| As an artist who used to advertise in pet shows, I | | | | around, selling t-shirts or other handmade items with |
| became familiar with bird breeders and those who | | | | birds as themes. I used to see bird magazine vendors |
| own a variety of parrots. Not being a bird owner | | | | at different shows, as well, selling their publications at |
| myself, I enjoyed others' pets, and learned a thing or | | | | tremendous discounts. Birds are on display, it's fun to |
| two about how to save money on supplies. Here are | | | | see the showcase of beautiful parrots, usually |
| a few tips to lessen your bills for cages, toys and | | | | strutting their stuff for their audience (especially |
| other important bird-related items. | | | | cockatoos, lovely birds who are definately |
| Each city in the U.S. and possibly worldwide, has bird | | | | attention-lovers, in my opinion). |
| fanciers clubs of different kinds. Some are more | | | | The best day to go to a show is Sunday, normally |
| broad in scope like avian societies, bird clubs, or bird | | | | the last day. This is when there may be auctions |
| lovers associations. Others are more specific, like | | | | (where supplies tend to be drastically low in price) |
| conure clubs, cockatoo fanciers, etc. Usually, you can | | | | and vendors begin to mark down their wares as the |
| find out where your local clubs are by contacting | | | | day goes on, to prevent having to pack it all when |
| places found on the internet, local pet stores, or | | | | they leave. At the very end, prices are really marked |
| yellow pages. Call or write the contact number for | | | | down at some booths. With seed, toys and cages |
| each club and ask when their shows are, and if they | | | | being pretty expensive normally, it pays to wait and |
| are open to the public. The bigger the show, the | | | | get those discounts. |
| better. Many bird clubs or societies have at least one | | | | Even for those of us without birds as pets, pet |
| big show, sometimes two, each year. There are | | | | shows are entertaining, and worth going to. It's fun |
| even bigger shows such as yearly gatherings of | | | | for the whole family, there are refreshment stands |
| multiple bird clubs at shows usually held in major cities, | | | | there, and bird breeders or owners enjoy talking to |
| usually called national shows, congresses or other | | | | others about their latest bird babies. Who knows, |
| names. If these shows are open to the public, they | | | | you may even decide to take the plunge and get |
| are where you will usually see a more diverse variety | | | | your own parrot. If I didn't have cats, I'd have a few |
| of exhibitors. | | | | myself. Take a chance, get involved and spend a day |
| Going to a basic, local bird show, you will encounter | | | | at an avian society event. You won't be sorry, and |
| bird breeders selling hand-fed babies and other | | | | may even learn a thing or two about parrots and |
| parrots or hookbills of different kinds. Also, you will | | | | other birds. A great way to show the family a good |
| find bird supply vendors, usually selling cages, toys, | | | | time, and get to know some colorful and entertaining |
| feed, and more. Also, there is usually an artist or two | | | | birds. |