Make sure any parrot you purchase has a closed leg band that cannot be removed. These are put on when they are babies and they grow into them. This identifies your bird as a legal, captive-bred parrot as opposed to an illegal, wild-caught one.
Good sources for buying a pet bird:
1. Bird clubs often have rescue groups. Beak n Wings has one. This is a good place to get a bird at a lower cost, but you must make application first & be approved by the rescue director. Adoption will usually include one or more home visits.
2. Buying from a breeder is not as convenient, but the bird will also be less expensive because of low overhead. You have the benefit of the breeder�s years of experience with your species and the ability to ask questions in future as they arise. Of course you should also be allowed to handle the bird. A good breeder of pet birds will have hand raised and hand tamed their birds making them the best possible pet.
3. Local pet bird clubs have bird fairs where birds be purchased from breeders and supplies from vendors at a very economical price. This is extremely convenient in that you can purchase supplies, bird and obtain care instructions from the breeder at the same place at a very reasonable price. A plus is that you have the �supermarket� atmosphere with many species of birds to view. It is a good idea just to attend a couple of bird fairs before you buy a bird so you can watch various species and make your decision. But as in all situations where you are a buyer, beware of someone selling you an old or sick bird. I personally would never buy a pet that does not have a closed leg band indicating the bird's age. I've known people who've bought breeders that were unbanded only to find out later that they had an ancient bird on their hands.
4. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR PARROT FROM A PET STORE. I KNOW IT IS EASIER, BUT YOU ARE SUPPORTING THE MASS PRODUCTION OF PARROTS FOR PROFIT. PLEASE SEE THE SECTION ON PET MILLS TO UNDERSTAND MY PLEA! PLUS MANY OF THE BIRDS IN PET STORES ARE NOT TAME AND WILL NEVER MAKE GOOD PETS.
Locating a breeder or bird fairs & shows:
Look in the back of �Bird Talk� or other avian magazines for breeder listings.
Check out the internet for the species you are looking for. Many breeders have very informative web sites and may have young birds for sale.
Local & national bird clubs can direct you to breeders and tell you when and where bird fairs & shows are held. Our club is listed at the end of pamphlet.
Don�t overlook parrot rescue groups. Let the rescue people know you are a novice bird owner so they can match you up with the appropriate bird.
Clear eyes, nose and vent area (rear end).
1. Bird is not sitting all fluffed up and not moving. Feathers should be smooth without bald patches.
2. Bird is not gasping with tail moving in rhythm with breathing.
3. Bird should not be sleeping on bottom of cage.
4. Bird should notice humans at its cage and not be sleeping and ignoring them.
5. Bird should not have a really prominent breast bone.
6. A bird that has been hand tamed as evidenced by:
7. Bird will step up on your hand when you ask it to.
8. Bird does not scream and fly about in fear when you approach its cage.
Also please be aware that ideally a new bird should be quarantined for a period of time when entering a home with other birds. Discuss this with your avian vet.