How to Buy a Pet Bird Online

How to Buy a Pet Bird Online. Potential bird owners are often surprised to find out that they can buy their pets online. Birds, especially parrots, tend to be very expensive when purchased from pet stores, and specific species are often unavailable locally. Even if you are looking to buy a common species, such as a cockatiel, you may still prefer to buy online. Purchasing a bird via the Internet allows you to buy directly from an aviary of your choice, regardless of where it is located.

Step 1

Check for ratings and comments on the online aviaries you are considering. Some breeder directories include ratings, and you can usually find discussions of specific breeders on bird-related message boards (see Resources below).

Step 2

Contact the breeder to find out whether the species you are looking for is in stock, or will be soon. Most breeders allow you to reserve a specific baby bird and will ship it once it has weaned.

Step 3

Make payment arrangements. In most cases, you will need to pay the full cost of the bird, shipping ($100 to $200) and a carrier fee (usually $20 to $30) before you can receive the bird. If the aviary is within your state, you will have to pay sales tax as well. Some breeders also charge a mileage fee, especially if they are not located near an airport.

Step 4

Discuss shipping arrangements with the breeder. In general, the bird will be shipped on a mutually agreed-upon date to the airport of your choice. You will need to pick the bird up at the cargo office, which may be located inside the airport or nearby. The breeder should provide you with an air-bill number, flight number for your bird, a phone number for your airport's cargo office and an estimated arrival time.

Step 5

Call the cargo office to determine their exact location before you drive to the airport. You should also ask when live animal shipments arrive at the cargo office. This varies depending on the airport but is often 30 minutes to an hour after the flight's arrival.

Step 6

Pick up your bird at the airport. Bring your driver's license or photo ID, a treat for your new bird and a towel to cover the carrier with, especially if it's chilly outside. The cargo office personnel will ask you to sign a document stating that you received the bird and that it was not injured during shipping.

Warnings

• Some breeders will put you on a waiting list if you are looking for a hard-to-find species.
• Most breeders will ask you to call from the airport to let them know that the bird arrived safely.

Warnings

• Do not remove the bird from its carrier until you arrive at home. A unrestrained bird in your car could fly into your face and cause an accident.