The Fussy Parrot

No I do not, unless you are an experienced breeder, then the bird must be picked up from me and will not be shipped. Only experienced breeders should feed a baby as it is easy to aspirate them. If I do sell an unweaned baby to a breeder there will be no health guarantee.

Some think that handfeeding themselves will cause the bird to have a stronger bond with the handfeeder. Handfeeding has nothing to do with it. It's important that the new owner spend time with the new bird teaching it new things, such as step up, new and fun things to eat, how to interact and play, and just teaching it about everyday life.

Will you sell me any bird I find I like?
Here at 'The Fussy Parrot' it is not about the sale. It's about trying to make a good match between you and the bird. We need to determine what you are expecting out of the bird, how much time you are willing to spend with the bird, if you are able to purchase a cage that meets the requirements of the bird along with purchasing food, toys, perches, etc. Also will it just be your bird or a family bird? Will young children have access to the bird without supervision? Will the bird fit into your family schedule? Buying a parrot is a lifetime commitment. Many live to be 30-60 years old and will depend on you for the rest of it's life.

Do you offer a health guarantee?
We offer a 72 hour health guarantee. We guarantee all of our babies against hereditary defect and they are guaranteed to be free from Polyoma Virus, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, and other viral or untreatable illness. This means you have 72 hours to take your bird to a Certified Avian Vet if you suspect sickness, or if you would just like to have a wellness check-up. If the Certified Avian Vet determines that the bird has a defect or disease, your money will be refunded upon verification from the CAV with the dated and signed documents stating the condition; along with the vets phone number so I can get in touch with him/her if needed. Our birds are free from any disease and their babies are guaranteed healthy and free from disease or illness when they leave our aviary.

What do we feed our growing babies?
While they are being handfed they are fed Zupreem Plus or Roudybush handfeeding formula. As soon as they are moving around they are offered fresh millet and small pellets in their enclosures or brooders. When they get moved into their baby cage they are introduced to fresh vegetables, fruit, pellets, sprouts, nuts, and a homemade mash along with birdy bread and other foods. The mash is made of brown rice, beans, pasta, fresh vegetables such as corn, carrots, peas, and more, with seasonal fruits added.

Do we let our birds fledge?
Yes!! It's important for a birds development, circulation and attitude. Once fully feathered they get to fly around some each day. If they get too bold in their flying we will slightly trim the feathers to keep them from flying into windows, mirrors, on cabinet tops, etc. If you put a deposit on a young bird just let me know if you would not like the wings trimmed.

Are your birds socialized?
Yes, they are socialized. Once they are pulled out of their nest box they are put in a digital controlled brooder; once they are taken out of the brooder they are put in 'playpens'. The playpens are setup in our kitchen/living area. They become use to the everyday noise of the house and the hustle and bustle of people coming in and out. They are also used to hearing the TV or radio, along with hearing the dogs bark. We have dogs in our house and they are curious about the birds so they visit them quite often. I also have some 'bird friendly' friends that come over to visit and they usually play and hold the birds so they will be use to different people. So they do grow up and are use to everyday house noises.

Do you DNA (or sex) your birds?
Yes, only if you so desire and need to know the sex of a bird. There will be an additional $30.00 charge prior to testing to cover the expenses. I use Avian Biotech for my DNA testing, and you will receive a DNA certificate for your bird.

Will my bird talk?
Most birds can talk, but that doesn't mean they will. Usually if it has a lot of interaction with it's family it will say a few words, or it may turn into a real talking machine. But talking is something we never know about with any bird. I have sold birds before that are not known for talking that turned out to be great talkers, and have had some 'known to be' talkers that have never uttered a word. You shouldn't purchase a bird just because you want a talker, purchase it for a lifetime friend that may talk.

Which sex of bird is the best to have?
Each and every bird is unique, so you never know which is best for you. Both male and female birds have the potential to talk, one will usually talk just as well as the other. The difference is up to the type of bird you purchase and the time you spend socializing it and working with it. Personalities vary from bird to bird just like they do with children or people. I never sell a bird and promise that it will talk, just as I'll never say a bird will not bite.

