When will my bird(s) be ready for pickup or shipping?
Sustained Formula Refusal: We require a minimum period of 3 to 5 consecutive days during which the bird actively refuses formula and is consistently consuming a varied, solid diet.
Please note: We do not employ forced weaning techniques. Therefore, we cannot provide an exact, predetermined pickup or shipping date, as the weaning timeline is unique to each individual bird's development.
While we are unable to guarantee a specific date, the average weaning period for our birds is typically between 8 and 12 weeks of age. We will keep you updated on your bird’s progress and notify you immediately once the transfer criteria have been met.
What is the diet of my bird?
We follow a structured feeding protocol to ensure robust health and successful transition to a varied adult diet.
Weaning Phase: Each bird receives hand-feeding formula until fully and independently weaned. Simultaneously, they are introduced to a "baby chop"—a finely prepared mix of grains and vegetables designed to encourage early foraging and independent eating skills.
Post-Fledging Transition: Once the birds fledge (learn to fly), we transition them to a more complex, formal chop. We actively introduce a wide variety of new vegetables and fruits weekly to expand their palate and prevent dietary pickiness.
Staple Diet: Roudybush Maintenance Crumbles (pellets) are introduced as soon as the birds learn to eat from a bowl and are kept freely available during daylight hours as the foundational component of their diet.
Dietary Sequencing: Higher-fat items, specifically nuts, are intentionally withheld until the bird has established a consistent and enthusiastic pattern of consuming fresh vegetables. This helps promote a lifelong preference for healthy eating.
Hydration: Fresh, clean water is available in dishes immediately after the birds fledge.
Do you send photos or updates?
Yes, we provide regular photo updates in addition to communicating any changes to the animal's diet or feeding schedule. For clients using a messaging service, we are also happy to send short video clips.
What if I'm out of town or busy when my bird is ready?
We understand that unexpected obligations may arise. As we provide daily progress reports, you will have ample notice as the weaning process nears completion.
Should you require an extension beyond the agreed-upon pickup or shipping date, we will continue boarding your bird(s) for a set period.
Extended Boarding Fee: A fee of $10 per day or $50 per week, per bird will apply for any additional time requested.
Payment Requirement: These fees must be paid in advance to secure the extended boarding period. Shipments and/or final pickups will not be scheduled until this payment is successfully processed.
Exception:
The only circumstance in which these fees may be waived or adjusted is if either party is directly impacted by a verifiable natural disaster.
Can I purchase and un-weaned baby?
We allow the purchase of unweaned chicks only to buyers with experience in hand-feeding and avian care.
If you choose this option, it is essential to understand the following:
Assumption of Risk: By purchasing an unweaned bird, you acknowledge and agree that full responsibility for the chick's continued feeding and care transfers to you immediately upon collection or shipment.
Contractual Liability: Selecting this option renders portions of our standard health and replacement guarantee null and void, specifically those related to accidents, injury, or mortality occurring outside of our premises. We will not be held responsible for any adverse outcomes once the bird leaves our care.
How do you socialize and get them acclimatedto a home environment?
Our program is designed to raise confident, well-adjusted companion birds comfortable with both human interaction and varied environments.
Positive Human Interaction: Following every formula feeding, each bird receives dedicated, hands-on handling. Our goal is to ensure they are at ease with being held such as sitting on shoulders and/or hands, and interacting around faces.
Enriched Indoor Play: In our indoor play space, the environment is maximized for physical and mental development.
Activity: We encourage active engagement with foot toys, foraging, and shreddable materials to develop problem-solving and play instincts.
Physical Health: The space features multiple-sized natural manzanita perches to ensure proper foot health and exercise.
Motor Skills: Swings, tunnels, and climbing nets are provided to build coordination, balance, and independence.
Environmental Acclimation: We strategically introduce the birds to common household sights and sounds to prevent shyness or phobias later in life.
Group Socialization: Birds are given opportunities to interact with one another, fostering appropriate intraspecies socialization.
Outdoor Time: When weather permits, they enjoy supervised time in our juvenile aviary area, which offers ample space for fresh air, structured play, and rest.
Flock Behavior: All babies are introduced to a trough play stand to facilitate social eating, which is a vital component of flock bonding.
Independence: Once babies fledge (learn to fly), they are only kept in cages for sleeping and overnight safety, maximizing their time for exploration and development.
I have other birds; do you think they will get along?
It is important to understand that the compatibility of birds cannot be guaranteed. Like humans, each bird possesses a unique personality and temperament. They will fall into one of three categories:
Positive Bonding: They may form a strong, affectionate bond.
Indifference: They may merely tolerate each other's presence.
Conflict: They may actively dislike one another.
Only time and careful introduction will reveal the nature of their relationship. We strongly advise that owners follow all guidelines for quarantine and always closely supervise all initial and ongoing interactions when multiple birds are out together.
Do you suggest getting more than one?
It is not necessary to adopt multiple birds at once. When you welcome a parrot into your home, you become their primary social structure—you are effectively their "flock." A single bird can thrive with the companionship and attention you provide.
Purchasing Multiple Birds: Should you decide to adopt two or more birds from us during the same transaction, please notify us immediately.
This early notification allows us to take specific, proactive steps in their early development to ensure they are properly introduced and comfortable with one another if they are intended to be kept as companions in the same home.
