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It's a nerve-wracking time bringing a new parrot home for the first time. Make sure you're prepared with our easy step-by-step guide. preparing to bring your new parrot home It is such an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience to get ready to bring your new bird home for the first time. Often there has been a wait for them to grow, appointments to meet your new baby, and many things to consider to ensure they have as seamless as possible transition into their new environment. But don't worry, this time is best spent making sure everything is in order before the big "gotcha day" arrives. bird proofing your home The first step in getting ready for your new parrot is making sure that their home environment will be be safe for them. There's a number of things that can harm or kill your bird, and some are more obvious than others. Parrots are just like toddlers; they explore their surroundings with their feet, beaks and wings - usually getting into places that they really shouldn't be. Ceiling Fans Never have your ceiling fans on while your birds are out of their cage. Sitting on top of the fan blades is a popular vantage point for a lot of companion birds, as they like to see a lot more from that height, and I'm sure they know just how much harder it is for you to get them back down! Smaller parrots are especially agile in flight, and hitting a moving ceiling fan can cause decapitation, wing amputation, internal injuries and brain damage; survival is very slim. Mirrors and Windows Reflective surfaces like mirrors and windows can seriously injure or kill your parrot if they run into them. They will learn in time that these surfaces are not a thoroughfare, but running into a mirror or window can cause instant death, broken neck, broken wing, paralysis (whether permanent or temporary) and/or concussion. Candles, Oil Diffusers, Aerosols and Perfumes Birds have a very unique respiratory system, which makes them especially sensitive to airborne toxins found in candles, diffusers, and aerosols. They do not have lungs like mammals do, but rather a series of air sacs in a 'one way' air flow system, relying on air pressure changes to breathe. This system is a rather efficient way to oxygenate their blood by inhaling substances (VOC's, CFC's etc) in polluted air, it can cause irritation and damage to the air sac lining and even death. Do not spray things like perfumes, dry shampoo, deodorants, hair spray, bug spray, spray paint, or operate essential oil diffusers in the room with your bird. Teflon and Non Stick Coatings Research is increasingly showing that non-stick coatings like Teflon are more toxic that we first thought, but it is far more dangerous to our little birds. When overheated, chemicals in the coatings like PTFE and PFOA's release a chemical gas which causes severe respiratory distress and death within minutes (or sometimes longer, but there is no cure or antidote to save them after exposure). Teflon can be found in obvious items like frypans, woks, rice cookers, waffle irons and sandwich presses, but also in hair straighteners and curlers, clothes irons, microwave popcorn bags, Scotchguard / stain-resistant furniture and clothing coatings and even some light bulbs. Pyrolytic (self-cleaning) ovens are also extremely toxic when running the high-heat cycle, avoid using this feature, or if absolutely necessary do not ever use it with your birds in the house. Leave them outside far away from kitchen windows and doors for at least 24-48 hours. When buying cookware, check the labels for: no Teflon / Gore-Tex no PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) no PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) Safe options for non-stick cooking include ceramic, enamel, cast iron, stainless steel and carbon steel. For an in-depth reading on the dangers and history of Teflon, read here. Heat and Cooking Hazards Most of us have our birds as an integral part of the family, and this usually means a lot of free flying out of the cage time. The kitchen poses many dangers like burns to feet and faces and injury from sharp objects. This sometimes poses an issue for meal time, both preparing and eating. Keep your bird in their cage (or in another room, if with another household member) as much as possible while you are using the stove, oven, blenders or even chopping if they are particularly inquisitive. Granted, some birds are more than content to just sit on your shoulder and hang out while you go about your meal preparation, but it only takes one opportunity to lose or severely injure your bird - the risk is just not worth the heartache for both of you. Open boiling pots of water, steam, hot frypans (full of yummy food they feel entitled to), hot stovetop burners, open ovens, hot baking trays, sharp knives on chopping boards are just a few kitchen dangers to note. Bodies of Water Another hidden danger in our homes is water. While their feathers hold limited 'water repellent' properties, they will get waterlogged and drown quite quickly if they find themselves in water deeper than they are able to stand. Be mindful of things like unattended buckets of water (for cleaning or mopping, soaking dirty laundry etc.), filled sinks, toilets with the lid left up, dishes or pots soaking on the sink and unemptied bathtubs. Ensure that your fish tanks have lids on them. External Doors and Escapes One of the leading dangers in a home would be escape through a door that has been left open. Unfortunately this is also quite common in homes with children, and anyone not used to constantly keeping the door closed behind them. Some people wrongfully assign the responsibility to the bird by clipping their wings to stop them flying away in the event of a door being mistakenly left open, but this is not the right approach. As the owners, we are accountable to keeping them safe and adjusting our own behaviour and those in our care to keep these sentient beings safe. If you have small children, speak to them often about the responsibility of keeping the doors and windows closed and the consequences if they fail to do so. Human beings are remarkably trainable and adaptable, and children and adults alike are capable of changing their habits. Bunnings offers a simple solution of adding auto closing devices, regardless of the style of door. These can be added easily and are quite economical: Closer for sliding screen doors Closer for hinged screen doors Closer for solid doors Chewing Hazards Parrots are perpetual toddlers; continually getting into mischief and chewing things that they shouldn't. Painted or varnished furniture or