Are Breeders Parrots Better Than Pet Store Parrots?

There is no overstating the importance of the fact that there is a direct correlation between the quality of a breeders parrots or the store and their parrots. The time you invest in the selection process will be entirely worthwhile as it will result in the purchase of a high-quality parrot!

If you are getting ready to commit to having a parrot as a pet, and are looking to buy one, you have to make a choice between pet stores and breeders parrots.

Considering the life span of a parrot it is worthwhile to spend adequate time with the selection process.

Parrots from breeders have usually been raised by someone who is following their passion.  This type of person probably spent lots of time and effort in rearing their birds and this involvement is reflected in the quality of the parrot you receive from them.

Birds that have been hand raised have been hand fed and handled frequently from a very young age. This interaction makes them very well adjusted and amenable to developing new human-parrot relationships!

Parrots that are hand raised are generally a bit more expensive, whether purchased from a pet store or a breeder.  The slightly higher cost is well worth it as these birds tend to be healthier,  more well adjusted companions.

If you decide to purchase breeders parrots,  you will find that the internet, local newspaper and an avian vet can supply a number of referrals.

Once you’ve established a  list of breeders, you will need to do some research. You may want to visit each one and assess the quality of each of their aviaries.  Don’t make your choice based only on the one with the lowest price.

If you do an initial interview with a breeder, you can get an idea of whether they are doing it out of a real interest in parrots or just as a commercial enterprise. Based on the results of the interview you can decide whether or not you wish to visit their facilities.

You should take the overall cleanliness of the place into consideration. You can take a look at the feeding dishes to see what type of food is being fed and if the parrots are getting variety in their diet.  You can also get an idea of the health of the breeders parrots based on their appearance.

The same criteria will apply to any pet store you may consider purchasing from.  Good healthy plumage, cheerful disposition and willingness to interact with humans are signs of a well-adjusted bird.

If there is an absence of any of these qualities or if the parrots are not kept in a clean environment you are best advised to seek another pet store or breeder.

Parrots from facilities with lower standards are much more likely to be difficult to manage and maybe even unhealthy once you take them home.

Pet stores may seem to be a less personalized environment than an individual breeder.  Because of the volume of  birds in stores, there is always the chance of a parrot in that environment having some health issues.

However, not all breeders are automatically better than all pet stores – this is an issue that you need to determine on an individual basis before you make a decision.

A reputable breeder or pet store will help with the initial days of settling in by being available for answering questions and concerns. Thus, it is in your best interest to develop a good relationship with them whether you purchase pet store or breeders parrots.