Buying a bird online?

[lyricrex]

What's everyone's thought on purchasing a bird online and having it shipped? What's the pros and cons?

 

[SilverSage]

That depends on what you mean by that. Do you mean contacting a trusted, reputable breeder, working with them to pick out your bird, and having it shipped? Many people do that and it works out just fine.

Do you mean finding a cheap bird online from some sort of huge birdmill? Bad idea.

 

[lyricrex]

Well the shipping and not being able to socialize with the bird beforehand.

 

[Birdsfourever]

Plz dont buy online. I would say not to go to breeder at all. If you buy online and have it shipped first the bird cqnt choose you. And the shipping will be stressful. Adopt plz. Watch parrot confidential on youtube.

 

[RavensGryf]

I've had several birds shipped from reputable breeders throughout the years, and it has always been fine. Most breeders use Delta which has a specialized pets program. The downside of shipping is that it's more or less an extra $200 expense.

As you know, this means not interacting with the bird beforehand, and picking one out through pictures. I've done this with out of state breeders, and those who run a 'closed aviary' to prevent disease transmission. The real risk there is that when your baby meets you, they might not like you as much as another family member, which is what happened with Raven my Pionus.

 

[RavensGryf]

Plz dont buy online. I would say not to go to breeder at all. If you buy online and have it shipped first the bird cqnt choose you. And the shipping will be stressful. Adopt plz. Watch parrot confidential on youtube.

Thank you for your OPINION. However, we cannot make the OP do or not do something based on what you individually believe. That's why they're here asking people who have had experience doing so.

 

[Ann333]

Well the shipping and not being able to socialize with the bird beforehand.

While this is true, I got my baby from a breeder 4 hours away, so I has to pay for gas and didn't get to socialize with him beforehand either. If you're getting a tame bird from a good breeder this shouldn't be too big a problem. The drive was not too stressful for Pumpkin I'm not sure how a flight would be, I guess it depends on the bird.

 

[Ann333]

Plz dont buy online. I would say not to go to breeder at all. If you buy online and have it shipped first the bird cqnt choose you. And the shipping will be stressful. Adopt plz. Watch parrot confidential on youtube.

Oy!! I went to a breeder and my bird is just as good as a rescue he deserved a loving forever home just like rescue birds do. Yes there are bird out there that need homes already, and yes that is very sad, but don't make it sound like a bad thing to go to a breeder. My breeder was wonderful and has been nothing but helpful and I got a wonderful fid out of it.

 

[getwozzy]

We bought Chili online -never met her and she was shipped from California .....and those of you who've seen my posts already know what an awesome girl she is. [emoji41]

But! Regardless of where you get your bird from, the majority of how your bird "turns out" depends on how much training, socializing, etc you do --you reap what you sow.

 

[lyricrex]

Seems buying online may be a hit or miss. I rather see and interact with the bird in person. It may be more convenient than finding the time to drive to different breeders and pet stores. But I don't want to risk buying a bird that doesn't like me or my family. Will keep it as my last resort.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Ive bought my RB2 "Owen " from a breeder in Georgia . It was the most amazing experience. My bird came knowing how to fly , comes to his name and loves all of my family members . This is what a great breeder can do and it does make a difference [I have 20 birds].I will use her again in a heartbeat if I want a baby [she does a lot of species].I also had a 3 year old Caique flown here last June from Texas [Im in New York]]. It went great !! don't be afraid of shipping a bird . I wouldn't want to miss out on a bird or a great breeder.

 

[lyricrex]

Ive bought my RB2 "Owen " from a breeder in Georgia . It was the most amazing experience. My bird came knowing how to fly , comes to his name and loves all of my family members . This is what a great breeder can do and it does make a difference [I have 20 birds].I will use her again in a heartbeat if I want a baby [she does a lot of species].I also had a 3 year old Caique flown here last June from Texas [Im in New York]]. It went great !! don't be afraid of shipping a bird . I wouldn't want to miss out on a bird or a great breeder.

I live in NY as well, moved from Georgia. Do you know of good breeders you can recommend? Does the lady in GA have a website?

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Sent you a Pm

 

[kalypso123]

I was also wondering about where the brreder in Georgia is located as I live in North Florida and there are not many breeders or rescues up here.

 

[Taw5106]

Buddy was I guess an adoption. His owners had passed away and their son asked me to take him. I picked him up from the city pound due to his owner being found in his home and the police responded. Nothing bad, just procedure but Buddy and I hit it off right away. That doesn't happen often from what I understand, we learned each other. Last week we purchased Venus, our Ekkie. We purchased her because we had a connection with her. So far we've been doing great so it looks like another win. My personal preference is to meet and interact regardless of whether it's a rescue or new purchase. I think there are pros and cons to both. Buddy is 24 and is well seasoned, where Venus is under a year and has a lot to learn as do we but both are absolute joys to be with, they both have talents as well as good and not so good. Good luck!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I was also wondering about where the brreder in Georgia is located as I live in North Florida and there are not many breeders or rescues up here.

Brightwood Aviary [her names Carmen]. Kind of slow time of year on babies . But contact her,she can let you know whats due in the spring.

 

[4dugnlee]

I think I would have a bird shipped. I mean, from a reputable breeder...never from say craigslist or the like. When I got Sassy and Peanut I could not interact with them...no one could. They didn't "choose" me until after they were home with me. Sassy definitely chose me...Peanut kind of chose me but hubby can handle her too, and Cisco...well he kind of chooses whoever happens to be eating something he wants..lol.

 

[Scott]

I have never purchased a parrot from an online source because my locale is rich with breeders and brick/mortar stores. That so many members have is a testament to the best players in the industry. As with anything purchased speculatively, it is crucial to perform due diligence and gain as much perspective from unbiased testimonials as possible!

 

[veimar]

I haven't bought birds online, but with 6 out of 7 birds I rescued I didn't have any chance to socialize beforehand, and with my cockatiel and IRN (whom I adopted out to better home later) I didn't even see any pictures. There was never a situation when I went there and didn't take the bird - I just knew I had to get them out of those bad conditions. I only made sure they didn't look sick. All of them worked out perfectly fine!
So I wouldn't worry that you won't get a chance to see and interact with a bird before. But maybe there is an option you could ask the breeder (I'm sure you're choosing a reputable one) to show you the bird on Skype or make a video of it for you?