picture frames, electrical cords and cables, curtains, and even kid's stationary (pencils, crayons, erasers etc) can cause illness, electrocution, crop blockage (impaction of foreign, indigestible material) and strangulation in fabric fibres (frayed curtains or fabrics, blind cords). House plants also pose a significant risk of poisoning, like lilies, ivy, jasmine, daffodils, honeysuckle, ph ilodendron, pothos etc). As a general rule, it is best to treat every house plant as potentially unsafe and restrict access unless known to definitely be safe. If given unsupervised access to window screens, they can also chew holes in them and potentially escape. For our bird room, we replaced the sliding door mesh with this stainless flyscreen from Bunnings . Be careful with access to unsafe metal objects like lead, zinc, and copper, which unfortunately are often found in most commercial bird toys. Cleaning Products and Chemical Exposure Cleaning products can be very detrimental to your bird's health, especially products like Febreeze (documented as causing fatalities in birds). Using a vinegar and water solution can clean most things around the home, with the addition of a diluted bleach solution for sanitising purposes. In our home, bird room and aviaries we've been using a natural product called For All Australia ,* which is a pH neutral, ultra concentrated degreaser and detergent. It has effective septic safe, biodegradable enzymes which break down organic matter in faeces and food. We find it to be a great option for cleaning, without the harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, and comes in an unscented version. We have been using it to mop floors, clean dishes, clean cages and aviaries, wipe down benches, clean walls and much more, for many years now. *Not sponsored or affiliate in any way, just a major fan of their products and long term user. set up the cage You will need a nice, roomy sized cage to be their safe space while they aren't out socialising with your or exploring. provide Our article is coming soon on how to set up a cage, or see our cage recommendations here. Size Ideally your cage will be 80 x 90 x 55cm or larger; you may like to get a cage with a play top or can purchase (or make, if you're crafty!) a separate stand. second hand cage - F10 - but only if in good condition Location Where you put your cage in your home can have an impact on their behaviour and their sense of safety. Consider the following: At least one or two sides against a wall, Out of cross draughts from windows or doors Not in direct line of air-conditioners or heaters In a room where they will be able to be interacted with as people walk past A room that doesn't drop or jump in temperature dramatically link to how to set up their cage Work out where the cage will go Somewhere with sunlight, a good view, that isn't too low, at least one closed side (wall, etc) No cross draughts Important they feel safe Not too hot or too cold Not in the direct line of the airconditioner prepare the essentials Prepare the essentials Food Toys Bowls/containers for food Something to store the food in Purchase food and toys link to diet link to enrichment where is the nearest vet Getting THEM HOME To bring your bird home, you will need a sturdy and secure carrier. There are many various options to choose from when purchasing a suitable bird carrier; such as a carrier, crate or cage. It is important to be prepared for transporting your parrot to and from the breeder, vet appointments, pet minder or even walk to the park. Small carriers can range from $15 to $60+, but are a necessary investment; a cardboard box is an inappropriate choice. Birds will not be permitted to leave the premises without a suitable travel crate, but you are welcome to purchase one of our crates for just $15. It is important to remember that this is for transport purposes only. Please do not leave your bird in a carrier for longer than a few hours. Here are a few options: Carry Crates - made of timber and wire mesh, plastic, or acrylic. Slide up or swing access door. Small Cage - can be called budgie cages, canary cages etc. Avoid round and opt for square. Cat Carriers - affordable, easy to find in store option, however they require a little modification to add a perch and secure door. Make sure bird cannot fit its head through the bars on the door. Bird Backpacks - on the pricier side, but added versatility of transport for hiking and walking in nature. Wire Spacing Does the cage have strong mesh or wire, and is it of appropriate spacing (maximum 20mm/2cm apart for conures and quakers, 15mm/1.5cm for Bourke's). Could smaller aperture wire be added to ensure wings, feet and head stay safely within the carrier (especially with cat carriers)? Ventilation Does it have adequate through ventilation, without too many acrylic sides? Keep the air conditioning on high in the car when travelling in summer, especially in Queensland. Security Ensure that parts designed to be taken apart - like cage bottoms - are secured with zip ties if needed. Access doors and sliding feeders can be secured with clothes pegs. Material Is it easy to clean and able to be disinfected? Does it have a bottom tray that can have newspaper added to it to catch droppings? Clean Ensure your carrier is clean and disinfected, especially if your carrier has been used with other birds. This is to ensure that faeces- and dander-bourne illnesses and diseases are not transmitted to other homes and birds. Places to shop for transport cages: Pet Barn, Pet Stock, GT Mall, Amazon, eBay, Temu, Get Flocked, Parrot Supplies, Pet Circle, Pet Shop Direct, Reject Shop, Choice Discount Stores, Wayne's World Some of our recommendations: 27.5(W) x 19.5(D) x 27.5(H)cm $15 (We stock these) Parrot Supplies - Small 30.5(W) x 17(D) x 27.5(H)cm $34 Pet Stock - Avi One 320A 34(W) x 26.5(D) x 51(H)cm $36 Temu (Item ID: HH58706) 30.5(W) x 25.5(D) x 25.5(H)cm approx $20-25 Temple & Webster 47.6(W) x 37.5(D) x 45.7(H)cm $119-170 + shipping Pet Circle - Catit Voyageur 47.6(W) x 37.5(D) x 45.7(H)cm $119-170 + shipping Temu (Item ID: FD185767) 29(W) x 20(D) x 21(H)cm approx $30-35 Pet Circle - Paradise 29(W) x 22(D) x 38(H)cm $31 Get Flocked - 32W) x 28(D) x 41(H)cm $90 pick up day The day has arrived! Breeder should confirm balance owing and preferred payment method Fill pellets Fill up water Get carry crate organised Final balance

