I went to visit a man today that breeds and raises hawks, falcons, eagles, and some species of parrot. He has Cuban Amazons, but they were not on site today as they needed a quieter environment to nest and were at a friend's home.
As we sat down and talked, we talked about Cubans. I was expressing my interest in them and he was talking to me about them and how they were definitely his favorite parrot species. He was telling me about how he wanted to start a program for them, from what I understood it would be something like breeding programs and release programs. He has a permit to own Cuban Amazons.
He then told me that he actually has a friend that breeds Cuban Amazons and that they were either on eggs right now or the babies had just hatched. He said that his friend wants to sell the clutch altogether for a discounted price of $1000. He said if I was interested, we could go in half and half for the clutch and he would give me my choice of baby. So, yes, a better deal for him, but an awesome deal for me. $500 for a hand reared Cuban Amazon baby.
I have met this man in person and saw his permit in person for the Cubans. Now, how legitimate the other breeder is, I don't know. But I would work out all the details first.
There are a couple downsides to this. First of all, I need to make a decision within the next week or so. Otherwise, the way he made it sound, was that the babies would be sold or the deal would be off the table or something. I really wanted to wait a little longer for a bird, but obviously I have waited for one for awhile and have done all of the necessary research, although I am still learning. Second of all, I'm not sure how socialized the baby would be, or how late they will be hand reared or anything. Granted, we haven't talked in depth about it. I told him that I would think on it and get back to him and we could work out the details if I was interested. Also, if I decide against getting one right now, there will be another opportunity, but not until a year from now. And even then, no breeding is guaranteed, as we all know.
What are your opinions? Should I go for it or should I continue to wait for a bird that picks me, etc.? I'm at a loss! This is an AWESOME deal and a great opportunity, especially since they are so rare. But... I'm a little hesitant because of the time constraint.
Also: Have you ever handled a Cuban? What are they like? I've done research on them, but there is only so much out there because of how rare they are. He described them today as affectionate and very curious, and as a quieter Amazon species.
Thanks
As we sat down and talked, we talked about Cubans. I was expressing my interest in them and he was talking to me about them and how they were definitely his favorite parrot species. He was telling me about how he wanted to start a program for them, from what I understood it would be something like breeding programs and release programs. He has a permit to own Cuban Amazons.
He then told me that he actually has a friend that breeds Cuban Amazons and that they were either on eggs right now or the babies had just hatched. He said that his friend wants to sell the clutch altogether for a discounted price of $1000. He said if I was interested, we could go in half and half for the clutch and he would give me my choice of baby. So, yes, a better deal for him, but an awesome deal for me. $500 for a hand reared Cuban Amazon baby.
I have met this man in person and saw his permit in person for the Cubans. Now, how legitimate the other breeder is, I don't know. But I would work out all the details first.
There are a couple downsides to this. First of all, I need to make a decision within the next week or so. Otherwise, the way he made it sound, was that the babies would be sold or the deal would be off the table or something. I really wanted to wait a little longer for a bird, but obviously I have waited for one for awhile and have done all of the necessary research, although I am still learning. Second of all, I'm not sure how socialized the baby would be, or how late they will be hand reared or anything. Granted, we haven't talked in depth about it. I told him that I would think on it and get back to him and we could work out the details if I was interested. Also, if I decide against getting one right now, there will be another opportunity, but not until a year from now. And even then, no breeding is guaranteed, as we all know.
What are your opinions? Should I go for it or should I continue to wait for a bird that picks me, etc.? I'm at a loss! This is an AWESOME deal and a great opportunity, especially since they are so rare. But... I'm a little hesitant because of the time constraint.
Also: Have you ever handled a Cuban? What are they like? I've done research on them, but there is only so much out there because of how rare they are. He described them today as affectionate and very curious, and as a quieter Amazon species.
Thanks