Bird Sales, Deposits & New Owner Information

PLEASE READ BEFORE PLACING A DEPOSIT OR PURCHASING A BIRD

At Becky’s Feathered Friends, we put a great deal of care into raising and preparing our babies for life as companion birds.

Purchasing a young bird is a long-term commitment, and we want every prospective owner to understand what is involved before placing a deposit or purchasing a bird.

This information explains our purchasing process, deposits, what is provided with your bird, your responsibilities as a new owner, and important information about bringing a young bird into your home.

1. OUR BIRDS

Our babies are hand-raised and accustomed to human interaction and handling while in our care.

Because our birds are young, moving from their familiar environment into a new home is a significant change. A young bird may experience stress or changes in behaviour, appetite and routine while settling into a new environment.

Every bird is an individual. Personality, confidence, temperament, eating habits and development can vary from bird to bird.

We encourage all prospective owners to ask questions before committing to a bird.

2. BEFORE PLACING A DEPOSIT

Before placing a deposit, please carefully consider whether you are able to provide a suitable long-term home for a companion bird.

This includes considering:

• 
  suitable cage and housing
  
• 
  appropriate food and fresh water
  
• 
  daily interaction and attention
  
• 
  toys and enrichment
  
• 
  safe out-of-cage time
  
• 
  protection from household hazards
  
• 
  access to appropriate veterinary care
  
• 
  the time involved in caring for a young bird
  
• 
  the ongoing financial costs of keeping a bird
  
• 
  arrangements for the bird if your circumstances change.
  

If you are unsure whether a particular bird is suitable for you or your household, please ask us before placing a deposit.

3. DEPOSITS & RESERVING A BIRD

The deposit required to reserve a bird varies depending on the species and the full purchase price of the individual bird.

The required deposit amount will be confirmed with you before payment.

Once a deposit has been received, the bird will be considered reserved for you, and we will generally stop actively looking for another buyer for that bird.

Deposit policy

Please note that deposits are non-refundable if you change your mind or decide not to proceed with the purchase, as we would need to relist the bird and find a new suitable home.

This applies to a buyer simply changing their mind or deciding that they no longer wish to proceed, subject to any rights the buyer may have under the Australian Consumer Law.

Australian Consumer Law generally does not require a business to provide a refund simply because a customer changes their mind. 

4. IF YOUR BABY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR SALE

Although we do our very best to give each of our babies the best possible start in life, birds are delicate and, unfortunately, sometimes things don't go as planned.

If, for any reason, we determine that your baby is not suitable for sale due to an underlying health issue or other problem, we will contact you as soon as possible.

You will then have the option of:

💗 A full refund of your deposit

OR

🐦 Transferring your deposit to another available bird

If you choose to transfer your deposit to another bird, we will discuss the available options with you and advise you of any difference in purchase price before proceeding.

This situation is separate from our change-of-mind deposit policy.

Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Consumer guarantees cannot simply be removed by a business's terms and conditions. 

5. CHOOSING YOUR BIRD

We encourage prospective owners to make their decision based on the individual bird rather than appearance, colour or age alone.

Before purchasing, you are welcome to ask questions about:

• 
  current diet
  
• 
  eating habits
  
• 
  handling
  
• 
  temperament
  
• 
  personality
  
• 
  development
  
• 
  daily routine
  
• 
  general care
  
• 
  known health information
  
• 
  ring/identification number
  
• 
  hatch date.
  

We want you to feel comfortable with your decision before committing to a bird.

6. YOUR BIRD'S INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATE

Each bird receives an individual certificate containing information relating specifically to that bird.

Depending on the bird, this may include:

• 
  species
  
• 
  gender
  
• 
  hatch date
  
• 
  ring/identification number
  
• 
  nursery entry information
  
• 
  current diet
  
• 
  treatment information
  
• 
  treatment dates
  
• 
  parasite treatment information
  
• 
  next treatment information where applicable.
  

Your bird's certificate is provided to you at handover.

7. CURRENT DIET

Young birds can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diet.

We provide information about the food your individual bird has been eating while in our care.

Our current diet information may include seed, pellets, crumble, vegetables, greens, soaking seed, rice, quinoa, millet and suitable treats, depending on the individual bird. 

We recommend that dietary changes are made gradually rather than suddenly.

A gradual transition gives your bird an opportunity to become familiar with new foods while continuing to recognise foods it already knows.