Keeping your parrot healthy is a full time job, but do you know what they should eat? Read about conure and quaker diets here: the importance of balanced nutrition Avian nutrition is a topic that is ever-evolving; as parrot owners it is our responsibility to be informed and growing our knowledge in this area to ensure we are taking the best care of our birds. What your bird eats is so often neglected, which leads to a multitude of health issues such as moulting disorders, respiratory disease, growth abnormalities (beak, nail, tumours, etc), poor reproduction, egg binding and poor immune function. It is of utmost importance to learn and provide the most appropriate diet to our birds to keep them healthy, happy and problem free. In the wild, birds have access to literally hundreds of foods; their environment like a never ending buffet. Fruits and vegetables should be a main staple for your bird. Offering an assortment of food items will ensure your conure remains healthy throughout its life, given daily and served fresh, as spoiled fruits and vegetables will make your bird sick. It is recommended to provide a base diet of formulated pellets, supplemented with seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables. what do we feed our parrots? We wean our baby birds onto a diet of our DIY pellet mix, chopped vegetables, soaked seed and sprouts. Pellets In Australia, we are quite fortunate to have such a wide variety of quality pellets. Pellets are a compact, formulated diet made from grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits, and fortified vitamins and minerals. This prevents birds from picking out preferable seeds from their dish and helps to bridge the gap to balanced nutrition. As a 'base' for a parrot diet, pellets should make up approximately 40-60% of their overall food intake. However, a pelleted diet does not provide the variety and stimulation that parrots require and would receive in a wild environment (this is where the other elements come in, like fruit, vegetables, seed and foraging toys). Offer a dish of pellets available to your bird at all times, mixing a small amount of quality seed in additionally. A mix of three or four different pellets will increase the enrichment value of foraging, while also creating that variation that they crave. Some products we recommend are: You can find the above pellets at most independent pet shops and online, here are a few to check out: Get Flocked (Vetafarm, Zupreem, Hari, Harrisons) Chipper Parrots (Vetafarm, Zupreem, Hari) Parrot Supplies (Vetafarm, Zupreem, Lauke Mills, Hari, plus also Versele Laga, Tops) Pet Shop Direct (Vetafarm, Zupreem, Roudybush, Hari, plus Versele Laga) Pet Circle (Vetafarm) Petstock (Vetafarm) Petbarn (Vetafarm) There are other brands, such as Versele Laga, TOPS and Harrisons, which are premium quality, imported products however we have not had the chance to use them yet, in favour of more affordable, easily obtainable options like those above. We have also tried Vetafarm B Calm, its unclear for us whether it actually improved anything. Use at your own discretion. It does look like Roudybush has been discontinued but still available sporatically. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES It is extremely important that conures have access to fresh vegetables and fruit (sparingly) multiple times a week. Not only is this closer to their natural diet, but also provides hydration having a high moisture content. There are some foods, however, that are toxic to birds, so it is important to know what you can and can't give to your feathered friend. FRUIT Apple (no seeds) Banana Blueberry Cherry Dates Goji berries Grape Kiwifruit Lychee (no seed) Mango Nectarine Orange Papaya Passionfruit Peach (no seed) Pear Pineapple Plum (no seed) Pomegranate Raspberry Strawberry Watermelon HERBS Parsley, mint, basil, etc. VEGETABLES Beans Beetroot Broccoli Carrot Capsicum Chili (birds have no heat sense) Cauliflower Corn Cucumber Celery Fennel Greens (bok choy, chard, endive, rocket, silver beet, kale) Parsnip Peas Pumpkin Sweet potato Zucchini BEANS & LEGUMES Chickpeas (garbanzo), kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, etc. Wholemeal rice, wholemeal pasta OTHER Alternative seeds: chia seeds, flaxseed, alfalfa, barley, buckwheat, oats, sunflower, wheat berries, millet, quinoa, pepita (pumpkin seed) Nuts (unsalted): Almond, Brazil, Cashew, Peanut, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Pine nut, Pecan, Pistachio Cuttlefish (especially breeding hens) Boiled eggs Plain/unsalted rice cakes TOXIC Alcohol Avocado Cheese and dairy Chives Chocolate Coffee/tea Junk foods Mouldy foods/grains Mushrooms Iceburg Lettuce (gives diarrhoea) Onion Rhubarb (especially the leaves) seed mix It is becoming more commonly known that an all-seed diet is not nutritionally balanced. Seeds given in moderation (just like the tip of the food pyramid) is beneficial, and some species like cockatiels and corellas can handle a higher percentage of seeds in their diet. But offering a seed-only diet to your conure or quaker would ultimately be sacrificing their health and wellbeing, and setting them up for poor quality of life and shortened lifespan. It leads to your birds ageing a lot faster than they should, making them vulnerable to respiratory diseases, obesity, fatty liver disease, bone deformities and dull brittle feathers. Let's look at the purpose of a seed, botanically: it provides a large amount of energy (in the form of fats) to power the germination and sprouting into a new plant. It then expends that energy as it grows and changes form (i.e. inert seed to living plant) and changes chemically and nutritionally. So providing an all seed diet, high in fats, oils and lacking in many minerals, amino acids and vitamins; is essentially feeding small parcels of starchy, fatty calories equivalent of a life eating only hamburgers. Seed mixes, like Avigrain Cockatiel Blue or Peachface, or a mixture of both, are a great choice. Some commercial seed mixes contain sorghum and corn, which are fillers that are not usually eaten. Alternatively, sprouting seed and giving it to your birds changes the nutritional value of them and is highly beneficial and a great, nutrient dense food. sproutED seed Sprouted seed has a much higher nutritional value than dry or soaked seed. As the seed, pea or bean germinates, it starts to use that stored energy and convert it to a highly bioavailable food source with more protein and less fat. It is best to allow the sprouts to grow small tails before you feed. Sprouts are great for breeding birds, making it easier for parents to feed their young a softer, palatable food, as well as the nutrients it provides for growing muscle and new feathers. A good sprouting mix will be economical, fresh, easy to germinate and fantastic fuel for your little parrots' body. You can find our comprehensive article on sprouting at home here.

