FINCHforum

Hello,
Tomorrow I am off to my first bird fair and I was just wondering how do people usually pay for the birds at the fair? Should I bring cash? Checks? I am hoping to get several pairs of Gouldians but I don't want to cart around $400+ worth of cash with me.


Thanks for the help!

I'd plan on bringing cash.

Some may have those little card readers for credit cards and on occasion, you'll find folks to accept checks. But cash is usually king.

Most venues have a money machine nearby so you could always shop, find out how much money you need, then make a trip to the ATM. That way you're not carrying tons of money all day.

I also recommend bringing your own transport cages, with food and water.

Most who sell birds will have boxes, but they always seem to be stressed out when riding in those pet carrying boxes. (No real perches, little light, no food/water.)
I've had to buy a cage at a bird fair because one girl had run out of boxes.
(And you can get great prices on cages at these events....but it's a bummer to spend money on one when you don't need it for more than the ride home!)

Cash. You can usually make a deal, if you have cash in your hand. It's also a good way to not go crazy, and spend more than you intended to!

Get a receipt! Fish and Game may be there, and you will need a receipt to prove you bought the birds.

I personally, won't sell any birds to someone who does not have a cage, and waterer. I bring what I have to sell, in small cages - if they don't have a cage, I offer to sell the one they are in, with feeding and water dishes. For what I paid.

(I sell less than 10 birds/year at shows, others with larger volume may do things different)

Have fun! Take photos!

Thanks for the help! I plan on bringing my own cages with seed and water great stuff to know! I am excited to get some birds!

I agree with the others, bring cash. Some venues will have an ATM, others don't. Usually only the really big vendors will have those card-reading machines. When I am a vendor, I only take cash, no checks. I have those little 11x7x6 carriers that I offer to buyers, only charging what I paid for them, though in my area, many shoppers bring their own cages.

Paddington

I would bring cash.

Also, take as much time as you can to look at the birds you intend to buy . Make sure that they move freely and look alert, healthy and young. If the breeder is not forthcoming with answering questions, or makes excuses for birds being thin or in poor condition, walk away.

Have a wonderful day.

Elana

hi everyone, thank you again for the help, I managed to pick up a lovely pair of Diamond doves for $30. I will keep looking for Goulds but I am optimistic!

Congrats, I love Diamond Doves.

Paddington

Congratulations on the Doves.
Hope you had a fun day.

Did they not have any Gouldians that you liked?

Elana

I got there 20 minutes after the fair had started and, apparently, all the Goulds were gone by then. This didn't really surprise me as there were only 3 people selling canaries, one selling societies, one selling stars and one selling zebras. The rest of the vendors sold parrots : /

Paddington

Parrots, are the 'in' thing now. People, are attracted to the bright colours etc. not realizing how much time and work these birds need, to remain happy and healthy.

A lot of these poor birds, end up in rescues, some of them in terrible shape, both physically and mentally.

I'm sure you'll find some Gouldians eventually. Is there a Bird Club, in your area? I'm sure they'd be able to direct you to some Gouldian breeders in your vicinity.

Elana

Yeah I am doing some more poking around, I know of a place 5 hours from here if all else fails.

Having had parrots as a kid, I always cringe at people who don't know what they are getting into, part of the reason I have finches and doves is because i know what it takes to keep a happy parrot.

It could be your timing is off. In NYC, there are finch/canary shows in September.

Not all parrots are bad, the smaller ones are easy to take care of (as much as a finch). My linnies are a joy. But I agree, some of the large ones take a commitment I am not willing to give.