Just My Luck

[Raleighwheels]

I was a vendor at the bird expo in Lancaster, Pa on Saturday. I sold the guy running the show and his young son my only zebra male. Well, he contacted me today to tell me that the zebra died last night. It was hiding in the seed dish, then sitting on the floor, and dead by the night. I feel so bad for the little boy. To make it up to them, I've giving them two society finches as replacements. For those of you that sell at shows or online, what do you guys normally do in situations like this?

[Colt]

To my knowledge I have not lost any birds that were sold at the last bird mart. But last year, my first mart, I did have a customer contact me to say that one of their Shaft-tails didn't make it. We agreed to meet half-way and I didn't charge them for the bird. I just replaced it.

Honestly they were a bit young and I think the stress of the mart, plus the cooler temperature in the conference center was just too much for them.

[Sally]

To my knowledge, none of the birds I've ever sold at a mart died soon after, but I think offering a replacement is usually the best option. Most breeders won't guarantee their birds for any length of time, since once they are in the hands of others, they no longer have any control over how the birds are cared for. Personally, I would play it by ear, and if I felt the person was honest, I would replace the bird.