Get your parrot DNA sexed to determine their gender, helping you make the best decision for your next feathered friend. BIRDS FOR SALE DNA Sexing We are more than happy to assist with taking and sending off a DNA sample for your bird. We find that this can help with choosing the right fit for your bird when purchasing an additional flock member, whether for companion (same sex) or for breeding. Knowing your bird's gender is also very important when it comes to dealing with potential behavioural issues, as well as health symptoms (i.e. egg binding) and appropriate treatments. DNA sexing is possible by analyzing a blood sample in a laboratory to identify the sex chromosomes. This can be done by using either blood (droplets) or from a blood feather (new, growing pin feather). If there is a tail blood feather present, we will remove one, place in a labelled zip-lock bag and send off to the laboratory. This is very quick and minimally painful, and with a tissue applied with pressure for a minute there is very little bleeding (if any). If there isn't a blood feather available, we will wipe the foot with an alcohol wipe, use a sterile collection kit (including sample paper and lancet) and prick the toe to produce a blood droplet. This is collected on a specialised paper and carefully handled to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate results. Cost: $20 each bird Our Process: Sample is collected An order form is filled out, popped in an envelope and posted to the lab Payment is made to the lab Results are received (generally 5-10 business days) Results forwarded to you We can also send you a collection kit in the mail, for you to take the sample yourself, then organise the order on your behalf. Cost for posted sample kit: $3.50 Ready to DNA sex your bird? Click below to request an appointment: GET IN TOUCH

Should I clip my parrots wings? If yes, how? In what circumstances should my bird be able to fly? We answer it all: BREEDER'S SUPPORT Jump to: DNA Sexing Air Freight Breeding Records Templates Leg Bands DNA SEXING INFORMATION There are a few sexing laboratories available in Australia for sending samples to for DNA sexing: CURTIN UNIVERSITY 08 9266 7475 or 0417 915 837 d.groth@curtin.edu.au Blood & Feather Testing Purchase Sample Kits: No C/O Dr David Groth, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845 ANIMETICS https://www.animetics.com.au/ 08 6261 9475 info@animetics.com.au Blood & Feather Testing Purchase Sample Kits: Yes PO Box 8188, Hilton, WA 6163 DNA SOLUTIONS https://dnasolutions.com.au/ 1800 000 362 dna-ausnz@dnasolutions.com Blood & Feather Testing Purchase Sample Kits: Yes 4 Eastgate Court, Wantirna South, VIC 3152 Curtin University Submission Form (Fillable) AIR FREIGHT DEPOT CONTACT POINTS AND LOCATIONS https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/flying-with-us/cargo/cargo-network/ HOW TO BOOK ONLINE TRAVEL Call Virgin Australia Cargo Contact Centre on 13 82 87 . You will need to have the following information: Your full name Your mobile number Your email address Departing Airport and Arriving Airport Date (you can ask for available times on that date) Box size and total weight (box + bird/s) Receiver's Name Receiver's mobile number Your credit card details for payment AIR FREIGHT LODGMENT FORM Download the following form and fill in AWB Number, Origin, Destination, Date and Signature. FREIGHT BOX SIZES Freight boxes can be purchased from the Parrot Society here. Virgin Freight Declaration Form Qantas Shippers Declaration Form PSA Product Name Size Weight Extra Small Single 14cm x 21cm x 15cm 560g (+ bird/s) Small Single 26cm x 25 x 15cm 960g (+bird/s) Medium Single 32cm x 25cm x 15cm 1.16kg (+bird/s) Large Single 31cm x 30cm x 21cm TBA Small Double 30cm x 30cm x 15cm Compartment width 15cm 1.4kg (+bird/s) Double 43cm x 25cm x 15cm Compartment width 21cm 1.6kg (+bird/s) Triple 65.5cm x 26cm x 15cm Compartment width 21.5cm 1.9kg (+bird/s) HELPFUL TEMPLATES Download the following forms to help streamline your record keeping processes. Breeding Records Template (Editable) Breeding Records Template (Printable) LEG RINGS Leg bands are important for keeping accurate records, ensuring DNA results are accurately assigned to each chick and tracking breeding lines. These can be generic numbered bands or custom printed with your initials or aviary code. Closed bands that are placed on the leg in the nest before 2 weeks of age. Aluminium closed bands are generally suitable for smaller birds, such as Pyrrhura conures and quakers, but we recommend ordering stainless steel for sizes 7mm/R/Size "11" and larger. The bigger the beak, the easier it is for them to clamp the band onto their leg and cause damage and injury. We do not recommend split rings as they have an increased risk of entrapment on their enclosure. PURCHASE LEG RINGS Leg rings can be purchased through: Bird Bands (custom) www.birdbands.com/legrings/personalised Parrot Society of Australia Generic (numbered) www.parrotsupplies.com.au/collections/leg-rings COMMON BAND SIZES 5.5mm | N | Size '9' | Aluminium Closed - Suitable for green cheeked conures 6mm | P | Size '10' | Aluminium Closed - Suitable for quakers For a complete size guide, see: www.birdbands.com/birdlist www.birdbands.com/legrings/comparison LEG BAND CUTTERS It is a good idea to invest in a pair of leg ring cutters. It is much safer than a pair of small pliers. Bird Bands sells them here: www.birdbands.com/legringcutterscissors

BIRDS FOR SALE freight information We are excited to be able to offer freight within QLD or interstate to our clients. It is still just as important to us to match a baby's emerging personality with the type of family and environment they will be living with once they leave us. We also freight breeding pairs for breeders. We understand it can be a nerve-wracking decision to fly your new companion interstate for you, especially if you've never experienced it before. It is normal to worry about how the noise, smells and even fumes may affect your bird, and whether the stress would pose a negative effect either short or long term for them. In our experience, they generally are pretty happy to get out at the other end, have a drink of water and meet their new humans. In the case of hand reared pets, some will look for physical interaction and be off exploring straight away, and others may want to have a big sleep first. It is important to read their body language and not to overwhelm them in their new environment. The process of getting your new family member freighted to you is quite simple: we do all the work for you! HOW WE BOOK FOR AIR FREIGHT 1. Let us know which airport is closest to you, which day works best and a preferred time. (Please note: Green cheeked conures and quakers are prohibited in WA, and cannot be freighted. Tasmania will need a movement application.) 2. We ring the airline and request a quote. We will only send by air cargo as it is the most reliable, fastest and least amount of stress on the birds, especially when compared to road freight. Currently, our preferred freight service is with Virgin Australia Cargo, however we can book with Qantas to those airports that don't have Virgin Australia access like regional and rural airports. 