FINCHforum

Hello,
I am looking at purchasing both a male and female Gouldian from a breeder out of Tampa florida.
It goes without saying that I don't need these little ones BUT , they are just beautiful. Has anyone ever heard of or done business with "FlyBabies123"?? They have a facebook page under this and are advertising online. I hesitated upon giving their facebook title except that I figured since they have put themselves out there it would be okay. Any ideas ? The Gouldians pictured are exquisite and well....... What's two more ? Right
By the way, I can't tell you all enough how much I have come to value this forum - so much helpful information.

Jennifer
aka- Goudian addict

jennifer hello! I am not familiar but you can always do a google search on their images and see if those images are solely from them and not snagged from another site. Some people have found that their pictures were used for selling birds.

I hope they are the true birds they own ;)

I have no personal experience with them, but I know of the online ads you speak of. From the photos, the gouldians do not look good. They look ill and lethargic. At least the birds pictured here: http://www.hoobly.com/KY4C/just-arrived ... inches.htm

When you buy a new bird, you want to look at feet, eyes, feather quality, posture, and check for clean vents. And if you can, feel the breast bone and the weight of the bird.

Hopefully someone who has actually purchased from Fly Babies can chime in and share their experiences. Fly Babies is based out of Tampa, Florida.

But again, those photos are no good. If you look at some of the birds, their eyes are caked shut and some of them have less than glamorous nails. It might just be the camera angle or bad timing on pushing the camera button, but alas..... if it were me, I would pass.

If you specify where you are, I'm sure someone can recommend a reputable breeder to you in your area. Good luck.

Never purchased from them. They always seem to get favorable posts on their facebook from people who buy their birds.

I know of them, they are often vendors at shows that I sell at...They often sell tame finches. I am not a fan of clipped wings and selling single finches as a pet. They do buy stock from various breeder and brokers at the show. One of the birds does not look well in the pictures...some others look off in the ad Bugaboo5 posted.

The Orlando show is this Sunday, you may also be able to find birds there also.

Thank you for the quick responses. I am located in the midwest and first and foremost am very reticent to ship in this deep freeze that we are in. I just got caught up in the beauty of the Gouldian mutations pictured.
I don't approve of clipping or trying to tame a finch and that makes me even more reticent. Not to mention the apparent health concerns. Thank you bugaboo5 and cindy for the good eye.I pride myself on having heathy birds so even with quarantine one never knows.
Any other thoughts?
Jennifer

You should be able to find a reputable breeder in the Midwest. I always recommend buying local, if at all possible. Shipping should always be for exceptional birds, or at the very last resort. Whether it is USPS or airlines, the shipping of birds is always stressful.

The mutations this breeder has are nothing exceptional. You should be able to find blue backs, silver backs, and pastels closer to you. If not in your state, in some neighboring states.

If you do decide to have birds shipped in, I would recommend sometime in the spring.

Even with quarantine, you just never know. It's always good to bring in good quality stock. Good luck.

Jennifer, if you want you can pm me your location...I know of several good Gouldian breeders across the country, I can recommend a few from my group page.