Parrot Breeder - Closed Aviary

[mike126]

Is it normal for a breeder to reject access to an aviary? I'm currently looking for a baby eclectus and was denied access to the aviary holding the parents. I'm curious to see their living conditions and how they look physically as their genetics are being passed on to my potential companion bird.

 

[Laurasea]

Absolutely, for the health of his butds and so as to not disturb the breeding pair. But should offer to take pics for you...if you are concerned

 

[mike126]

Absolutely, for the health of his butds and so as to not disturb the breeding pair. But should offer to take pics for you...if you are concerned

Thank you Laura. I know that dog breeders will usually allow you to see the parents. That's why I was confused when I was denied access to the bird parents.

 

[Laurasea]

But the breeder should take every step to reassure you, abd answer questions and maybe look from afar outside of the Avairy???

 

[mike126]

One of the places I'm looking at claims that the parents he's breeding are hand-raised, not wild-caught. That's already an upside. My concern is that I'm in Canada and he's in the US. I would literally have zero information on their upkeep, maintenance, and behaviours besides his word.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I understand the sensitivity of the actual nesting area, but I would like to see enough of the place to evaluate security and cleanliness. Photos and/or videos would go a long way towards reassuring me. The only large-volume breeder whom I knew well (back in New Mexico) had some pairs that were not bothered by quiet observers at a distance, while other pairs were extreeeeemely skittish.

Good luck with your new family member.

 

[mike126]

Thank you! I'll only bring a little baby home next summer at the earliest, but it's good to start searching and ask questions!

 

[EllenD]

A responsible bird breeder will NEVER allow any outside people into the aviary/room where their breeder-birds are, nor to the nursery where the babies are. It's far too risky for any number of reasons, first and foremost due to the cleanliness and spread of bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. Birds are not bred like dogs are, you can meet a puppy's parents as they are usually not kept in a "breeding room" that is kept in sterile conditions...A lot of bird breeders actually have their breeding-rooms/aviaries and their nurseries swabbed and tested every so many months. So no, they should not ever let outside people in their breeding-rooms/aviaries, nor in-contact with their breeder-birds.

That being said, if you ask for photos of the parent birds, there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to show you photos of them. But as far as contact with them, that's a big no-no.

 

[mike126]

Thank you, Ellen. This is my first time looking for a bird through breeders. That's why I'm asking my questions here

 

[noodles123]

I agree with the post above- too risky...But, I applaud your efforts, as there are sketchy things that go on in the parrot world (this just doesn't happen to be one of them). Nevertheless, this mindset will serve you well, as it is important to question/verify whenever possible.

 

[mike126]

Thank you now I know. I will keep looking regardless and make the decision when I'm ready

 

[LordTriggs]

A responsible bird breeder will NEVER allow any outside people into the aviary/room where their breeder-birds are, nor to the nursery where the babies are. It's far too risky for any number of reasons, first and foremost due to the cleanliness and spread of bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. Birds are not bred like dogs are, you can meet a puppy's parents as they are usually not kept in a "breeding room" that is kept in sterile conditions...A lot of bird breeders actually have their breeding-rooms/aviaries and their nurseries swabbed and tested every so many months. So no, they should not ever let outside people in their breeding-rooms/aviaries, nor in-contact with their breeder-birds.

That being said, if you ask for photos of the parent birds, there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to show you photos of them. But as far as contact with them, that's a big no-no.

I never knew that, I always assumed not letting people see the parents were for reasons of disturbing them and putting them into a 'mood' and also as a precaution against 'sticky fingers'

 

[MonicaMc]

If you live in Canada, then I would recommend finding a breeder in Canada. Getting a bird from across the border can be difficult and rather expensive!


As far as closed aviary... to get a better understanding of it, I think it would help to look into MAP.... Model Aviculture Program.

Model Aviculture Program, Inc.