Reputable Breeders in Northern California

[lizardmittens]

Hi everyone!

I am interested in getting a young cockatiel but have been having a hard time finding reputable breeders near me. Any advice?

Also, I have found lots of companies that ship the birds to you, but my instincts tell me that these breeders are likely not reputable/that it is stressful for the bird to be shipped. Have you found this to be true in your experience, or are they totally fine? If so, do you have any recommendations?

Thank you!
Dana

 

[LaManuka]

Hi Dana and welcome!

Sorry I don’t have any info for you about breeders but whatever you do, please please please do NOT be tempted to buy a baby bird that has not already been weaned onto adult food and eating independently for some weeks. There’s been a rash of owners here lately who have bought unweaned babies after being told it was easy for them to finish off the hand feeding themselves, that it would create a stronger bond etc etc. Unfortunately many of them have found out too late how wrong and downright dangerous these fairy tales are and have ended up with a dead bird. Please do not let this happen to you. No reputable or ethical breeder should ever sell an unweaned baby and if someone offers you one you should turn away and run.

I wish you all the very best in your search.

 

[lizardmittens]

Hi LaManuka,

I absolutely agree! I was never planning on getting an unweaned baby and completely understand the dangers. But thank you for making that message known, it is so important! I actually found a sweet little baby who is 13 weeks old and has been weaned for several weeks who I will be bringing home in two weeks Thanks for your reply!