Breeders as pets?

[Merlee]

I went to a bird show yesterday and saw some yellow napes that were labeled as breeders. Are these birds totally unacceptable as companion birds? I read somewhere that once birds are no longer breeding they would make better pets.

There was a yellow nape for $400 and 12 years old. It was sitting very calmly in a travel age and I was really tempted to get it.

 

[henpecked]

Sounds like your looking at potential breeders, birds that were either raised to be breeders or ex=pets that didn't work out for some reason and the only thing they can be sold for is breeders. In other words they're not tame , if you had loads of time , patience, and experience you might be able to work with them. I would not reccomend them for a first time zon other just because they are cheaper and you think you might be able to tame them. Most breeder birds for sale are much older and have lost mates or are burned out. In either case they do not make good pets or someone would be selling them for pets at a much higher price. Quote; I read somewhere that once birds are no longer breeding they would make better pets.Quote; Don't know where you heard that, but they don't know what they are talking about and they sure weren't talking about amazons.

 

[Merlee]

No, I don't want to breed any birds. Just happened to see them and wondered about their potential. I would like to get a nape in the future though.

 

[henpecked]

Buy a baby you can handle without issue or a rescue/rehome that you can handle without issue (outside of it's home and owner} . Fostering or "trial" period might be good options for older birds. If i was a first time zon owner i'd go with the handraised baby that comes to you, i'd also visit lots of birds and be very picky. This is a LONG term investment.

 

[Merlee]

I have had amazons in the past and learning more about them.

 

[henpecked]

Oh OK, you know what your getting into then. I wouldn't buy cheap birds from a fair/show, they're cheap for a reason.

 

[Merlee]

Yes, I have had napes before. The only reason why I was at the show was to find birdstand for my macaw. I enjoy looking at the birds and talking to the vendors. I usually learn something new at each encounter.

I would love to get another nape, but would prefer finding a breeder who doesn't go show to show. Unfortunately, that is how I learn about people who have birds for sale. I have looked into rescues, but the application process is long and feel I am being judged. Typical requirements are visiting so many times and I live 1 1/2 hours or more from any rescue. That alone is a deterrrent. I completely understand why though.

 

[henpecked]

Where do you live, maybe i could help you find a good bird.

 

[Merlee]

I live 1 hour south of Atlanta, Georgia. If I get another bird, I do not want a baby.

 

[henpecked]

I hear of lots of Zons, i'll keep my ear out.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

You can tame a breeder bird just as many wild caught birds where tamed. It is a lot of work and you'll probably get a few nasty bites eventually you'll have a friend for life.

I would avoid bird fairs and marts at all cost though, they are terrible and you can bring home a illness to you bird. If you really want to go make sure you take a shower, and change your clothes before interacting with your bird.