8. STARTER FOOD

Your bird will go home with a small starter pack containing food the bird has been eating.

This is provided to help make the transition into the new home easier and to provide familiar food during the settling-in period.

The starter pack is not intended to be a long-term food supply.

9. CARE INFORMATION

You will receive written care information with your bird.

Our care information covers topics including:

• 
  settling your new bird into its home
  
• 
  cage hygiene
  
• 
  drinking water
  
• 
  feeding
  
• 
  gradual dietary changes
  
• 
  toys and enrichment
  
• 
  handling
  
• 
  out-of-cage time
  
• 
  rest
  
• 
  warmth
  
• 
  drafts
  
• 
  household hazards
  
• 
  fumes and chemicals
  
• 
  potentially toxic plants
  
• 
  potentially dangerous foods
  
• 
  when veterinary attention should be sought.
  

Our care sheet specifically explains that young birds can be sensitive to stress and sudden changes and provides information to assist with their transition into a new home. 

The care information is provided as general guidance based on the bird's current routine and care. It does not replace advice from a qualified avian veterinarian.

10. VETERINARY CARE

Birds can become unwell quickly, and owners need to be prepared to seek veterinary attention when necessary.

If your bird appears:

• 
  unusually quiet
  
• 
  lethargic
  
• 
  weak
  
• 
  cold
  
• 
  unable to perch
  
• 
  injured
  
• 
  or otherwise unwell,
  

appropriate veterinary advice should be sought promptly.

Our care information includes guidance about seeking an avian veterinarian when a young bird displays concerning symptoms. 

After handover, the buyer is responsible for arranging the bird's ongoing veterinary care, subject to any rights available under Australian Consumer Law.

11. TREATMENT & PARASITE INFORMATION

Where treatments have been provided while a bird has been in our care, relevant information and dates are recorded on the individual bird certificate where applicable.

This may include information relating to:

• 
  worming
  
• 
  mites
  
• 
  parasites
  
• 
  treatment dates
  
• 
  next treatment dates.
  

Ongoing treatment and preventative care should be discussed with an appropriately qualified avian veterinarian.

12. PREPARING YOUR HOME

Before bringing your baby home, we recommend having everything prepared.

Your bird should have:

• 
  a clean and suitable cage
  
• 
  appropriate perches
  
• 
  safe toys
  
• 
  clean food and water containers
  
• 
  suitable food
  
• 
  a quiet place to settle
  
• 
  protection from drafts
  
• 
  protection from household hazards.
  

Our care information provides further guidance on preparing the cage and environment. 

13. HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

Birds have sensitive respiratory systems and can be particularly vulnerable to household fumes and toxins.

Potential hazards include:

• 
  aerosol sprays
  
• 
  perfumes
  
• 
  scented candles
  
• 
  air fresheners
  
• 
  incense
  
• 
  cleaning products
  
• 
  paint fumes
  
• 
  cooking fumes
  
• 
  non-stick coatings
  
• 
  certain plants
  
• 
  avocado
  
• 
  chocolate
  
• 
  garlic
  
• 
  onion
  
• 
  caffeine
  
• 
  alcohol
  
• 
  artificial sweeteners.
  

Owners are responsible for providing a safe environment and ensuring that everyone in the household understands bird safety.

14. HANDOVER

Before handover, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about your bird and its current care.

At handover, you will normally receive:

☑ Your bird's individual certificate

☑ Written care information

☑ Starter food

☑ Information about the bird's current diet and routine.

The date of handover will be recorded on the sales documentation.

15. RESPONSIBILITY AFTER HANDOVER

After the bird has been handed over, the buyer is responsible for its ongoing day-to-day care.

This includes providing:

• 
  appropriate food
  
• 
  fresh water
  
• 
  suitable housing
  
• 
  a safe environment
  
• 
  appropriate handling
  
• 
  supervision
  
• 
  enrichment
  
• 
  appropriate veterinary care
  
• 
  safe transport.
  

The buyer should familiarise themselves with all information supplied with the bird.

The care information is intended to assist with the transition and general care of the bird. It is not a guarantee of a particular health, behavioural or developmental outcome.

16. HEALTH & DISCLOSURE

We do our best to monitor and care for each bird while it is in our care.

If we become aware of a relevant health issue or other significant problem with an individual bird, we will disclose that information to the prospective buyer where appropriate.

