Whether you are looking for a budgie, a cockatiel, an African Grey or any other pet bird, taking a little time to find a responsible seller makes a real difference – both for the bird’s welfare and for your own peace of mind as a buyer.
What to look for in a responsible seller
- They welcome an in-person viewing. You should always be able to see the bird, and ideally the environment it has been kept in, before agreeing to buy.
- They can answer questions about the bird’s history – approximate age, whether it was hand-reared or parent-reared, its diet, and any known health history.
- They do not pressure you to decide quickly or to pay a deposit before you have seen the bird.
- They are open about registration where it applies. Sellers who supply six or more pet animals in a calendar year are required to register with DAFM – see our DAFM Information page.
- They seem genuinely concerned with where the bird is going, not just with completing a sale.
Warning signs to be cautious of
- Refusing an in-person viewing, or only offering delivery/courier
- Pressure to pay a deposit or the full amount before you have seen the bird
- Prices that seem unusually low for the species
- Vague or evasive answers about the bird’s history or health
- Unwillingness to answer basic questions
See our full Buyer & Seller Safety page and Safety Centre for more detailed guidance, and use the Report an Advert tool if something does not seem right.
Research before you buy
Before contacting a seller, it is worth reading up on your chosen species’ real care needs – see our Knowledge Centre for species-specific care guides, including our guides for Budgies, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches and African Greys.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Every bird is an individual, and needs can vary by exact species, age and health. Always confirm specifics with an avian-experienced vet before making husbandry decisions – see our Avian Vets directory.
Ready to browse? View bird adverts from sellers on The Aviary Hub.