Come fly with us.....

The Sale

At the time of the sale, you will be given most or all of the following:

• Sales receipt
• Sex and specific species and subspecies details
• Hatch date
• Band ID and number
• Health guarantee (most are limited and require vet checks by the new owner)
• Current weight (at time of sale for basis)
• Food list for you to use as a guideline
• Food samples, to allow for a gradual change in diet
• Travel tips
• Current schedule for that bird (ex: birds wakes at 8am, is covered at 7pm)
• Online shopping links
• Acclimation tips
• Business card or contact information in writing should you experience any difficulties or have further questions
• Lists or applications for organizations to research and possibly join (for parrotlets, parrots, or birds in general)

Cash, Check, or Credit Card Purchases

Most breeders do not accept personal checks except for advance deposits. However, besides cash, some breeders do accept credit cards or the online PayPal service. Add this to your list of advance questions.

Health Guarantee

Health guarantees vary by breeder. Some guarantees allow a 72 hour window, but if the bird remains stressed from the change in environment, it might be wise to delay further discomfort with a vet exam. Take your bird early on for its first exam to set a baseline for any future needs.

Short of neglect, accidents, malnutrition, or any abnormal occurrence, most breeders stand behind their birds and stand behind customers who take their responsibility seriously. Will you take your companion for regular exams? Did you spend the necessary time and money to gather research materials before or at the time of your purchase? Is your companion in an appropriate-sized cage, wings clipped, and are you spending time with him/her every day? Would you have a necropsy performed in the event of death?

Your Appointment

Every breeder handles their appointments differently. Don't be surprised if you are asked for advance information on how many people will be coming and who they are. Typically, only the primary caregiver(s) attend the appointment. Extra people/children may add unnecessary excitement to the situation and it will be more difficult to access the personalities of each bird. Additionally, each appointment may last from one to two hours. Appointment times vary due to the comfort of the new owner handling the bird, and also the prior research and experience the new owner may have.

Keeping in mind that each bird is developing a unique personality and may possess a temperament that stands apart from each of the other birds, ask to see both male and female pets. The purchase of a companion parrot should be based solely on personality and temperament, household members and environment, and primary caregiver personality. Future expectations can not be judged when these birds are babies (i.e. tricks, talking). Proper training and socialization play key roles in the successes you will encounter as your companion gets older.

For the health and well-being of the birds and the babies, most breeders maintain a closed environment. They do not allow viewing or contact with any other birds besides the babies. It is important that you do not visit any pet stores in route to your appointment. Additionally, if you own other birds, they should have no contact with you (body, hair or clothes), the new bird cage, or any toys that will be in the cage for your new bird. Let your breeder know if you require information on proper quarantine procedures.

What to bring to your appointment

For your bird:

• small carrier - that you will use for transportation to the vet (do not bring the everyday cage as that would be too big and the bird may get hit by toys during the ride home)
• seed and millet spray (cup of seeds and millet will be sufficient for the ride home)
• water (small water bottle)
• orange slices (in case the water spills)
• small food and water cups
• paper towels (to line the carrier)
• small cloth to cover the carrier if the bird gets upset during the ride home

To review at the time of sale:

• list of research materials you have gathered
• list of foods purchased
• list of foods you plan to offer to your new parrotlet
• list of purchases: cage, food, carrier
• date & time of veterinarian appointment, for initial wellness exam