Birds are living animals and can develop health problems, including after moving into a new environment.

Changes in environment, stress, diet, temperature, exposure to other birds and other factors can affect a bird after it leaves our care.

We therefore cannot guarantee that a bird will remain free from illness after leaving our care.

Any statements we make about an individual bird's personality or temperament are based on our observations while the bird is in our care. Behaviour can change as a bird matures and as its environment and experiences change.

17. BIOSECURITY

Biosecurity is extremely important when keeping birds.

Once a bird has left the care of Becky’s Feathered Friends, we do not ordinarily accept birds back onto our premises or into our aviary.

This is because a bird returning from another household may have been exposed to infectious diseases or parasites, even if the bird appears healthy.

Allowing a returning bird into our aviary could therefore create a biosecurity risk to other birds.

18. IF YOU CAN NO LONGER KEEP YOUR BIRD

Before purchasing, please consider the long-term commitment involved in keeping a companion bird.

If your circumstances change and you can no longer care for your bird, you remain responsible for arranging suitable ongoing care or a suitable new home.

Becky’s Feathered Friends does not ordinarily accept birds back into our premises or aviary due to quarantine and biosecurity requirements.

If you need guidance about possible options, you are welcome to contact us.

19. TRANSPORT

The buyer is responsible for arranging safe and appropriate transport after handover.

The bird should be transported in a suitable carrier and protected from:

• 
  excessive heat
  
• 
  excessive cold
  
• 
  drafts
  
• 
  unsafe handling
  
• 
  other avoidable hazards.
  

Where transport is arranged by the buyer or a third party, the buyer is responsible for ensuring suitable arrangements are made.

20. ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING

We strongly encourage you to ask questions before placing your deposit.

Please ask us if you would like more information about:

• 
  the species
  
• 
  expected adult size
  
• 
  temperament
  
• 
  diet
  
• 
  cage requirements
  
• 
  handling
  
• 
  noise
  
• 
  veterinary care
  
• 
  costs
  
• 
  other birds in your household
  
• 
  children and bird safety
  
• 
  whether a particular bird is suitable for your circumstances.
  

We would much rather answer questions before a purchase than have someone commit to a bird without understanding what is involved.

21. INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DESCRIPTIONS

Information provided about an individual bird is based on information available to us and our observations while the bird is in our care.

Birds can change as they mature, and behaviour can be affected by their environment, handling, socialisation and experiences.

Descriptions of personality or temperament should therefore be understood as observations of the individual bird and not as a guarantee of future behaviour.

We aim to provide accurate information about each bird and disclose known relevant information.

Businesses must ensure claims about products are accurate and based on reasonable grounds. 

22. AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW

Nothing on this website or in our sales documentation is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

Consumer guarantees apply automatically where applicable and cannot simply be removed by a business's terms and conditions. 

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.

You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

This is the mandatory wording published by the ACCC for the supply of goods. 

23. BEFORE YOU PLACE YOUR DEPOSIT ❤️

By placing a deposit, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to read this information and ask questions about the bird and the purchasing process.

Please make sure you understand:

✓ Your deposit amount will depend on the species and purchase price of the bird.

✓ Deposits are non-refundable if you simply change your mind or decide not to proceed, subject to your legal rights.

✓ If we determine that your baby is not suitable for sale due to an underlying health issue or other problem, you will be offered a deposit refund or the option to transfer your deposit to another bird.

✓ Your bird will receive an individual certificate.

✓ You will receive care information and starter food.

✓ Young birds can experience stress and changes when moving into a new home.

✓ You are responsible for the bird's ongoing care after handover, including appropriate veterinary care.

✓ You should prepare your home before bringing your bird home.

✓ Birds require a long-term commitment.

✓ Birds that have left our care are not ordinarily accepted back onto our premises or into our aviary because of biosecurity requirements.

✓ Your statutory rights under Australian Consumer Law are not removed by these terms.

❤️ A NOTE FROM BECKY’S FEATHERED FRIENDS

We put a lot of love, time and care into raising our babies and want every one of them to go to a home where they will be loved, cared for and treated as part of the family.

Buying a hand-raised bird is a long-term commitment, and we want you to feel comfortable asking questions before making that commitment.

If you are unsure about anything at all, please ask us before placing your deposit.

We are always happy to talk with you about your prospective bird, including its current diet, routine, handling, care and what you can expect when bringing your new companion home.