How critical are breeder's methods?

[Envie]

Hi, I have met some of you in the welcome forum and am starting to compile a list of questions for all of you that are veteran grey parrot companions (I know, don't say owner, they actually own you, haha).

 

I have a question about choosing a breeder. Exactly how picky should I be?

 

I know that I want a breeder who raises their babies in the house with the family and gives them individual attention and playtime to acclimate them to being held and loved as well as utilizes abundance weaning for a healthy start. Those are my bare minimums so far, but what else should be my requirements?

 

I really really like Pampered Peeps aviary.

 

http://www.pamperedpeeps.com/

 

I've spoke with the breeder, Beth, via email and she unfortunately may not have any grey babies available for a long time since she only has one now which is sold and two other folks already waiting for her next clutch.

 

The reason I like her breeding style is she has three daughters who all participate in socializing and feeding her babies. Because I have a lot of children, I really feel this is an important aspect to consider so that my new baby grey is quite used to noise and children. Pampered peeps also flight-suit/harness trains her babies, which is definitely a bonus since I want to be able to take my parrot out walking with me and would much rather a more experienced breeder introduce that tricky training function if possible.

 

But back to my question: Exactly how critical is a breeder's methods to the outcome of your baby grey?

 

If I were to buy a baby from a breeder who has many more baby birds at once, or doesn't have any children, or keeps the babies in an aviary instead of the house - how much is this going to affect the baby's personality or ability to adapt to my house and family once I bring it home?

 

I'm wondering if like children who are adopted, the baby can re-adjust in time to its new environment and bond with another person easily regardless of how it was hatched/weaned/raised.

 

Thoughts or advice much appreciated.

 

-envie

[lovemyGreys]

Personally i feel it's imperative to find the right breeder that you are 100% happy & comfortable with.A breeder who genuinely cares for their babies & doesn't see them for just the money there is to be made from breeding.I know i waited until i found the right breeder for me who had the same values & passion about her greys.A baby grey that is well socialized,loved,handled,feed a good diet etc.. in my opinion has the very best start to life,then it is down to you as the new owner to continue the hard work & effort put into that baby by the breeder.

 

Yes babies not weaned,raised in this kind of environment do adapt with equal ease to their new homes, but if i had a choice i would go for a baby raised by a caring breeder .

[Nychsa]

I too believe it's very important to be comfortable with the methods and approach of a breeder. I believe Bella's confident and outgoing personality got a good boost from her early days being hand fed.

 

I got her from K and K Parrots (www.kandkparrots.com) Their process is a little different than some of the other breeders. K and K Parrots is not the breeder. They work with one breeder (have been for the past 18 years). The breeder brings the babies to Kathy and Karen to hand feed, socialize and place. Kathy and Karen, who are both nurses by trade, provide such a fabulous environment for the babies, it's clearly full of love, warmth and care.

 

When I brought Bella home, she knew how to step up, "no bite", and how to step up on the stick. She's very confident and outgoing and was a huge love bug - which Kathy and Karen told me she would be because she loved to snuggle with them.

 

So that told me they take the time to love up on the babies. If I had it to do over, that is the kind of breeder I'd go to again.

[M2MM]

I believe it's imperative that your breeder is the best you can find. I searched high and low for the right breeder, then waited, and waited. All really good breeders have a waiting list, but as hard as it is to wait, you need the time to prepare yourself, your home, your kids, and get all the best stuff that you want your baby to have, it also gives you time to save up the cash for the baby itself. You will NEVER regret buying from the best breeder.

 

My baby is 17 months old now, been with us for nearly 13 months and his first "mom" still keeps in touch (by email), she really cares about the welfare of all her babies. <3 <3 <3

[lovemyGreys]

A valid point M2MM, good breeders here in the UK & i gather across the globe always have waiting lists for babies,i know my breeder never has to advertise her babies for sale,it is always personal recommendation which has to be a good thing As they sale good things come to those who wait

[Envie]

Yes, I'm agreeing with all of you but wondering just how picky I really should be in choosing my breeder.

 

I can find several breeders who have larger numbers of birds (thus more available clutches per year) including one who just took a baby from the nest at two weeks recently and will be avail. some time in October. They want me to make a deposit.

 

BUT - they care for a lot of baby birds of all breeds and have large facilities so I'm wondering how they can possibly find socializing time for the babies with so many to feed and care for everyday. I also got kindof stuck on the idea that having the baby around kids would be ideal... but make finding the perfect breeder more difficult.

 

This breeder is good, I'm not saying they have glaring issues. They bring the babies in the house, and lots of people help feed them, and they are exposed to the everyday house sounds, vaccum, tv etc as well as dogs, but no kids. They are abundance weaning too so that's great. Even sent me a photo, but my guy says I should wait for the breeder I really want. That could be a year down the road!

 

I guess I just want to be sure I've chosen the right breeder when I make the big plunge and worried that choosing wrong will somehow affect the outcome of the baby's personality.

 

And yes, I agree having plenty of time to get yourself and family ready (cage, toys, etc are also as expensive as the bird itself!) is a good thing. I already have a 'sleeping cage' and will be getting a larger one, and I have a 4ft tall 'java tree' on a wooden stand that I got as a great deal at a sale. It's big enough to hold several large parrots with plenty of playspace, feeder cups and rings for hanging toys.

 

I'm preparing!

[lovemyGreys]

You have to go with what feels right for you,just because someone breeds more species of birds or has big clutches doesn't necessary mean that you are going to have a neurotic & unadjusted baby on your hands,they can be equally raised as with the breeder who only has a few babies.It depend on how long your prepared to wait & how soon you want a baby.

[Envie]

You're right - it needs to feel right. I think I'm going to wait and keep researching more breeders. I'm saving breeders site links and reviewing them and have emailed a few with questions.

 

Sometimes I get so excited about finally deciding to go through with getting one that I get impatient.

 

Pregnancy is 9 long agonizing months and I have a feeling waiting for a baby grey will be a looong wait but without the body aches and pains, lol!

 

Thanks again, I'm taking everyone's advice to heart.