Where should I buy from ?

There are essentially three sources of birds. First, from pet shop, second from breeders and third from owners giving up their pet. I see very few green cheeksfor sale buy their owners prooving they make great pets! Buying a second green cheek is very complicated, and it's important to get to know the bird and the owner well before you commit to the purchase. Many pet green cheeks are sold as pet-shops. Personally, I would recommend buying from a breeder. For one thing, breeders often charge much less fr their birds, as much as half the average pricing of pet shops. This is because they're the wholesalers. Also, a breeder will know more about the baby- it's hatch date, what the personality of the parents is like and so on. Although by no means always true, it is often the case that the breeders are more knowledgable about birds and more willing to help you out with your questions. Having said that about breeders,there are some very good and knowledgable speciality bird stores out there.

How do I tell a good breeder/pet shop and a bad one?

Really, it's less important to choose between a pet shop or breeder than the right pet shop or breeder! I think one of the most important things should be that the seller genuinely cares about birds. If a person cares for the birds, they will feed them right, house them right, and only sell birds to people who are going to provide good homes. When visiting a pet shop or breeder, it's important to ask questions. The seller should seem knowledgeable about birds and willing to answer any questions you might have. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the seller, the sellers birds, or their diet and housing care. The bird's environment should be clean if the bottom of the cage has alot of phecies, the bird could have foot dicease or if their is some droppings caked on the perch. There should be clean water and the dishes should be clean as well. The diet should'nt consist of only seeds. But very importantly trust your instincts, if you're not comfortable with the seller look elsewhere.

How much should I expect to pay?

This depends alot on where you're buying your bird and whom you're buying from. A hand fed, weaned baby fro breeder will usually cost , $100-$250, commonly around $150- $200. Pet shops are more, and that hand fed baby will usually cost upto about $500. During holiday seasons the prices tend to drop a hundred or more. You are hopefully going to have this bird for 20-30 yearsso putting a little outset money into it won't hurt, it'll be worth it!

How old should the conure be ?

The ideal are to bring home the baby would be a week or two after weaning. Most green cheeks wean 8-12 weeks. The bird should remain with the seller for at least a week after weaning to make sure he is fully capable of eating on his own.You should not buy a unweaned baby unless you are an experienced hand-feeder. There are no guarantees the baby will bond with you if you hand feed it. Hand feeding has it's dangers- it is easy to injure or kill a bird with a simple mistake. Some sellers encourage to visit the baby when it's growing up. THis is a great solution- it allows you to handle it and for the baby to trust you and remember your appearance. Remember don't be afraid to buy an adult, if it is friendly and tame and gets along with you well it's your bird!

What about health guarantees?

No matter where you're buying from you should get some sort of health guarantee. Most allow you a period of days to get the bird by a qualified verternarian, with a promise of a refund if there's anything wrong. Others are different or more complicated. I do not recommend buying a bird that does not come with health guarantee. you might get stuck high and dry if there's anything wrong. Ask your selle about the health guarantee before you commit to the purchase, and get it in writing!