I would really like to purchase a parakeet, I have had one before and absolutely adored it. I was wondering whether it would be alright to just go ahead and purchase one from a store like Petco or something because I just cannot find a breeder in Northern Virginia!
2006-12-08 16:23:40 · 11 answers · asked by Aaron 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
Pet stores don't have the best pets. They've been teased by unkind people, and they may not be the healthiest pets.
Buyer beware, do your research on the store, and be sure it's seen a vet.
Consider rescue. petfinder.com may have one in your area that needs a home. Your local SPCA and animal control sometimes have them too. Call ahead and ask if they have any if shelters make you sad. Check craigslist.com. Local folks post ads for pets they can't keep anymore. It's good because you may find one that's already tamed. You may also be saving a life.
Good luck to you.
2006-12-08 18:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both have their advantages...
Pet Store: Cheaper prices
Breeder: Good quality bird
I'm not saying that you wouldn't get a good bird from the pet store, but a breeder would have spent time with the birds and took good care of them. At at petstore like petco, the birds may not have been taken care of in a way other than food, water, and a clean cage.
If you get a bird from a breeder, you could be exact on the age of the bird, parakeets can be difficult to sex and age if you don't know what you're looking for. You never know how long the pet store had the bird, or how long the bird was alive until it got to the petstore. With a Breeder, you can get a full history on your new bird.
2006-12-09 00:41:27 · answer #2 · answered by rhodetryp21 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people like to dis buying from pet stores, but I felt that I should add my experience. I have seven budgies. 1 came from a breeder, 3 from Petco, 3 were rescues.
I have 2 birds that are pretty friendly and aren't afraid of me. They came from Petco.
The bird from a breeder? Cognitively deficient. And she has a bum leg.
I'm not saying that all breeders breed cognitively deficient birds. But I found what I later determined to be a "backyard breeder." Although my little Ocean is the most lovable bird I have, as our vet put it,
"you wouldn't last long in the wild, now would you?"
So I echo the sentiments of the above. Make sure your bird is healthy. And remember, there are tons of birds out there that need good homes. Try a rescue!
2006-12-09 11:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by CrazyBirdMom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi buying a parakeet from a pet store leaves you guessing as to what you are getting. Go on internet type in "pet find/birds" and see if you come up with anything. There are bird clubs all over the place and they would know where there are breeders. When you buy from a breeder they know exactly what age the bird is the parentage etc. Best of luck to you.
2006-12-09 06:48:17 · answer #4 · answered by Edith Z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for a major chain pet store. Yes, buyer beware. However, that applies to breeders, too.
Yeah, there are alot of birds in Petco and PetSmart, but I can tell you from experience, they come in at around two months of age, and they sell before six months. They are fed and watered twice a day with clean food and water.our company requires a lot of toys! They are have been through a vet approved breeding program and have a warrenty. Big business is held to a higher standard because they are in the public eye.
Breeders are held to no standard but thier own. Occasionally, the State will intervein, but trust me, they have "better" things to worry about. However...there are some really nice private places too!
Rule of thumb...if the place gives you the creeps...run.
If it helps, I see all the behind the sceens stuff, and I wouldn't buy from anywhere other than my store because of it.
2006-12-10 00:47:53 · answer #5 · answered by lemonnpuff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi i would be carefull when buying from a petshop, go in and have a look at how clean it is, how the parrots are kept, clean cages/drinking water, see if they have been given right food etc, you never know when buying from a petshop if your new baby will be disease free, so also if you do decide to buy, i would take him/her straight to a vets and have him tested for things like psitticosis, up side from acctually finding a breeder, is you know your new baby will be cuddly well looked after, given right food, also alot of the time breeders will let you interact with your new baby before he/she is ready to be taken home so you have time to bond and get used to eachother before bringing little birdy home, either way good luck
2006-12-09 00:49:22 · answer #6 · answered by worldchampatpool 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i bought two from the pet store and they both died like a few weeks later from some disease they got at the store i guess so i decided to get two from a breeder and they are in perfect condition i have had them for a long time now.
2006-12-09 03:29:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
then yes it should be fine. i wish you lived in missouri i have like
13of them and cant seem to sell them. i think in mt state it seems everyone wants the bigger birds like cockatiel size and up.but yes i bough a few at petsmart before and have had very good luck with them. actually i got either the mom or dad at petsmart.they are big breeders so remember if you dont want a ton of them or have to worry about how to get rid of them dont get a male & female unless your ready for the responsibility. the babies are VERY cute but alot of work and cleaning up after once they start eating on their own.
2006-12-09 01:55:19 · answer #8 · answered by candy cane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't really matter where you get the parakeet. You just need to pick out the healthy looking one. And run it by a vet before you take it home.
2006-12-09 03:53:16 · answer #9 · answered by Jusme 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pet store is your best way 2 go!!
2006-12-09 00:28:09 · answer #10 · answered by mike 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