When you are choosing a baby bird, you should find a reputable breeder or quality pet store. Alternatively use a website with tight restrictions and rules that’s dedicated to the buying and selling of birds… *cough* birdtrade.co.uk.

(Shameless we know!)

So you have located a bird and it’s now time to visit you should:

• Check the store or breeders home for cleanliness and well stocked food cups. 
• The water should be clean; if you wouldn’t want to drink it, chances are your parrot shouldn’t be drinking it either. 
• No bird should be taken home until it’s fully weaned - we cannot stress this enough
• Our point? …. Don’t be too eager to take your little bundle of joy and chirps home, it will be soon enough. 
• Be sure he/she is fully weaned and eating solid foods, if your breeder doesn’t voluntarily give foods to offer the baby. ASK for a variety of munchies such as parrot mix, pieces of fruit etc.
• Remember…. This is the bird’s welfare we have in mind so don’t feel obliged to sit there and nod. Ask questions, like how do you let the bird know NOT to do something? The commands for stepping up, getting down all the simple tasks the breeder should of taught the baby.
• If everything checks out, be sure to ask if the bird has had a recent veterinary check along with the availability of the hatch certificate or if required CITIES papers more info can be found on the parrot society website.

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