MoKae

Thanks for the replies everyone! I saw that someone said that the aviary should be closed to the public. Wouldn't you want to see where the adults were staying to be sure you weren't funding a facility where the adults are kept in bad conditions? With dogs, I know that it's extremely important to see the parents. Maybe this isn't the case with birds though. It looks like I have a lot to learn. I've handfed baby birds several times. Successfully I might add. Not a parrot though. I bred cockatiels years ago and handfed the babies. I've handfed parakeets, wild canaries and random wild baby birds that I found when the sanctuary couldn't be reached or couldn't take them. But again, I've never handfed a parrot and I don't know if that is very different from other birds. KittyKittyKitty said: Good breeders do test the birds, usually several times and at least start immunization. What tests are done and why do they need to be done several times?

I haven't introduced myself in the new members forum so I'll give a little preview here.... My name is Moriah. I've been married to the love of my life for 8 years. We have 4 kids and 2 Mastiffs. Besides my kids, my Mastiffs are my babies! I lost my AG in June of 96 and haven't brought another one into my life yet. But I'm ready to, which has lead me here. I've researched Mastiff breeders before. I know all the right questions to ask and all the red flags to look for. However, I've never even come close to researching a bird breeder. Is it safe to buy from a pet store. I know in dogs it's a HUGE no-no! Dogs from petstores usually come from puppy mills where the parents are discarded like garbage when they can no longer produce. Is this the case with birds too? What questions do you ask a breeder? Does it matter how long they've been breeding? Does it matter how many different types of birds they breed? Is it wrong for a breeder to sell birds that are still being handfed or is that an "accepted" practice? What questions do you ask about the birds themselves? Do you need to see the parents? Are there any tests that the baby and/or parents should have? What time frame should you expect for a guarantee to last? Are they sold with health guarantees or is that unheard of with birds? I have many more questions and will most likely research this for a LONG time before I decide but I don't want to make a mistake when I could have been patient and avioded it. I appreciate any help you guys are able to offer!!