What if something happens to me, do you buy them back?
We do not buy back any adopted birds. Adopting a parrot is a commitment that can last 25–30 years or more. We view these birds as family and urge all owners to have a contingency plan for life changes such as moving, divorce, or loss of income.
Per our adoption contract, we maintain the Right of First Refusal. This means you must contact us first if you ever need to rehome your bird. We must be actively involved in the rehoming process to ensure a suitable and safe new environment.
If we have the necessary space available in our facility, we will take the bird back and facilitate rehoming.
•Process: To return to our home, the bird must first undergo new disease testing (paid for by us).
•Funds: If a rehoming fee is collected from the new owner, we will return a portion of those funds to you, minus the cost of the required testing and any administrative fees incurred.
•Off-Site Assistance: If we do not have immediate space, we are happy to assist you in finding a suitable new home while the bird remains in your care, ensuring a responsible placement.
We strongly recommend that you introduce your bird to a trusted family member or close friend. This allows the bird to become comfortable with an alternate caregiver for any future temporary or permanent care needs.
Is a veterinarian necessary?
Establishing a relationship with a qualified veterinarian is strongly and highly recommended as an essential part of responsible bird ownership.
Specifically, we advise you to identify and register with an Avian and Exotics Specialist Veterinarian. These professionals possess the specialized knowledge required to diagnose and treat the unique medical needs of birds, which differ significantly from those of cats and dogs.
Routine and proactive veterinary care includes:
•Annual Wellness Examinations: These visits are crucial for early detection of potential health issues, which can often be subtle in birds.
•Emergency Preparedness: Having an established avian vet is vital in the event of a sudden accident or illness, as immediate specialist care can be life-saving.
Securing dedicated avian veterinary care is an integral aspect of the long-term commitment you are making to your bird's health and longevity.
Do you clip/trim the wings before they leave you?
Yes, for companion birds, a safe and functional wing trim is performed. Our approach is based on maximizing safety while honoring the bird's natural development:
Muscle Development First: We believe every bird must first develop and understand how to use their wing muscles. We delay the trim until they have successfully mastered initial flight and gliding maneuvers.
Safety, Not Flight Prevention: Our trim is not designed to prevent flight entirely, but rather to prevent dangerous, sustained flight and reduce acceleration. The goal is to allow the bird to effectively glide and maneuver safely.
Post-Trim Precautions: Even with a trim, birds can still achieve lift and escape, particularly with an updraft or strong wind current. Therefore, we strictly advise against taking your bird outdoors without a secure harness, travel carrier, or cage.
Customization: If you desire a different degree of trim, please contact us prior to pickup or shipping so we can discuss and offer responsible suggestions.
Will my bird talk?
Teaching your bird to talk is an ongoing activity that transfers to you as the new owner. It requires consistent interaction and training on your part.
Realistic Expectations: It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations regarding avian speech. While many species possess the ability to mimic human language, it should be viewed as a potential bonus, not a guarantee. Not all birds will talk, even those from traditionally vocal species.
Gender and Speech: The ability to learn to talk is not gender-specific; both male and female birds have the capacity for speech.
Which is better male or female?
Both males and females make wonderful pets, and the decision often comes down to your preference for specific traits. We love them equally! Based on our observations within our flock, here is a breakdown of typical gender tendencies.
Females often exhibit more affectionate behaviors, sometimes being more cuddly than their male counterparts. However, this increased affection often corresponds with an increase in destructive tendencies; owners should be prepared to provide an abundance of foraging and chew toys to satisfy this natural instinct.
Males, conversely, are generally more outgoing and actively playful. While they are very affectionate, they may also exhibit a higher tendency toward jealousy during certain times.
The genders can be visually distinguished by their neck rings as they mature. Females develop shadow neck rings, while males typically develop true, pronounced neck rings around two years of age. This visual rule does not apply to specific mutations like Albino or Recessive Pied (Hillerman).
Finally, be aware that both sexes experience a yearly hormonal period that can temporarily affect their behavior and temperament.
If I adopt 2, what sex should they be?
The ideal gender pairing for two birds is highly dependent on your long-term goals and housing capabilities. However, regardless of gender, you must always be prepared to provide separate cage spaces.
I've never owned a bird before. Is this a bad starter bird?
We do not subscribe to the concept of a "starter bird." We firmly believe that knowledge and commitment are the true keys to a successful adoption, regardless of prior experience.
Successfully welcoming this species into your home requires a significant investment of time and preparation.
Due Diligence is Essential: We strongly encourage extensive research before making a commitment. This includes visiting reputable owners, contacting local avian rescues, and joining online communities to learn from experienced owners.
Daily Interaction Requirement: This species demands a substantial amount of daily social interaction and mental stimulation. We dedicate considerable time to socializing our birds, and they require this level of engagement to remain happy and well-adjusted in your home.
Lifestyle Consideration: If your schedule requires you to be out of the home for extended periods daily or involves frequent travel, this species may not be the right match for your lifestyle.
*A note on temperament: While our personal pets are highly socialized and receive daily, specialized attention, we caution against basing your decision solely on our pets video footage. Their sweet nature is maintained through the commitment of countless hours of daily interactions.
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