FINCHforum

I'm looking for two male Societies. One Petsmart near me thinks he has one, and the other says you can only tell males from females by a blood test (!). Where else do people buy birds locally? Is there a list of breeders somewhere? I hesitate to patronize regular pet stores. I live near the RI/MA border, about 25 miles SW or Boston.

Here are a few contacts that may be helpful to you.

If you are not opposed to having birds shipped to you, you may want to check out http://www.societyfinch.com/ I have purchased birds from Garrie before and was very pleased with the quality of the finches. I personally do not feel comfortable having birds shipped anymore, however (because of USPS, not Garrie).

I have never purchased from any of the below-listed sources, so I cannot comment on their stock:

michael@exoticfinches.com - Michael Marcotrigiano in Montague, MA. Was a breeder of show quality society finches (does not breed them anymore, but may know of people in your area to contact).

DJ's Aviary - Finch breeder in Dartmouth, Massachusetts; the page seems to be broken, but you can try e-mailing DJ at durval74@comcast.net

There are also a few breeders who raise gouldians in your area; they don't advertise society finches, but where there are gouldians there are often societies. The breeders may know of a reputable source for societies in your area:

Baystate Gouldian Finches

Sara's Gouldians

You can try contacting a local bird club to see if any of the members raise society finches: Massachusetts Cage Bird Association

Sometimes looking in the classified ads of local newspapers is helpful.

And if you are ever willing to travel, here are some bird shows:
NFSS listing of upcoming bird shows

Jeremy, I got mine at Petco in Dedham, they have a large selection of finches, approximately 8 different breeds and a good supply of Zebras and Societies. The Dedham Store sells more than the other local Petcos (Norwood). is only about a 1/2 hr ride from Priidence down I-95

Thanks for the leads. I was able to find two breeders, but one only sells unsexed chicks and the other hasn't replied to my email. Robbocop, I called variou Petcos. Dedham is 75 miles away because there's no straight-line road to get there from here, and the guy would only say that they had "some " Societies. I'm going to go to a Petco and a Petsmart near Milford. Maybe I'll be able to identify at least one male from each.

Went to Petco and Petsmart yesterday. Couldn't get a rise from the 3 birds at Petco (squeeking with my mouth), but at Petsmart one of the 4 Socs they had called back, and I'm pretty sure he's male. The salesperson thought one of the other was male, so I bought the two. Both dark brown and white, nice markings. The one I think is male has called some more, and breaks off pieces of dried grass and waves them around. The bigger Zebra chases them a bit, but no fights. So I think I'm set. Thanks! J