CHAPTERS

Chapter 4: Tips in Buying Budgerigars

If you are still interested in reading this chapter, that only means one thing: you have already decided to buy a Budgerigar. Good choice, they are really down-to-earth, friendly and fun birds, you’ll surely enjoy being with them!

Here you will learn tips and tricks on how to select healthy Budgerigars, where to find the right breeder as well as the laws and permit you need to be aware of before buying.

Restrictions and Regulations in United States

If you are planning to acquire a Budgerigar as your pet, then you have to think beyond the cage. There are certain restrictions and regulations that you need to be aware of, because it will not only serve as protection for your bird but also for you. Here are some things you need to know regarding the acquirement of Budgerigars both in United States and in Great Britain.

a.) What is CITES?

CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It protects Budgerigars by regulating its import, export, and re-export through an international convention authorized through a licensing system.

It is also an international agreement, drafted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which aims to ensure that the trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Different species are assigned in different appendix statuses such as Appendix I, II or III etc. These appendices indicate the level of threat to the current population of the bird with consideration to their likely ability to rebound in the wild with legal trade.

One of the advantages of the budgie parakeet is that it is NOT listed in CITES appendices, which simply means that it does not require CITES permits. Yes, you can travel with your budgie as much as you want without any restrictions, provided that you’ll take care of them and not lose them.

 Permits in Great Britain and Australia

In Great Britain and Australia you may need a permit for you to be able to import, export, or travel with your Budgerigars. This permit is called an Animal Movement License.

Aside from the CITES permit, sometimes a Pet Bird Import License and a veterinary health certificate are required before bringing your bird in Great Britain, the purpose of this is to prevent the spread of diseases if the bird is a carrier.

You can apply for a Pet Bird Import License through this link: <http://AHITchelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk.>

Like in the United States being aware of the regulations and getting a license is an important thing you need to consider before you acquire, import or export a bird. This does not only protect the animals but it can also avoid confiscation of your pet.

Practical Tips in Buying Budgerigars

Now that you are already aware and have prior knowledge about the legal aspects of owning a Budgerigar, the next step is purchasing one through a local pet store or a legitimate breeder.

Here are some recommendations for finding a reputable Budgerigar parrot breeders in United States and in Great Britain.

How to Find a Budgerigar Breeder

The first thing you need to do is to look for a legit avian breeder or pet store in your area that specializes in Budgerigars.

You can also find great avian breeders online but you have to take into consideration the validity of the breeder. It is highly recommended that you see your new bird in person before buying anything on the internet. You can find several recommended list of Budgerigar local breeder websites later in this book.

If possible, spend as much time as you can with your prospective new Budgerigars before buying it.  Interact with the bird and see how it is with you.

Continue the diet of the bird as advised by the store owner or breeder to maintain its eating habits. Look for any health problems or issues as well.

Finally, only purchase a Budgerigar that is banded. Banding means the bird have a small metal band on one of its legs placed at birth by the breeder which is inscribed with the bird’s clutch number, date of birth and the breeder number.

Leg bands are indicators that the purchaser and the bird itself are in the country legally and have not been smuggled.

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