Abstract
Whether you are obtaining your first
bird, or adding to your collection, it will
be your responsibility to see that the bird
is properly cared for.
First, be sure you are obtaining a
healthy bird. It must be bright eyed,
standing on both feet, be fully feathered
with a complete tail, and have a clean
vent. The nostril and beak area should be
clean. Listen for clicking or wheezing
when the bird breathes. Does the tail bob
each time a breath is taken? Does the
body look filled out? Does the bird fly
well? Feel the breast, not the edge of
the breast bone, but on either side. The
chest should be convex, not concave. By
observing the above, you can be reasonably
sure the bird is healthy and does not
have a cold, bad feet, a feather picking
problem or a lung problem, and is eating
well.