What should I have for my new bird before it comes home?
First you need to have a cage for the bird. I recommend purchasing the largest cage you can afford and that you have room for, and one that is at least suitable to the size of bird you get. The bird needs plenty of room to move around, flap its wings and for other things such as perches, toys, food bowls. Those are also things you need to have. I would have several food bowls that you can use for treats and different foods. Have a variety of perches such as a hard wood perch, a soft wood perch to chew on, a conditioning perch to help with it's nails and a rope perch. Most birds enjoy sleeping on the softer rope perches.
You will need plenty of toys to suit the bird you purchase. Toys need to be changed out and rotated often so the bird doesn't get bored. You also need to replace any damaged toys that could harm your bird. They like toys they can shred, bright colors, acrylic toys, bells, and wood toys to chew. Always buy good quality toys; they may cost a little more but they will last longer. Don't expect toys to last forever, some may not last for a day if your bird really enjoys it!!
You also need to have a supply of food. I would suggest either Harrison's pellets or RoudyBush pellets. Be sure to have vegetables, brown rice, fruit, etc. to feed them. I also like to feed Birdy Breads that I make from a mix and add fruits and vegetables to it. Also sprouts are excellent to feed birds and fun to grow. Always have a variety of different foods available for your birds to give it the nutrients it needs and to keep it from having a boring diet.

Do I Ship my birds?
Yes, I will ship at your expense. I will check the bird in at the airport and fill out and sign the necessary papers, after that I will not be responsible for the bird. I have never had a problem shipping or receiving a shipped bird. I ship Delta or Continental airlines, just depending on the weather and the destination. Delta will only ship if the weather permits at all stops, unless they have the summer program in effect. The birds are well taken care of when they are shipped and are as safe as the rest of the passengers.

If I have my bird shipped; what do I need to do?
After you have paid for your bird, shipping, crate and any other expenses, I will need to get some information from you to be able to ship the bird. I will need your contact information, the name of the person picking up the bird, your address and 2 contact phone numbers. I also need to know the nearest major airport to you, then I will make the shipping arrangements. I also need to know the best days for you to receive the bird, I prefer not to ship on weekends for the safety of the bird. The airlines have restrictions to abide by as well, sometimes the weather restricts flights or the flight is full and already has it's capacity of pets. A flight can be booked only 7 days in advance, and has to be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Once a reservation has been booked I will contact you by email with all of the flight information which includes the date of the flight, the flight number and time of departure, flight numbers from any stops along the way, and the arrival flight and time. I will also provide a confirmation or reference number from the airlines.

Please call me as soon as your bird arrives to let me know you have received it. I always worry about the bird until it is in your hands. Remember, if you are purchasing a baby I fed it and loved it and will always care about it.

Shipping is approximately $200.00 which includes a small airline approved kennel. (Due to our economy and gas prices, I will not know the exact cost until I call and book the flight). This cost can vary depending upon the size of the bird and if a larger kennel is needed it will cost a little more. I will have food and water in the crate, and a perch for the bird to perch on. I will have paper or carpet in the bottom of the crate. I always give fresh water and food before leaving the airport.

What do I need to do about a deposit, or a waiting list for a particular bird?
If you want to be put on a waiting list for a particular bird, email me with the information and I will add your name to the list. I will need your name, phone number and email address. Once the babies hatch I will contact you to see if you are still interested. If you still want the bird I will need to get a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your baby until it is weaned.
Once the bird is weaned and ready for its new home the balance will be due. Full payment is required within 7 days from the time that I contact you and say the baby is weaned and ready for it's new home. Birds will not leave The Fussy Parrot until they are paid for in full!

What about after the sale?
I encourage all of my birds owners to call me if they have a question or a problem. If I can't help you I can direct you to someone that can. In case of an emergency do not hesitate; take the bird to a vet. Birds are not like other animals. You can't tell there is a problem or that they are sick usually until it is to late. So never hesitate to take it to an avian vet the moment you suspect something is not right with your bird.
I love to get updates and pictures of the bird for as long as you will send them! I always think about and wonder how my 'babies' are doing as they progress along in life.