeders. I spoke with one dealer last nite and within 5 minutes she had sent me 21, seriously, 21 emails of her business and how I need to "get in line" to get an eclectus in July. She appeared a little too aggressive for my likes. I had to wonder how well she could calmly hand tame a bird if she approached them like she did me. When I mentioned coming down to look at them, she "reassured" me that they sell no DUDs and that all of them are 100% the same. No need for me to come look she says. I might not go look, but I dont' want someone telling me that.
I'm also talking with a well renowed eclectus breeder in Florida. She was very patient and really didn't talk business much at all. Seemed really interested in more of making a good fit for the bird than just selling one. I'm feelling strongly about going with her. Her reputation is good and I had a better sense about her. She was very interested in that one of my long term goals will be to use this bird in pet therapy. A LONG term goal, but a goal, nonetheless.
I have a confession. Today, I found myself putting in a Lilo and Stitch DVD JUST for Cecil, made him a salad (even after staying up at a lock in last nite with the kids at church). sprayed him, played with him awhile. He's got to where he mocks me stretching and makes that grunting sound when I stretch.
(He's still good with me, but hates the rest of my family/visitors, but he can't help that)
I'm anticipating buying the eclectus, given him a name already and even talking openly about it with my family and friends. Looking at cages, food needs, and then I realized: This ENTIRE scenario reminded me of when we got pregnant with our first child.
Tonite, the kids and I went to get him another toy. spoiled brat. :)

[2horse]

I have to comment I am in South Africa and don't breed Electus, I breed Sun Conure. The first breeder is one that give all breeders a bad name and a hard time, from her you can be assured of getting a hand feed bird, puppy mill style that has not been socialised, has had very little human contact except at feeding time (over in less than 2 minutes) and wont be abundantly weaned because this takes effort. She is in it for money not the birds.

The second breeder you will get a bird that she knows the character, has been handled a lot and most probably will eat anything. Even if this breeder is more expensive or more difficult to collect the baby it would be the place to get your baby. She is in it for the birds to try a make sure her babies never end up as unwanted pets because of bad habits or issues.

[Tullysmom]

I second everything 2horse said. Forget breeder #1. She sounds like a real winner. Red flags everywhere! Breeder #2 sounds great! You want that good fit since you're going to be with this bird for the next 30+ years.

I laughed when I read how your anticipation of getting your new baby reminded you of being pregnant! How true!! Isn't that funny?! When we got our IRN my hubby named him, since he was "his" bird. Well, I wasn't crazy about the name "Willis" that's for sure. My big thing was that we had to choose the name very carefully since he was going to be stuck with that name for the REST OF HIS LIFE!! My husband says that I'm too dramatic, but I can tell that you know where I'm coming from, right? Anyway good luck in your search. I'm sure you're baby will find you sooner or later. Let's hope for sooner.

[parrotntn]

Thanks! This is like some disease, need bird therapy. I've had small birds before and liked them, but I'm really stricken with the response and feedback and the challenge really of parrots. And, well, the beauty and regalness of them is altogether another story.
I left for work this morning with instructions to the family to turn Cecil's Tv off in 2 hours. He had breakfast, workout/singing while I ran on treadmill, spray and was happily watching FINDING NEMO on dvd.
That's just pitiful a grown man acting like that.

[jimpierce7]

The first breeder I talked to in southern California was a come visit your baby by appointment only somewhere other then at the breeders home. Like a restaurant or someplace like that and it had to be at her convenience. I wanted to bond with my girl while she was weening and I was so lucky to find one near my home! The breeder wouldn't be Laurella Desborough?