Shipping or not?

[Crebain]

One kind of bird I'm considering, moustache parakeet, is not available in the Milwaukee area. Is there a consensus about buying online and having shipped from Texas or Florida?

Or should I limit myself to locally bred only?

[Joel]

I agree with Heather. Buy locally if ya can or as close as possible. Must be a breeder somewhere within driving distance even if ya have to drive a couple hours. A lot cheaper and safer that way too.

I have had Moustaches (birds now) before and they are beautiful (males I'm talking about regarding striking beauty) but can be a bit noisey at times. Unless you don't mind noise, I would purchase a Meyers Parrot instead or maybe a Jardines IMO & IME.......

[Crebain]

Well, one breeder I found (Hill Country Aviary - TX) seems very legit, and I would gamble on getting a healthy bird. I was more concerned about whether or not shipping is too traumatic.

Thanks for the tip on noisiness, I had a nanday that drove me nuts, so I guess the moustache is out. I think my next step will be to look up the Meyers & Jardines.

[okieparrots]

Getting a bird locally can be great, but if you can't find a quality breeder locally then by all means search the country for what you want. Ask lots of questions and for peace of mind, references if you don't know who you are dealing with. Any quality breeder will be happy to give you the names and contact info. of others that have purchased birds from them. I've shipped my babies coast to coast with no problems and we are always happy to give out some previous clients to reassure new ones (sorry, don't do the moustaches, but do have Jardines...).

If you need reassurance on Hill Country Aviaries, I can say that Rick has a great place with some wonderful birds. I've seen it in person, plus know Rick personally. I don't like some of their handfeeding techniques but there are healthy birds.

Shipping, if done properly, isn't too stressful to most birds. Who ever you choose, if you have one shipped, should be able to tell you in advance their procedures. I like Continental and highly recommend them if you have the option.

Of course, whoever you choose, be sure you have a written contract of sale guaranteeing the birds health and that you have your new baby checked by your own vet as soon as it arrives. We always have our babies checked by our vet before they are shipped but still encourage our clients to have them checked again when they arrive. It not only helps to be sure they shipped with no problems, but gives your local vet a starting point for the relationship.

Good Luck with your search....and don't completely eliminate the possibility of getting your bird from afar!

[Crebain]

Thanks Brad! I like your website, but couldn't find any price info ... can you give me a "ballpark" price range for a Jardines?

[okieparrots]

I'll PM you with some info.