3. We come back to you with a price*. Unfortunately flight prices haven't been immune to increases this year, and have jumped significantly for certain airports. We strive to keep our price affordable for you, while considering the flight cost plus airline approved freight box and small allowance for tolls and fuel. We do end up absorbing some of the cost to make sure it is as economical as possible. *Prices subject to change, please message us to confirm. Destination One Bird Two Birds To Adelaide $195 $215 To Mackay $180 $200 To Melbourne $195 $215 To Rockhampton $180 $200 To Sydney $180 $200 4. Once we confirm the price with you and get the all clear, we require payment in full. We will send through our bank details, and once it has cleared into our account, you will be sent through your receipt for proof of payment. 5. Booking the flight: We need your full name, email address and phone number, as you will need to show your Driver's Licence or ID card in order to pick up your bird at the cargo agent. 6. Once the flight is booked and paid for from our end, we will send you the details of your flight, including the Airway Bill Number, flight code, date, departure and arrival time, and pick up address. 7. On the day of your flight, we will be sure to send you plenty of photos of your bird/s, before they are placed into the freight box. The boxes are airline approved, strong plywood construction with sliding door at the back secured shut with screws to prevent risk of escape. It also has small, grated windows in the front and a perch on the inner base to make sure they have grip and cannot slide about and hurt themselves. We send pairs in a box with separate compartments to ensure their safety in a stressful environment, even if they are a bonded or breeding pair. Inside the boxes we place some of their regular pellets and seed, and a large piece of apple for hydration as water dishes are not permitted. Don't be alarmed if you notice they haven't eaten as much as expected, the new sights, sounds and going on an aircraft would be quite a scary experience and likely not to feel like eating very much in transit. You may also like to track the flight via live radar on Flight Stats or Flight Radar 24 using your flight number (eg: VA1396). This will keep you updated as to any delays in arrival time and maybe ease a little of the anxiety that comes from the long awaited trip. 8. We take the journey from our home to the Brisbane airport to arrive two hours before the flight is due to leave, which is just over an hour's drive. The crate is then lodged at the cargo depot, and will be sent to the plane when they are ready to load. We will let you know when they have been dropped off. 9. When the flight arrives at your airport, it is normally about 20-30 minutes before they are ready to be collected at the depot. Please have your photo identification ready for them to verify who is picking them up. As a matter of courtesy, please also send us a quick message to confirm you have them safely in your possession. 10. When you are back home, be sure to never force them out of the crate. Majority of the time, they will happily fly out, whether into your home or into their new aviary. For young handreared birds, make sure you are in a smaller space and lift the door up and off. Talk softly to them, and if they are hesitant to come out, just be patient and wait; they will come out in their own time. Have water ready to offer them after their journey, as it may have been upwards of 5-6 hours since they last had access. Take it slow, and do not rush up on them; offer a slow moving hand and watch their body language, change your actions if necessary. For aviary birds, place the crate inside their cage or aviary if possible, and lift the door up and off. Do not force them out of the crate, shake or bang the sides. Allow them time to get their bearings and assess their new surroundings as being safe; they will come out when they are ready, there's no rush. Make sure they have water and food available to them straight away. For majority of shipments, things go completely smoothly and the birds are not affected and keep a close eye on the flight times to let you know if there are any expected delays. We maintain that air freight is the only adequate way of transporting our premium quality birds with minimal risk. There are many reasons that we do not risk road transport of companion parrots, firstly it is a significantly longer journey in which we have no control over how the birds are stored, handled, fed or watered. A trip that would take 2 hours by air would take 3 or 4 days, even longer if heading to one of the southern states. In the early days, we have sent by road as per our customer's wishes, but against our better judgement and against the plethora of negative reviews and experiences shared online and by people we know. Thankfully the experience did not end in death, injury or sickness, but our birds were not fed or watered, their cage was filled with chicken feathers and dirt, the crate that was provided was rusted and for a service that took much longer yet the same price of a flight, it was not worth the risk. We vowed that we will only send by air from here on out. Secondly, it is a much greater risk to biosecurity, which we take very seriously. Yes, birds may be air freighted along side dogs, cats and other animals, but road transport is primarily used for livestock such as chickens, ducks, even goats. These animals are much more likely to pass on disease and parasites to your new bird, and it is our responsibility to make sure your bird gets to you just as healthy and happy as it was when it was here. By air travel, your parrot has a much lower exposure time to any potential illnesses, and is in a more enclosed crate compared to an open cage. They also would feel more secure in a darker, smaller crate for a short amount of time rather than a cage for many days surrounded by other animals. The babies we raise from the time they open their eyes are just as special to us as they are to you, and it is our duty of care to ensure you receive not only what you paid for, but your bird deserves the continued health and utmost care as they leave our home and join yours. That is our promise to you.

aviary birds for sale We specialise in premium colour mutations for both breeding purposes and hand raised companions. Our aviary birds are either DNA or nest sexed and come with DNA certificate if applicable, information on genetic parentage, known and possible splits and any available breeding history. Viewing of birds is by appointment only, which can be made through our contact page, Facebook page or calling 0423 470 041 . All prices are subject to change at our discretion, dependant on availability and market pricing, and our p rices are non-negotiable with the exception of multiple pairs. Freight is available to most major airports via Virgin Australia and Qantas, to read more about what is involved in air freighting, read here. BIRD SALES None planned at this stage. Last Updated: 22 September 2025 green cheeked conures "Bailey & Juliet" 2019 Green Opaline/Turquoise x 2019 SF Violet Turquoise Pineapple. $600 Bonded pair, not bred together before but have bred with other partners. Currently in same holding aviary together. Breed 4 colours including violets quakers ("/" denotes split) All DNA cards available unless indicated otherwise. Pairs Unrelated pairs but not bonded or proven: Green Pallidino/Blue cock x Cobalt hen $900. Breed 10 colours (nest sexed offspring) Blue/Pallid cock x Dark Green