Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Orlando, FL Shown: Galah "Bondi"

I've bought my share of birds from breeders, and I've also helped friends, coworkers and clients purchase their birds from breeders too. It can be a hard decision finding the right breeder and the right bird for you, so here are 5 things that I personally look for in a breeder before ever buying or recommending them to anyone.

1. The most important thing about their breeding facility for me is that the birds are outdoors. Birds NEED natural sunlight (not just from windows) and they need space. The facility has to be amazing and outdoors. Freeflight facilities are my favorite, and most used. Facilities like this are Mirror Lake Exotics in Florida, Emerald Forests in California and my personal favorite blue throated macaw/African grey breeder in Florida, Katherine Belzowski.
2. The current diet is organic and fresh. There's not always organic pellets available, or produce for that matter, but when it is it's best that the breeders care enough to be giving their animals the best. Birds should already be experimenting with fresh foods and produce and the parents should definitely not be strangers to it either. A good diet is too essential to let go unnoticed.
3. Breeders have to be inspected every so often, and are held to regulations for care and upkeeping. Make sure yours is passing with flying colors on these inspections. Health is of utmost importance.
4. Happy customers, happy birds. Get in touch with people and companies that have gotten birds from these breeders and find out some personal reviews.
5. Go visit! Check it out and learn about the bird, the facility and see everything for yourself. Meet the people, sense the sincerity. If you can't go and take a look, something might not quite be right. This doesn't mean you should be able to see the eggs or babies (parents are protective) but you should be able to meet the breeder and the facility and some the birds they already have that are older. It will tell you a lot.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.