Every day, Irena receives numerous requests by email and telephone for advice on purchasing, rearing, socializing, nutrition, behavior and the breeding of a variety of species of parrots and finches. In an effort to provide you with a more "instantaneous" response, we are compiling a listing of the most Frequently Asked Questions and Irena's answers for you. Please check back often as we will continue to add to this page.
Does Irena's Aviary sell unweaned baby birds?
No! Far too often, we receive calls from distressed "new" bird owners asking for advice on handfeeding babies that are refusing to eat, failing to gain weight or not thriving. This is a very stressful and potentially fatal situation for your new baby. Obviously (since we received the call), the breeders/brokers that sell these babies are either "unavailable" or they do not feel responsible for providing continuing advice and support for the care and nurturing of their babies. Here is our advice:
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Do not buy an unweaned baby bird. When you consider the cost in feed, special equipment (accurate scales, digital thermometers, sanitizing supplies), veterinary services, time and the emotional stress upon yourself and your baby, you will not be saving any money.
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Those that feel that their baby will be better "bonded" by handfeeding and weaning the baby bird on their own may actually wind up hindering the relationship (as well as harming the baby) due to the added stress that may result from inexperience. With proper raising, socialization and care, baby (and adult) birds will readily accept their loving new parents.
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Buy your baby from a reputable breeder that provides emotional and physical care for your baby as well as continued support and advice. This will ensure that your baby is happy, eager to join your family and that you will receive the appropriate guidance that will assist you in caring for and enjoying your relationship with your baby as he/she "grows up."
What babies does Irena's Aviary presently have available?
This depends upon the time of year. For the most current listing of babies available, you are invited to visit our Baby Bird page.
I don't live in Alabama. Does Irena's Aviary ship baby birds?
Yes. Irena's Aviary will ship your bird to you provided that a reliable air carrier services an airport near you and that you will be available to meet the flight. As well, when circumstances permit, we have been known to meet people residing in surrounding states "halfway" with their new baby.
Why buy from a breeder? Aren't brokers or pet shops just as good?
Generally speaking, responsible breeders are the only source for obtaining babies that are sure to be healthy.
Responsible breeders do not introduce new birds to their breeding program without undergoing a lengthy quarantine and rigorous testing process. As well, responsible breeders never risk contaminating their babies by introducing babies obtained from other breeders/brokers.
Most brokers and pet shops receive their babies from multiple sources obtained at the lowest possible wholesale prices in order to maximize profit. Every time a new bird is obtained and added to their "inventory," they risk contaminating the entire inventory with a variety of potentially harmful/fatal diseases, viruses and bacterium that may ultimately result in unexplained illness (or death) of your baby at some future time.
Can I "reserve" a baby bird that has yet to be weaned?
Yes! A 20% deposit will reserve your unweaned baby with final payment due upon weaning/delivery. In fact, we strongly encourage you to select your baby as early as possible.
By selecting your baby early in life, we can begin to socialize your baby to your specific environment. As well, you will certainly be able to communicate with your baby via email (since he/she probably won't be able to talk for another few months).
What methods of payment does Irena's Aviary accept?
Irena's Aviary accepts all major credit cards, cash, cashiers checks, money orders, electronic wire transfers and personal/business checks (checks must process prior to delivery of your baby).
We just brought our newborn (human) baby home and our healthy, normally well-mannered Cockatoo has began to scream and act out. Must we give away our bird?
Your Cockatoo would probably behave "normally" if allowed a full night of sleep, every night.
This seems to be a very common "problem," especially with Cockatoos. Fortunately, it has been my experience that this can normally be corrected by looking more closely at the situation:
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You have mentioned that your Cockatoo is healthy, so we know that your Avian Veterinarian has not detected any physical illness.
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You have mentioned a newborn infant (Congratulations!).
I would ask that you look closely at your "normal" routine and compare it to your new routine. Chances are you are waking up very frequently to care for your newborn baby and you are disrupting the sleep of your Cockatoo.
Sleep is very important to any bird. Parrots are active during the day (diurnal) and sleep through the night. In the "wild" they go to roost before sundown and won't wake up until sunrise (they do not have neighbors, friends, relatives and late-night refrigerator raiders to wake them up to "admire" them).
I would suggest that you make sure that your Cockatoo's cage is located in an area where it is least likely to be disturbed by your new routine and that you ensure that your Cockatoo gets at least 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Of course, while your Cockatoo is awake, don't forget to reassure her that she is still "special," and don't forget to make sure that a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, greens and toys are present for her to enjoy!