Pallid/Blue hen $1100. Breed 8 colours in both genders. Green Pallid / Blue cock x Cobalt hen $800. Breed 8 colours (nest sexed offspring) Cobalt Pallid cock x Dark Green Pallid/Blue hen $1500. Breed 6 colours in both genders. Blue / Pallid cock x Cobalt Pallid hen $1100. Breed 4 colours in both genders. Blue Opaline cock x Blue Opaline hen $900. Breed all Blue Opaline offspring. Green/Opaline/Blue cock x Blue Opaline hen $750. Breed 4 colours in both genders. Singles 2020 Blue / Pallid cock ❁ 2020 Dark Green / Pallid / Blue cock. Proven breeder ★ 2021 Blue / Opaline cock *not DNA'd, but proven breeder 2022 Green / Pallid / Blue cock ★ 2022 Green Pallidino / Blue cock *not DNA'd, but is a pallidino which can only be male ★ 2022 Blue / Pallid / Opaline cock. Proven breeder ♦ 2022 Blue Opaline cock. Proven breeder ♦ 2022 Cobalt / ino cock ★ 2022 Cobalt / Pallid cock ❁ 2022 Cobalt / Pallid / poss Opaline cock ★ 2022 Cobalt Pallid cock ❁ 2022 Dark Green Pallid / poss Blue DNA hen. Proven breeder ★ 2022 Cobalt hen ❁ 2023 Cobalt / Opaline cock ★ 2023 Cobalt Turquoise / Opaline cock ♦ 2023 Cobalt Pallid cock ★ 2023 Green Pallid / Blue cock ★ 2023 Dark Green Opaline / Blue cock ★ 2023 Cobalt hen ★ 2023 Dark Green Opaline / Blue hen ★ 2023 Dark Green Pallid / Blue hen ★ 2023 Olive Opaline / Blue hen ★ 2023 Cobalt Pallid hen ★ 2024 Blue Opaline hen ★ 2024 Green / Opaline / Blue cock ♦

Handraised Birds for Sale Our birds We take great pride in providing high quality, companion parrots for all ages and the exceptional support and guidance you need. Viewing of birds is by appointment only, which can be made through our contact page, Facebook page or calling 0423 470 041 . We breed conures and quakers for both pets and aviary breeding, and specialise in premium colour mutations. If you are looking bird which is not yet available, subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of updates, or visit our Facebook page for up to date pictures and news. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required per bird to secure your bird prior to weaning. You will be supplied with a receipt as proof of payment. The remainder of the balance is required before the bird goes home. All prices are subject to change at our discretion, dependant on availability and market pricing, however a quoted price is locked in from the time of deposit and will not increase. We do not sell any unweaned or juvenile birds, and here is why . Freight is available to most major airports via Qantas or Virgin Australia, to read more about what is involved in air freighting, click here . All our birds are handraised in a loving family home and are well adjusted to busy households. Handraised babies are sold DNA tested, closed leg banded and come with an information pack including certificates, care information brochure, samples of food (pellet mix, sprout mix) a foot toy and safe shreddable toy. Last updated: 24th November 2025 green cheeked conures In for handraising now, ready to go home from early January through to early February 2026, depending on hatch date. Smaller babies still to feather up to confirm colouring (SF or DF). Colours we have this season are: DF Violet Turquoise ($1000) (All Sold) DF Violet Turquoise Cinnamon ($1000) 5 girls so far DF Violet Turquoise Pineapple ($1000) SF Violet Turquoise Opaline ($600) SF Violet Turquoise Cinnamon ($600) SF Violet Turquoise Pineapple ($600) 1 girl so far High Red Pineapple ($500) (All Sold) SF Violet Green Opaline ($500) 1 available Wondering what each colour looks like? Click here to check out our chart. quakers Why settle for a standard blue or green, when you can have a quaker in a unique colour? Raising now, ready to start going home from roughly 6th January onwards. Colours we are anticipating this season are: $450 : Blue, Green $550 : Cobalt, Dark Green $600 : Blue Pallid, Green Pallid, Blue Opaline $800 : Lutino, Cobalt Pallid, Cobalt Opaline, Dark Green Pallid POA : Turquoise Series birds including Turquoise Opaline, Cobalt Turquoise Opaline, Turquoise Pallid Note: While the colours above are possibilities this season, I cannot guarantee it will definitely be produced in the nest. Some of our pairs can produce up to 12 different colours but will only have 4-6 babies. Click here to check out our chart showing the different colours. Raising now and taking deposits for: Green Pallid boy, $600 (DNA sexed) Lutino $800, (awaiting DNA results) Upcoming clutches hatching early December: Lutino Green, Green Pallid, Dark Green, Blue, Blue Pallid, Cobalt, Cobalt Pallid We are still waiting for our blue pairs to start laying, watch this space. Bourke's Parrots Rosa (Opaline) $350 2 available, ready to go home end of January Budgie Sold

High Quality Tame Handraised Conures & Quakers bred in Brisbane by Maranatha Aviaries. Why buy your parrot from us? Find out now! ABOUT MARANATHA AVIARIES Welcome! I'm Camille, a companion parrot breeder located in the heart of the gorgeous Lockyer Valley. I keep, breed and handraise beautifully natured green-cheeked conures, quakers and Bourke's parrots in colours that are a little different to the rest! READ MORE WHY BUY YOUR NEXT BIRD FROM US? We know how important it is that your new family member is a perfect fit. Here's why: Tame & Friendly Each of our babies are handled every day, get plenty of snuggles and are doted on by our two kids. Matched To You We allow as much time as you need at your appointment, ensuring you find one that matches best to you. Play, snuggle and play some more. Social & Well-Mannered We believe being raised with a family enables our babies to integrate seamlessly from our home to yours. They learn etiquette with children and other flock members, step up commands and begin recall training. lifetime support We include a comprehensive care brochure, samples of food they are used to and some safe toys when you take your baby home, but the support doesn't stop there. You can contact us whenever you like, for as long as you like. Confident & PLAYFUL Our bird room a la "birdy penthouse" has a massive play stand to explore and interact with. We provide them with plenty of safe toys to chew and destroy. DNA Tested We DNA test and leg ring each one of our birds to guarantee you can choose the most compatible gender to add to your family; oh and pick the perfect name of course. View our available birds COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW Different colours, same exceptional quality. We breed a variety of colours in green, turquoise and violet. VIEW OUR COLOURS A CUT ABOVE THE REST Fancy a quaker that's a little different to the others? You've come to the right place: we have plenty of 'fancy' to choose from. VIEW OUR COLOURS

get in touch We are located in the heart of the Lockyer Valley, Queensland, roughly an hour west of Brisbane. 0423 470 041 Maranatha Aviaries Appointment only, when birds are available. No aviary tours. No international calls please. Please note: We are unable to export our birds overseas. You can read about Australian export laws here . Ready to Squawk? The best way to contact us is through Facebook Messenger via our Business page. That way we can send you all the pictures and videos without them being compressed and reduced in quality. The email form below is also a great option, but keep an eye on your junk/spam folder; we do reply I promise! Quite often our replies will end up in the promotional graveyard - gee thanks, technology! I would like to know more about: Choose an option Thanks for your message! We will get back to you shortly. Submit

