Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not. If you don’t want a pet that can fly, get a goldfish! Parrots’ health and mental well-being are compromised by being rendered flightless. Flying – even in a controlled area – builds musculature, improves the respiratory and cardio-vascular systems, and increases a bird’s confidence that it can escape from danger. What’s more, the very act of cutting across the quills causes irritation and can lead to plucking or self-mutilation.

No. Even the most gentle parrot could bite an ear or an eye, so best to train your parrot to remain on your hand so you have control of any given situation.

Yes; non-stick pans, if overheated, emit fumes which are highly toxic to parrots and can cause death in seconds. Keep parrots out of the kitchen!

I’m afraid not! A good rule of thumb is certainly that ‘variety is the spice of life’ as far as feeding parrots is concerned, but that variety should only include things that are considered healthy for us too. So no chocolate, crisps, pizza or any other over-sweetened or salted food please. Avocado is apparently poisonous to them too.

With most species, there are no visable differences between males and females. There may be some subtle differences in certain species that only an experienced breeder might recognize. The least invasive way and least risky way to sex a bird is through feather or blood DNA sexing. It requires only a small amount of blood from a toenail or a new young blood feather. Surgical sexing is best reserved for breeders whose birds have not produced.!

Much depends upon the species of bird. For instance, Amazon hens are generally better talkers than the males, but they both will talk to some degree if domestically raised. African Grey males are better talkers than the hens. With other species, the degree of talking ability depends upon many other factors such as: individual personality, species, happiness, the person teaching the bird, and overall general health.

Birds can live up to 70 years depending on the species; most average 10-30 years.

Wrong. Tweety and Sylvester were a great theme for cartoons, but in reality cats and birds can co-exist safely. Cats and dogs can co-exist, right? You do need to realize that there are certain things to be cautious about (for instance, if the saliva of a cat gets into the bloodstream of the bird through a bite, then it can be lethal).

An un-weaned bird is a bird that is still a baby, and as such needs to be fed by either a parent bird or a surrogate. When the bird is able to eat on its own then it is weaned. We strongly believe that responsible bird and pet stores should only sell weaned birds for many reasons. The main reason is that regardless of what the store will tell you, it is not simple to hand feed and the risk of death and/or injury and/or behavioral issues increase dramatically when a novice attempts to hand-feed. Is it possible? Absolutely. Is it prudent? Absolutely not. On certain occasions we will sell un-weaned birds to professionals who can prove their hand feeding skills, but these birds are sold without any guarantee whatsoever.

That depends on what you are allergic to. If you are allergic to dust and dander then the best way would be to go to an allergist and get tested for allergic reactions to the two different types of bird feathers: those with powder preening gland and fine dander (Cockatoos, African Greys, Cockatiels) and those with an oil preening gland (Macaws, Conures, Parakeets, Lovebirds, most other parrots).

Absolutely. We have the strongest bird guarantee in the country, and more importantly, we stand behind our guarantee. The guarantee is simple: We guarantee that we are selling you a perfectly healthy bird. To verify that guarantee, within five days you need to go to an Avian Vet and get any and all testing you prefer to do on your bird, at your expense. We can guide you as to the tests we suggest. If the results are not perfect but the bird can be easily treated, then we pay for all medications and all treatment. If the results are unacceptable then we either replace your bird or refund 100% of the purchase price of your bird, at our option.

We have 100% control over the bird’s environment at our store, but have no control over the bird once it leaves. We guarantee that when the bird leaves the store that it has been properly socialized, and that it is 100% healthy. Your new bird has been given an excellent start here at Timie’s Bird Farm, and it is now your responsibility to properly care for your bird. We are always here to help you take the best care of your bird with the biggest variety and best quality bird products available in the world.

We guarantee that if during your lifetime, you are no longer able to properly care for your bird, or give your bird the attention it need’s, we will accept the bird back on consignment and will find another great home for your bird. We do take a 40% commission and charge a nominal daily fee to feed and clean, but you can rest assured that you always have a place for your bird should the need arise. We are the only store in Michigan to offer this guarantee as of the year 2013.

Must be done within 4 hours, and can only be done prior to your order being shipped. If your order has not been picked up by the shipper then we are glad to make changes or cancel your order for no fees or charges.

We guarantee all items will be received in 100% usable condition. If there are issues regarding major purchases such as cages or livestock then we will handle them on a case-by-case basis. We want your business and are fair regarding all issues that may arise.