Choosing a Responsible Bird Breeder: Checks and Paperwork

Consider adoption first: the World Parrot Trust encourages adopting from a well-regarded rescue or sanctuary over buying (see adopting a rescue bird). If you do buy, the Trust’s advice is to make sure the bird comes from a reliable, reputable source.

Checks before you buy

• Talk to an avian vet first. The AAV says vets welcome pre-purchase consultations, and recommends a health check straight after purchase.
• Visit and ask questions. Ask to see where the birds are kept and how they are raised.
• Know what you are taking on. Some parrots live for over 50 years (RSPCA). Read the care guide for the species first.

Paperwork for protected species

Some parrots are protected by trade rules, and the paperwork depends on where you live — check with your national CITES authority. Examples:

• Great Britain: an Article 10 certificate, issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, is needed to sell, offer for sale or breed for sale a species listed in Annex A. There are two kinds: a Specimen Specific Certificate stays with the bird and passes to the buyer, while a Transaction Specific Certificate covers only the named seller — so a buyer who wants to breed or sell the bird must apply for their own. The seller must show you the certificate, a copy marked for information only, or an invoice quoting its number. See GOV.UK guidance.
• African grey parrots have been on CITES Appendix I, the strictest trade category, since 2 January 2017.
• United States: the Wild Bird Conservation Act limits or prohibits imports of exotic birds when this is not beneficial to the species (US Fish and Wildlife Service).