FINCHforum

I don't plan on getting finches 'til this fall, and have done my research and feel that quiet Gouldians would fit best into my household

- HOWEVER -

I keep visiting my local PetSmart and they have one cage with a pair of African Silverbills and a pair of Goldbreasted Waxbills that I just adore!

They are so tiny and gorgeous and the four of them huddle together all the time.
They have a sign up saying all of their birds are not for sale until April (almost 2 months away) due to changes in the store and prevantative health care (whatever that means).

Auuuughhhhh, what to do?? I was NOT planning on buying from a pet store and yet I want to buy all 4!

Edited to add: Ok, I checked my notes and googled some more and the gold breast waxbill can have a loud piercing peep - so I will remain in love but keep my head on and wait......for the right time.

I also think that as a newbie to birds, buying from a local breeder will mean I have someone to ask questions (other than you fine people).

sigh.

Didn't petsmart just recently have a issue with sick birds so they ARE NOW SELLING none FOR AWHILE I could be wrong i dunno,

If i were you PERSONALLY I would desperatly try finding abreeder, They are usually more than willing to answer questions and asst in what MAY come up.
Where as if ya walk out of the pet store your on your own,
ALSO If you buy from petstore you do not know are your birds related, where did they come from etc.

You are absolutley right, I am going to wait for a breeder. I know the birds will be healthier, and likely used to people and not as scared as the pet store birds. In case things really don't work out for me (allergies) I want to be able to take birds back to the breeder.


I googled petsmart and birds, and you are also right about that. They have stopped sales in the USA and Canada until spring because they found psittacosis in Cockatiels.

After my initial "must have" passed by, I am content to wait until spring to contact a local breeder, and then make plans after that.

Thanks for the reply!

Im Sooo glad you decided to wait and find a breeder. without geting into details I wanted ya of course to decide your self mot be swayed, lol

And as for allergies, I suffer severe allergies to LIFE. seriously, birds, cats, dogs, horses, hay, grass, dust, mold, mildew, perfumes, and it goes ON

The finches do NOT bother me, the biggest culprit sadly is Cockatiels, I have 3 anyway, lol
and horses, cats, dogs etc lol

Ya can get a room um oh I forget what they are called Purifier?? it takes air in cleanes and puts back out,,, Grab on eof those fo rthe bir droom it will help ALOT.

I also have severe allergies to anything that LIVES, as well as dust, and I have no problem with my finches. I have zebras and societies, and I think regardless of the type of finch they are they are not "dusty" birds like cockatoos or something.

Thank you beccafigs, that makes me less nervous about all of this as well.

I do plan on visiting the breeder this spring, I figure if I spend time in a room full of finches I will see whether I react.

I have lots of allergies, but they don't stop me from doing what I want. My dogs are "non-allergenic" types, we got rid of all the carpet....etc

I can picture finches in my office, right near me, and sometimes I want them right NOW.