34 replies to this topic

[supermom]

Do you know anyone in the Folsom area that has little ones and if not any suggestions where to look? I think the pet store isn't a great idea I got my amazon from a private person and he was great he was 5 months old and hand fed when I got him so that was easy transition

I bought mine at the western feed store. The lady that runs the place knew the breeder (though I doubt it was a "serious breeder" and knew enough that the birds were each handled every day and hand fed their baby formula mix. SweetBaby was given a great deal of tender care and it really shows. The cockatiels I see at the Petsmart over in Folsom just aren't handled by the breeders for very much and certainly not at all--in the store. I really don't know of any breeders in the local area--maybe you should try craigslist. Just make sure the bird will allow you to handle him. I also had both my kids handle the bird for about 20 minutes before I finally agreed to buy him. You can test a young bird to see if there have been any traumas by gently touching the tip of its' tail, the feather between the shoulders, the beak, the top of the head, and the toes. The birds reactions can tell you if there has ever been any serious issues or at least tell you the personality of the bird.

Only really serious breeders will put a band on their birds legs--so you generally get what you pay for ---when buying a good deal. One of my neighbors says she has spent thousands on vet bills for her cockatiel. But she rescued the bird from a flooded drain pipe over 7 years ago.

And cockatiels are expected to have a lifespan of nearly 20 years--the committment is serious.


Other than that--I guess you learn through experience.

[Steve Heard]

Do you know anyone in the Folsom area that has little ones and if not any suggestions where to look? I think the pet store isn't a great idea I got my amazon from a private person and he was great he was 5 months old and hand fed when I got him so that was easy transition

You could try the one that EAH used. They are on Wales near, I believe Duchow. They have a small sign.

I would go along with Supermom's recommendation that you use someone who does hand-feeding, if you want one that is going to be easier to handle.

I found this guy online. Don't know much about him, but he says he hand feeds.

South Pacific Aviaries - David Taft

916) 875 0576 (916) 834 1147

Let us know how it goes.

[hopeanelli]

Thank You ... That is my project for the month of September get a birdie, not in a rush will take my time and find the right one. My mother in law had FRED for 20 years.... so I know its a long time commitment.

[EAH]

Thank You ... That is my project for the month of September get a birdie, not in a rush will take my time and find the right one. My mother in law had FRED for 20 years.... so I know its a long time commitment.

Hopeanelli;
Sadly it did not work out with the Cockatiel. After being told by several longtime bird owners to take him to "The Bird Store" on Auburn Blvd. to get his wings clipped and have him evaluated, I did.. They informed me that my bird had obviously not been handled by humans, and was for all intents and purposes, wild. They suggested I look at a well handled Cockatiel which they house in the middle of the store in an open aquarium for you to reach in and pet. I was flabbergasted by the difference. I suggested buying one of their birds as a companion for him in an effort to tame him down and both employees strongly advised me against it saying that it would result in the pair bonding and my 'mean' bird turning the nice one 'mean. I took my bird home and tried to give him some more time to acclamate to us, but he kept getting nastier and nastier. Eventually we couldn't even aproach the front of the cage without him hissing and lunging at us through the bars. I felt miserable for him. I called the gentleman who sold him to me and told him I was bringing him back to his flock. I have one stipulation for taking an animal in; that I can offer a better home and care than where they were previously. I didn't feel I was upholding my end of the bargain. I was out a total of $300 in bird toys, food and cages (2), not to mention the expense of the bird. My advise to you is :
Go to The Bird Store on Auburn Blvd.
Their birds are professionally handled, sweet, and they truly are experts.
If you want a nice new big bird cage, lots of toys and top quality food at a good price, feel free to contact me via e-mail.

[hopeanelli]

Hopeanelli;
Sadly it did not work out with the Cockatiel. After being told by several longtime bird owners to take him to "The Bird Store" on Auburn Blvd. to get his wings clipped and have him evaluated, I did.. They informed me that my bird had obviously not been handled by humans, and was for all intents and purposes, wild. They suggested I look at a well handled Cockatiel which they house in the middle of the store in an open aquarium for you to reach in and pet. I was flabbergasted by the difference. I suggested buying one of their birds as a companion for him in an effort to tame him down and both employees strongly advised me against it saying that it would result in the pair bonding and my 'mean' bird turning the nice one 'mean. I took my bird home and tried to give him some more time to acclamate to us, but he kept getting nastier and nastier. Eventually we couldn't even aproach the front of the cage without him hissing and lunging at us through the bars. I felt miserable for him. I called the gentleman who sold him to me and told him I was bringing him back to his flock. I have one stipulation for taking an animal in; that I can offer a better home and care than where they were previously. I didn't feel I was upholding my end of the bargain. I was out a total of $300 in bird toys, food and cages (2), not to mention the expense of the bird. My advise to you is :
Go to The Bird Store on Auburn Blvd.
Their birds are professionally handled, sweet, and they truly are experts.
If you want a nice new big bird cage, lots of toys and top quality food at a good price, feel free to contact me via e-mail.

Thanks for the advice and I think I will go over there next week and take a look, where is it located on Auburn Blvd? I really want to make a good decision and I am not in a hurry to just go do this. I want to get a bird that will love us and socialize with us.... Thanks