Adopting A Breeder Pair As Pets - Pros & Cons

[Blancaej]

I found a pair of breeder birds up for adoption. They are IRN's. Has anyone adopted breeder pairs as pets? What are the pros and cons. <br /><br />I am thinking they may not be friendly as they are heavily bonded. I would love to save them from a life of breeding. They are 3 and 4 years old. But I don't want to get in over my head on this one.<br /><br />Any advice would be appreciated!<br/>

 

[Pinkbirdy]

It depends on if the birds have been handled at some point in their life. I believe birds have a memory . They will take an interest in you over time [and you can have a relationship ] . But it might take awhile for it to be hands on for you . I think you can enjoy them [but in a different way].I don't know how family interactive they can be [im sure each situations different. Id say go with your instinct on them . Im sure you will know if its right for you Blanca

 

[Blancaej]

Thanks Terri! I at least wanted to look into the idea, but my gut says, it probably won't work. But I think you are right. With a little time and patience, anything is possible. But is it right for our situation, maybe not. I've emailed them asking if they are friendly. There emails are kind of short. Not sure how much I can trust their answers. :/

 

[henpecked]

if they where x-pets before becoming breeders then i would say they are generally very aggressive and not a good choice. If they where parent raised to be breeders then they could probably be tamed. The x-pets have no fear of humans and will attack, they hate humans. The "wild" parrots often can be very "tame'. That's the way it is with my amazons.

 

[Blancaej]

Thanks Henpecked. I appreciate the info. I'm trying to find out more about them. But will probably stick to adopting one bird.

 

[Mekaisto]

If you don't mind me asking, what do you mean by 'save them from a life of being breeders?'
Are they being kept in unsuitable conditions? If so, you may want to contact your local humane society or a similar service - they may be able to find them a good home.

 

[Blancaej]

The conditions don't look great, but that is only based on a couple of pictures. If I go see them, I will know more. They have a young bird for sale, too. If I decide on that one and go there, I can then assess the living conditions of the breeding pair. If needed I could contact the right people at that point.

 

[Peepers]

IRN's CAN be aggressive. And what are you going to do with the babies? I love my IRN Chiquita, they are hilarious. I would TRY to stick to one at first. But that is your choice. Breeding is hard. I've done it and could not get rid of the babies because I fell in love with all of them, lol

 

[henpecked]

I will say this about breeder birds, they are usually happier than pet birds, believe it or not. They have their mate with them 24/7 which is how things are supposed to be. Bonded pairs rarely play with toys like pet birds do. They don't need near as much enrichment as companion parrots. If your "doing them a favor" by breaking them up, rethink that. You'll never be able to replace their mate. Your a very poor substitute and no bird would opt for that choice. I'm by no means implying you should keep breeding them but i wouldn't break them up. I keep several pairs of "burned out" breeders , i'm their forever home and being in a aviary with their mate and a flock of similar birds is heaven to them. If you don't want them to breed,, don't give them a nest box, simple as that. BTW it would be easier/quicker to tame a pair than it would be to break them up and try to tame a single. By breaking them up ,you're trying to reprogram nature in an older bird, not a baby. Please don't break up a bonded pair.

 

[Blancaej]

Thanks everyone. If I did bring this pair home I would never break them up. I don't think it is right. They would stay together and I would not encourage nesting behavior. Like Henpecked said, I wouldn't provide a nesty box. I was just considering it because they needed a home. That is the only reason. Not to breed them, not to break them up. Just to give them a forever home. I just wanted to know if there was any chance I can still interact with them IF I did.

The same person has a 10 month old that I am considering over the pair. But I wanted to at least ask the questions before I made any decisions. Again, thanks to everyone for your feedback!

 

[veimar]

I will say this about breeder birds, they are usually happier than pet birds, believe it or not. They have their mate with them 24/7 which is how things are supposed to be. Bonded pairs rarely play with toys like pet birds do. They don't need near as much enrichment as companion parrots. If your "doing them a favor" by breaking them up, rethink that. You'll never be able to replace their mate. Your a very poor substitute and no bird would opt for that choice. I'm by no means implying you should keep breeding them but i wouldn't break them up. I keep several pairs of "burned out" breeders , i'm their forever home and being in a aviary with their mate and a flock of similar birds is heaven to them. If you don't want them to breed,, don't give them a nest box, simple as that. BTW it would be easier/quicker to tame a pair than it would be to break them up and try to tame a single. By breaking them up ,you're trying to reprogram nature in an older bird, not a baby. Please don't break up a bonded pair.

Thank you for this information! That's what I always felt about this, but never got any confirmation on my opinion. Now I got. Thank you!

 

[Blancaej]

The communication with the owners have been frustrating. I have pretty much decided not to persue these birds any longer.