RB2 Breeders

[moni.k]

So, I have been on the hunt for a good RB2 breeder locally here in Southern California.

1. My local bird store has a few on eggs and thinks they will be ready to go home sometime in June/July. I know the owners and the breeders and it's great because the store is so close to where I live (about 20 min away). However, he is asking for $1700. I feel that it's a bit high, considering that they on average are about 1400. For extra 300 saved, I could buy a lot of great toys or even a good cage. They don't have a website, but on yelp they are called Birds Plus located in Van Nuys, CA
Pro:
-close by
-already have a relationship with the breeder
-DNA sexed
Con:
-pricey compared to other breeders
-no health warranty
-no vet check or disease testing

2. There is another breeder, they are located in San Diego which is about 2 hours away from where I live. The asking price is great: $1100. But there is only one baby, and the RB2 is currently being hand fed and will be ready to come home in April. Their website is Home - {MelzanosParrotPlace}: Parrot Place| Parrot For Sale
Pro:
-best deal as in price
-bird comes with a 1 year health warranty (although I need more information on what it pertains to)
-comes home earlier than June/July (but that is the least of my concern, I'm willing to wait for the right baby)
-health certificates by a certified avian vet
-free behavior consultants
Con:
-distance, I will most likely only be able to visit this baby once or twice before bringing him/her home
-there is only 1 baby which limits the variety and choice of different personalities, sex, etc.

3. Another breeder in San Diego. They have 5 RB2 eggs nesting currently and most likely will not be available till June/July. They are $1295 each which is pretty reasonable. There isn't too much information on their website, but I am gonna try giving them a call tomorrow. Quest Haven Pets: Home
Pro:
-decently priced
-experienced RB2 breeder
-DNA sexed
-5 babies offer a lot of variety in choice
Con:
-distance
-doesn't seem like they come disease tested and vet checked (although I would have to consult with them for more details)

Wanted to hear your opinions on which breeder is most ideal. It is still pretty early into the RB2 season and I know there will be much more options that will open up later on, but I really want to build a relationship with the breeder early on. Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated .

 

[Featheredsamurai]

First off, ONLY buy a parrot if they have a warranty. They should expect you to take your new bird to a vet within a week and if there is something wrong THEY need to pay for it. If they aren't willing to do this don't buy from them and tell them the reason why. It is irresponsible to not have a warranty for a animal designed to hide illness, and if they got their bird vet checked they should be confident their bird is healthy and not have anything to worry about. Don't take no for an answer and make sure to get a copy of their warranty incase they don't want to honor it.

Those all seem like good prices to me, I've seen Galah's go for 2,900 which is pretty outrageous. Most Galah's in my area go for 2000-2500 straight from a breeder except for the Chinatown pet store in SF who sells them for 1,250, and sketchy backyard breeders.

 

[aether-drifter]

I know someone who got two galahs from Quest Haven and couldn't be happier with them. I was considering going through them myself, and I can tell they really care about their birds and have great customer service. I sort of wish I'd waited and gotten my baby from them.

 

[moni.k]

I love the fact that their birds are in large aviaries and look like they are very well taken care of at Quest Haven. Also the fact that they have experience in breeding Rose Breasted Cockatoos are a huge plus. I can pick their brains a bit and get tips and information. :22:I just sent them an email and possibly might go down to San Diego and visit them this weekend. I would love to meet them in person and get to know them. I am glad your friend had a positive experience, definitely earned a few brownie points there to know they have great customer service.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I love the fact that their birds are in large aviaries and look like they are very well taken care of at Quest Haven. Also the fact that they have experience in breeding Rose Breasted Cockatoos are a huge plus. I can pick their brains a bit and get tips and information. :22:I just sent them an email and possibly might go down to San Diego and visit them this weekend. I would love to meet them in person and get to know them. I am glad your friend had a positive experience, definitely earned a few brownie points there to know they have great customer service.

Sounds like a good plan.
Galah's are a lot of fun and great, just make sure yours gets to see something new everyday. They can be phobic and have very sad behavior problems if not raised right. But we all know you'll do great

 

[aether-drifter]

Here's a link to what the person I mentioned had to say about Quest Haven: Nippiness, hyperness, and teaching independent play - Page 2 - Avian Avenue

 

[moni.k]

Update: So the second breeder called and we talked on the phone (Melzanosparrotplace). He answered all my questions and was very polite and helpful.

1. The health certificate only covers an exam from an avian veterinarian.
2. DNA sexing and disease testing is not covered in the price. However, for an additional $100 the service can be provided and paperwork will be given on the day of pickup.
3. Visitation is allowed only after a deposit has been placed.
4. The birds are raised in a home with dogs, children and are well socialized.
5. The 1 year warranty is only valid if the bird has health issues due to illness, injury, or death that is not from owner negligence. Proof of non negligence is required by an avian vet, and paperwork must be shown in order for the warranty to be valid. If the bird is sick due to the breeders fault, then reimbursement of half the bird's purchase price will be given or the option of purchasing another bird will be discounted by 50%.
6. Assurance policy means that there is a 24 hour emergency contact that is provided for any questions or assistance in advice. The breeder has 17 years of bird behavioral consultant experience. So assistance with training, tips, advice and additional help is offered year around for as long as I want.

The breeder sounds like a great guy, who really has a passion and love for parrots. So far, it sounds like this breeder is my top choice. But I am going to keep my options open until I talk to Quest Haven. Eeek, this is so exciting!!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

He does sound pretty good and the one year warranty is great. If any genetic issues or long term illness appears they cover it. Most long warranties will not cover the owners mistakes which they shouldn't.

I'm excited to hear about quest haven too, I check out their web site and thought it looked great.

 

[moni.k]

Yay to another update:

So I talked to Quest Haven on the phone just now. Also super helpful and very polite .

1. There is a 2 week health guarantee where if the the baby where to have any issues checked out by my avian vet then a full refund will be given or choose another bird.
2. They will only give DNA sexing; so no disease testing or avian exam prior to pickup. Although she assured me that there has never been an incident where a bird was ever sick because of the breeder.
3. She has about 5 eggs in the incubator and more coming so there is plenty of options to choose from.
4. Visitation is allowed any time or day as long as there is prior notice.
5. $250 deposit to hold a baby and the deposit is fully refundable if I don't see or find a baby that I want. Which is really rare!! Most breeders give back 50% of the deposit or is non refundable. So it assures that I can keep my options open without penalty.
6. She will give me video, picture and written updates on the baby as well as photos of past babies and successful adoption stories.

So far, Quest Haven also sounds amazing!! I have a tough decision, but I think I am leaning more towards Quest Haven. The fact that the deposit is fully refundable and the 2 week health guarantee sounds really good for my situation where I have a reliable avian vet. But I will keep my options open, although I will most likely put a deposit to Quest Haven sometime next week. I am so relieved that I am having easy communication fast and reliably with these breeders. Both have met my standards of customer service and I am sure whichever one I choose, I will not be disappointed.