Buying a pet bird is an exciting experience, but it’s important to consider whether a pet store is the best place to get one. There are some benefits to buying from a pet store, such as convenience, selection, and expert advice. However, there are also some significant drawbacks, including potential health and behavioral issues, lack of history on the bird, and supporting unethical breeding practices. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of pet store birds to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Buying a Bird from a Pet Store
Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of buying from a pet store is convenience. Pet stores are located all over, so you can likely find one close to your home. This makes it easy to go in and pick out a bird without having to travel far or get on a waiting list. Pet stores also have set business hours, so you can visit when it fits your schedule.
Selection
Pet stores offer a wide variety of bird species, colors, ages and personalities to choose from all in one place. This allows you to see all your options in one spot rather than having to visit multiple breeders. You’ll likely find popular pet birds like budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds and more. Some pet stores even work with breeders to offer rarer species. This selection allows you to find a bird that fits your preferences.
Expert Advice
Employees at pet stores are available to answer questions about the birds in their care. They can help guide you in picking a species that will work for your lifestyle and experience level. Pet store staff can give advice on proper diet, housing, enrichment and training for different birds. This can be very useful for first-time bird owners.
Immediate Gratification
One of the best parts of visiting a pet store is being able to take your new bird home that very same day. You don’t have to wait weeks or months on a breeder’s waiting list. This instant gratification can be very appealing for excited new pet owners. Kids especially may not have the patience to wait for a breeder bird.
Cons of Buying a Bird from a Pet Store
Health Issues
One major downside of pet store birds is that they are more likely to have health problems. Pet stores get birds from massive breeding operations that can lack adequate vet care and cleanliness standards. This results in birds that harbour illnesses like psittacosis, parasites, malnutrition and more. These issues may not show up until later. Treating them can be expensive and heartbreaking.
Behavioral Problems
In addition to physical issues, pet store birds are prone to behavioral problems. They are bred in large, crowded aviaries that don’t allow normal socialization. This can lead to fearful and aggressive tendencies. Pet store birds also frequently get abandoned by owners, which gives them trust issues. These problems can be difficult for new owners to manage.
Lack of History
When you get a bird from a breeder or rescue, you usually get some background on where they came from and their personality. Pet stores often won’t have this info since the birds come from huge breeding mills. Not knowing your bird’s history makes it harder to provide proper care.
Unethical Breeding
Most pet stores source birds from mass-breeding operations that prioritize profit over welfare. Birds are treated like livestock, kept in overcrowded cages with little socialization. Getting a bird from a pet store supports these unethical mills. This gives them incentive to continue their practices.
Shorter Lifespans
The poor conditions pet store birds come from lead to weakened immune systems and shorter lifespans. A well-bred bird could live 15-20+ years with proper care. Pet store birds tend to pass away much earlier due to all the health and behavioral struggles they face. This can be heartbreaking if you get attached to your bird.
Higher Costs
Ironically, pet store birds often end up costing more than those from breeders and rescues. While the initial purchase price may be cheap, you’ll likely shell out a lot more over time for vet bills treating preventable illnesses. The supplies needed to manage behavioral issues can also add up.
Alternatives to Pet Stores
If you have reservations about buying from a chain pet store, there are better options out there to get your new feathered friend.
Specialty Bird Shops
Privately owned bird specialty stores focus on quality care rather than mass production. The smaller scale allows for healthier, better socialized birds. Employees have specialized avian knowledge to offer advice tailored to you and your bird. Look for clean, spacious enclosures in the store.
Breeders
Responsible breeders work to improve bird health and temperament over generations, not just produce as many birds as possible. They socialize chicks in home environments and can provide complete medical history. Wait lists are common though as desirable breeds are limited. Do research to identify reputable breeders.
Bird Rescues
Adopting from a bird rescue saves a life and provides a second chance for a bird in need. Rescues thoroughly vet birds for health and personality before matching them to suitable homes. Adoption fees help cover their veterinary and care costs. You get the satisfaction of rehoming a bird that may otherwise be euthanized.
Current Bird Owners
Getting your bird directly from another owner, such as via online rehoming sites, cuts out the middleman. You can meet the actual bird rather than choosing sight unseen from a store. Current owners have direct knowledge of the bird’s personality, needs and any potential issues. Do verify the bird is healthy first.
Key Questions to Ask
If you do plan on purchasing from a pet store, there are some key questions you should ask to gauge the quality of their birds:
– Where do your birds come from? Reputable stores will be transparent about their breeder relationships.
– What kinds of veterinary care and testing do they receive? Look for regular exams, testing and treatment for common issues like psittacosis.
– How often are the cages cleaned? Birds should be kept in clean, hygienic environments.
– Are the birds handled and socialized? Socialization from a young age is critical for healthy behavior.
– Do you offer any post-purchase vet guarantees? Some stores will cover initial vet fees if issues arise shortly after purchase.
– Can I interact with or handle the bird? Hands-on interaction gives you a better sense of their personality and tameness.
Conclusion
While buying a bird from a pet store may seem like an easy option, the potential downsides make it a risky proposition. Birds bred in mass aviary operations are prone to health and behavior issues that become the adopter’s responsibility to manage. This can lead to high costs and heartbreak down the road. Whenever possible, try to adopt from a specialty bird shop, responsible breeder or rescue that focuses on the wellbeing of birds rather than profit. This will give you the best chance at getting a healthy, well-socialized bird that brings you joy for many years to come. If you do choose to go the pet store route, thoroughly question them about their birds’ backgrounds and the care they receive. Remember, you will be making a decade or longer commitment to any bird you bring home. Do your due diligence to find the one most likely to have a bright future as part of your family.