buy a bird from the petstore???

[luvmydogs]

would that be wise, or just plain stupid. i can't seem to find any cockatiel breeders in my area. should i consider shipping? or the petshop?like petco.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

We got all of our birds from pet stores, but there are bird smugglers coming up from Mexico, that's where a lot of the birds come from, and many of them die on the trip, or suffer from diseases.

 

[luvmydogs]

i just called petco, and they said theyre tiels are handfed. is that good??? i mean they must have had them for a while right? so they shouldnt die right away

 

[smkie]

you can go to magazines like Birdtalk and find reputable breeders..same as in dogs. I don't even want to start remembering the nightmare i saw for birds that come to pet shops..i have written it before but in case u didn't see it, about 2 die for every few that make it thru. They are crated tight and fed as little as possible..stuffed into flight pens by the hundreds and then shipped out individually to pet stores. They are scared and stuffed with anitibiotics, weakened from stress and sold at horrendous prices. Yes you want hand fed..you want to find someone that loves and cares for their birds..and will probably find the price about the same. It isn't so bad fo cockatiels..they breed easy in captivity..and hand fed means already human friendly. Also means a healthier bird. I wouldn't trust one word of what a pet store would tell you. I am sure if u went on line..found out where the bird shows are and investigated you will find the right one for you. I do suggest that if any one has a respitory problem you second think anything in line with cockatoos or cockatiels. they emit a dust from their feathers that can cause people prone to infections problems. I took care of a greater sulpher creasted cockatoo..the dust even got inside of my camera inside of a drawer.

 

[Love4Pits]

i just called petco, and they said theyre tiels are handfed. is that good??? i mean they must have had them for a while right? so they shouldnt die right away

Yes handfed is good Scooter was before i got him and its just a way of weaning them from their mothers. I have no problems with getting birds from petstores and i think Petsmart would be your best bet. When you go look for clean cages with clean food and water inside. Try to get a real good look at the birds do they look healthy? Are the moving around or are they just sitting at the bottom of the cage? Are they losing mass amounts of feathers or look fairly full feathered lol?. Also is there is discharge from the nose?.

Also if you end up getting Lutino or you are intrested in them don't be completely turned off if you see a bald spot under the crest at the back. Lutinos are a newer color mutation and have been inbred for it and so they get the bald patch. Lutinos are also moe prone to night frights (as my boy is). I will get you a site I usually go to and post it here for you so you can visit there they have an awsome Cockatiel forum with very Bird smart people who can help you out.

www.CockatielCottage.net

Good Luck

 

[luvmydogs]

cool. thanks

 

[sandysmommie]

petstores?

There not all so bad..you just gotta be careful which one you go too.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Believe me, bird smuggling ain't pretty.

 

[Sheba]

nope, bird smuggling is horrible...