A bored bird is a naughty bird, but how do you keep a parrot busy? Check out our tips on enriching your parrots environment: THE IMPORTANCE OF ENRICHMENT Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Parrots are extremely intelligent, and just like our human toddlers, need lots to do to keep them entertained and out of mischief. The dictionary definition of enrichment is: "the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something." Owning a parrot means we are required to meet their physical, mental, emotional needs and improve their quality of life. When it comes to birds, this can mean a few different things; including exercise, provision of toys, foraging opportunities, ability to chew and destroy, and - if they are companions - human interaction. Birds that do not have their needs met will begin to suffer; they may pluck their feathers, self mutilation, screech excessively, gain weight and become nippy or aggressive. exercise Parrots require a decent level of exercise to keep in shape, whether in the form of free flying around your home, on a flight harness (we use this one ), on a play gym with ladders and swings or a combination of all. In an ideal world, it is optimal that your parrot remains flighted, however we understand that this may not be a safe option for your bird or situation. Parrots love to explore, and anything that you are doing is certainly interesting to them! Take your bird along with you while you do safe household activities, like watching tv, folding washing, vacuuming and mopping, or even in the shower! You are a part of their "flock" and they love to feel close to you and included. Foraging In the wild, parrots spend a significant amount of their day searching and foraging for food, but in captivity it is so readily available that they don't have to work for it. There are many foraging systems available to encourage natural behaviours such as treat boxes, baffle cages and acrylic designs. Foraging usually includes a food reward, like finding a nut or seed within a compartment, or could be as simple as wrapping some of their pellets or chunk of vegetable or fruit in some craft paper. Empty toilet rolls can also be filled with crinkle paper and seed/pellets then wrapped in paper. There are so many different designs for foraging toys, and they can be purchased online and in store relatively easily. Pet City Mt Gravatt (store and online) Parrot Supplies Australia (store and online) eBay (search forage feeder or parrot forage toy) Click through below to see more information on these products: BAFFLE CAGE VIEW TREAT BOXES VIEW NUT CAGE VIEW FORAGE CUPS VIEW ACRYLIC BALL VIEW FRUIT SKEWER VIEW branches Tactile enrichment, or enrichment that your parrot can touch and physically interact with, is also extended to their perches and cage environment. Branches should be of varying shapes, widths and textures, in replicating their natural environment the best we can. Not only does this trim their beaks and nails, but it also helps with to exercise their balancing and climbing abilities and gives something to chew and shred. Perches hung from the top of the cage with wire (stainless steel is 100% safe, unlike galvanised) simulates branches that move and sway in the wind, as do swings. Plastic and dowel perches that come with most bird cages should be discarded or repurposed into toys (see Toys section below) and replaced with natural branches. The general rule of thumb is if its native, it is fine for your bird. Some common examples are Banksia, Beech, Bottlebrush/ Callistemon, Palms (they especially like the fruit fronds), Grevillea, Gum, Ironbark, Bunya, Lilly Pilly, Paperbark, Pine and Jacaranda. Fresh branches should also be given, either as a new perch with the leaves on, or placed into a holder on the side of the cage to destroy as well. toys In addition to foraging toys, regular interactive or shredding toys are excellent for keeping the mind of your parrot busy. Their natural instinct to chew, shred, and tear apart their environment can easily be directed to toys, and away from things like towels, furniture and themselves (plucking). It is a misconception that it is "inconvenient" or "too expensive" that a parrot is destroying their toys. This is good! A busy parrot is a happy parrot, and it is so important they are given these opportunities to express natural behaviour. Parrots are also naturally independant and love making choices; provide ample toys made of different components and colours. Switch out with spare toys each week or fortnight to keep them engaged, and always check toys over for safety. DIY Toy Components Making your own bird toys can be rewarding, economical and a great activity to do with children and family. When choosing components, it is important to ensure they are chemical free and kid-safe approved if applicable. You can find inexpensive pieces in common department stores here in Australia, like Spotlight, Woolworths, Bunnings and Officeworks. Colourful beads, soft balsa or pine wood, seagrass and jingly bells are amazing enrichment products for your parrot. Avoid any items which are already painted (ie painted wooden beads); opt for the natural finish instead and colour them yourself. It is important to use stainless steel wire when constructing toys, as this is an item designed to be chewed. Stainless steel is a non toxic metal, as opposed to zinc (galvanised), copper and lead which, if ingested, can cause heavy metal toxicity and possibly death. Dyeing wood pieces and beads at home is so economical, and only requires a few items from the grocery store. You don't need any fancy equipment or products; simply Queen food colouring (comes in red , pink , yellow , green and blue ) for $1.10 and some white vinegar (2L for $1.20 ). Simply mix 250mL of warm water and 25mL of colouring in an old container (this may get stained) and stir to combine the colour. Place your wooden pieces in, give a quick stir or shake, and allow to soak for a few hours or overnight. The longer they soak the more vibrant they will become. After they have soaked, remove from the solution and place on paper or paper towel to dry (dependent on weather, temperature and humidity). Are you ready to make your own toys? Check out some of my favourite components: Wood Ring Beads Spotlight $4.50 | 5 pack VIEW Seagrass Mat Bunnings $4.17 VIEW Plastic Chain Bunnings $12.73-19.12 | 10m VIEW Plastic Lacing Beads Officeworks $29.95 | 96 pack VIEW Plastic C Clips eBay $6-7 | 100 pack VIEW Wooden Cutlery Kmart $2 | 18 pack VIEW Loofah Sponges eBay $1-2 each VIEW Wooden Feathers Spotlight $4 | 12 pack VIEW Paper Straws IKEA $2.99 | 100 pack VIEW Rattan Balls eBay $13-14 | 20 pack VIEW Pop Sticks Bunnings $4.10 | 150 pack VIEW Jute Twine Bunnings $3.20 | 75m VIEW Paper Rope Bunnings $10.79 | 40m VIEW Stainless Link Bunnings $4 | 8mm VIEW Wooden Beads eBay $5-7 | 50 pack VIEW Wooden Beads Spotlight $10 | 235g pack VIEW Pony Beads Spotlight $12 VIEW Wooden Pegs Kmart $2 | 9 pack VIEW Wooden Cubes Spotlight $6.50 | 72 pack VIEW Paper Straws Woolworths $3.00 | 100 pack VIEW Pop Sticks Officeworks $8.98 | 1000 pack VIEW Wooden Components Spotlight $10 | 235 pack VIEW Seagrass Cording Spotlight $30 | 65m VIEW Plastic Heart Beads Spotlight $8.50 | 125g VIEW Stainless Wire Bunnings $17.49 | 15m VIEW Plastic Bell Balls eBay $6-8 | 18 pack VIEW Stainless Spoons IKEA $5.99 | 6 pack VIEW Loofah Sponges Spotlight $6.50 ea VIEW Wooden Pegs Spotlight $5 | 10 pack VIEW Wooden Beads Spotlight $10 | 260g pack VIEW Pine Blocks Kmart $5.50 pack (48pc) VIEW Pop Sticks Kmart $3.25 | 200 pack VIEW

BIRD care Information Deciding to add a parrot to your family is a serious commitment, and oftentimes for a much longer duration than a dog or cat. Responsible bird owners should always make informed decisions, and continue to grow in knowledge as to their parrot's care. We have carefully curated relevant information for you below, let us know if there is a topic you would like us to cover. Is a parrot the right pet for you? READ NOW the importance of self care COMING SOON! why we don't sell unweaned birds READ NOW about Green-cheeked conures READ NOW before you bring your parrot home COMING SOON! the importance of enrichment READ NOW the importance of socialisation COMING SOON! about quaker parrots READ NOW the importance of balanced nutrition READ NOW the importance of flight COMING SOON! green-cheeked conure colours READ NOW quaker colours READ NOW

quaker: SPECIES PROFILE Quakers, or monk parrots, make brilliant companion pets due to their affectionate, energetic and comical personalities. When it comes to talking ability in a small parrot, they almost outrival larger birds with their clarity and mimicry ability. They are such social creatures which bond readily to a single person or family unit. They are not particularly loud, but do have an alarm call as all parrots do which is something to be mindful of if you live in close proximity housing. COMMON NAMES Quaker parrot, Monk parrot, Grey-breasted parakeet SCIENTIFIC NAME Myiopsitta monachus aDULT SIZE 12 inches (30.5cm) and between 95-120 grams LIFE EXPECTANCY With adequate diet, care, health, stimulation and love, your quaker can live up to 20-30 years, or even beyond. However, most live only 10 years, due to owner neglect. This is why it is imperative to learn and grow our knowledge about avian care. ORIGIN AND HISTORY The Quaker Parrot is native to Argentina, Bolivia and surrounding countries in South America. In the wild, they tend to live in very large flocks, and there are many feral populations in urban areas, such as North America and Europe. Temperament Quakers are generally very playful, vivacious and social, with their distinctive bobbing behaviour and 'quaking' sounds. They love to be in the company of fellow birds and humans, are highly intelligent and very loyal. Their talkative nature makes these parrots a popular favourite among bird keepers. They are also known for their cage territorialism, which if seen as a natural behaviour, rather than a problem behaviour, this can be easily negated with training necessary for any companion parrot. Colours and markings Quakers are monomorphic, meaning both sexes have identical colouring. They naturally occur as green in the wild, but there are a multitude of new colours that have been developed in captivity. They are characterised by their vivid colours: vibrant greens, blues, yellow, white and even grey. Some colours that are bred in captivity are: blue, lutino, albino, cobalt, mauve, dark green, olive, blue pallid, green pallid, cobalt pallid, mauve pallid, dark green pallid, olive pallid, as well as the same in opaline and parblue. To learn more about the different colour mutations, read here. housing requirements Quakers, by nature, are very inquisitive, playful parrots. They need to have adequate room to play, forage, fly/flap and explore their surroundings. For birds, this is usually a cage or enclosure, which becomes your bird's "safe place". Their cage should provide sufficient room to freely spread both wings. Choose the largest cage you can afford and that will fit well in your space. A cage recommended to house a quaker parrot should be at the very least 60x60x60cm, but recommended 80x90x55cm with between 15-19mm wide bar spacing. A cage with a playtops and doors with locking mechanisms are an advantage. Select natural branches to use as perches, as these provide different thicknesses, textures and enrichment to promote foot health. Quakers love to chew and should be given ample toys for the sole purpose of destroying and keeping them occupied. We purchase all our toys from Unique Beaks Handmade Bird Toys which are made with bird-safe natural dyes, stainless steel, plastic, wood and accessories. You can find them on Facebook here. Items such as pony beads, paddlepop sticks, paper, untreated pine, paper straws, wax-free cupcake liners, and finger traps make great toys for inquisitive beaks to shred. Some metals, such as galvanised steel, lead, and zinc can cause metal poisoning, so it is best to use stainless steel wherever possible. Feeding your quaker a balanced, nutritionally dense, varied diet is imperative to maintaining healthy physical and mental wellbeing. This should consist of a base diet of formulated pellets, low-fat seeds, sprouted seed, vegetables and a small amount of fruit. For more details on diet and nutrition for your parrot, read about it here. diet and nutrition common health problems Quakers are known to be susceptible to feather plucking. This could have medical causes, or it could be contributed by boredom, or lack of mental stimulation (handling, variation in routine, not enough/any toys). Annual (or more often if required) checkups are highly advised to ensure your parrot is in best health, as diagnosis and treatment of any disease or illness can be given earlier rather than later. Diseases known to affect quakers include: Fatty Liver Disease (Malnutrition induced disease from too high fat content in diet. Symptoms: obesity, overgrown beaks, enlarged livers, anaemia, jaundice, lipemia) Psittacosis (Parrot fever: very common disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci bacteria. Symptoms: loose droppings, poor appetite, green urates, weight loss, lethargy) Giardia infection (Natural occurring protozoan in the intestine, which affects absorption of vitamins and minerals. Symptoms: malnutrition, lethargy, poor appetite, dry itchy skin) Polyomavirus (Virus that affects multiple organs of young, caged birds. Symptoms: vomiting, swollen abdomen, diarrhoea, breathing issues, weight loss, and possibly haemorrhages) Here are some avian vets in South East Queensland whom we have good dealings with and feel confident enough to recommend. There are others in the southern corner, however we would not recommend them. THE EXOTICS VET Dr. Vanessa Harkess BVSC (Hons I) MANZCVS (Avian Health) 22 Ashmole Road, Redcliffe QLD Phone: (07) 3060 2112 Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Closed Sunday and Monday https://theexoticsvet.com/ BRISBANE BIRD VET Dr. Adrian Gallagher BVSC (Hons) MANZCVS (Avian Health) 248 Hamilton Rd, Chermside QLD Phone: (07) 3359 2233 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday until 7pm, Weekends closed https://brisbanebirdvet.com.au/ BRISBANE BIRD & EXOTICS VETERINARY SERVICE Dr. Deborah Monks BVSc (Hons), Cert Zoo Med (RCVS), ECZM Diplomate (Avian Medicine), FANZCVS (Avian Medicine and Surgery) 191 Cornwall Street, Greenslopes, QLD Phone: (07) 3217 3533 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 12:00pm, Closed Sundays & Public Holidays https://bbevs.com.au/