WELCOME TO THE RAINBOW AVIARY!
Featuring Birds by Gay Whitney
This site is designed to educate you about how I manage my aviary
business with tidbits about the world of birds in general. I will share
information about myself, and will expect you to share about yourself
too.
How This All Started...
Years ago, while I was still living in Fayetteville, I helped a
neighbor who raised birds. I fed the birds while the neighbors were on
vacation and grew quite attached to the pairs. I adopted a handicapped
blue and gold macaw named Buster. Several years later, the neighbor
decided to sell the aviary. I made a decision that has changed my life. I
bought the aviary and have been a "bird lady" ever since. When necessary,
I hand rear the chicks. You can see more of the birth of a green-wing
macaw here.
About Me...
My name is Gay Whitney and I have enjoyed pet birds since the early
'80s. In those days you were pretty much "winging it" since so little
information was out there and most of that was outdated. So I started
reading American Cage Bird, Bird Talk, joined the Raleigh-Durham Caged
Bird Society, attended conferences and asked lots of questions of other
breeders, pet bird owners, and got informed.
My husband, David, retired in 1998 and we moved from Fayetteville to
New Bern, N.C. to be nearer his sailboat, to relax in the small town
environment, and to enjoy the milder coastal weather. We live with four
cats, pet birds, breeding bird pairs, several handicapped birds… and a
few freeloaders who just need a happy place to live. We are still in the
process of restoring a Queen Anne style Victorian home built in 1895 and
located in the historic district of New Bern, NC.
I raise the types of birds which are my favorites and those which I
think make excellent pets, from the tiniest green-rump parrotlet (weighing
20 grams) to the larger macaws. I try to match the right bird to the right
owner. I don't want my sweet baby to get dumped from one home to the next
so I try to choose homes carefully. There are some people who need to buy
a porcelain or ceramic bird . Ceramic birds are quiet, don't throw seed
and pellets, don't splash water, and only require an occasional dusting.
They come in a wide selection of decorator colors. There are some with
batteries and a microchip who talk great.
Many people I talk with are good candidates for a loud, messy,
eatin', poopin', but lovin' parrot. I raise birds for the pet market
because I love birds, not to make a living, so I can choose to whom I want
to sell a bird. Bird ownership is not for everyone. I try to tactfully
explain the pros and cons of owning a pet bird. Did I mention that birds
are messy? Did I mention they may eat your woodwork or take a bite out of
an antique chair?
My birds are not the cheapest nor are they the most expensive. I have
provided health care over the years and vet-care. I feed premium seed
mixes, pellets, fruit and veggies. I provide toys and roomy caging. Some
pairs have been cared for more than ten years before they provided the
first baby chicks. I am also active in rearing handicapped birds that are
often abandoned by their owners. They hold a special place in my heart as
they make wonderful pets once you understand their special needs.
After I moved to New Bern, I closed the bird rooms to the general
public with surprising results. Some parrots laid eggs for the first time.
Others fed their chicks for the first time, thus telling me in their own
way that they don't like strangers in their space. Did I mention that
birds are noisy?
Buying the bird is just one expense. You will need a roomy cage which
may cost as much as the bird. You will need to purchase toys on a regular
basis. You will need to find a veterinarian experienced with treating
birds and take your bird for a "well-bird" check up prior to having that
first emergency. You will need a pet sitter who is comfortable caring for
a bird.
Unless you have plenty of experience, please buy a weaned baby
bird. Hand-feeding your own baby bird can be nerve wracking and downright
dangerous. They bond no better to the hand feeder than they do to the
loving future owners who come along and open their heart. In some cases I
know of, the hand feeder is the least favorite family member probably
because that person was not relaxed during the handfeeding and weaning
process. And it ties you down… you just can't skip a feeding to spend a
day shopping, etc.
Check out the rest of this website for more information on raising
birds and the specifics of birds that I breed.
I've introduced myself and hope you are willing to share a little
about yourself if you decide to contact me. With all that out of the
way…if you think you might be a good candidate for pet bird ownership,
feel free to call or e-mail me.
About Bird Fairs and Clubs...
Let's talk a little about bird clubs and bird fairs. There is an
excellent club in Raleigh, the Raleigh-Durham Caged Bird Society. This
club brings in many excellent speakers, even some known nationwide for
their expertise. Other months, the members may just hold panel discussions
to talk about personal experiences with the "bird of the month" for that
month. Come and meet people who share a common interest of pet birds. Lots
of good knowledge held by that group. When I was new to the world of pet
birds, I called on many of these friends when I had questions.
There are educational seminars offered all over the nation. A great one
is held each spring in Virginia and sponsored by Bird Clubs of
Virginia.
The Raleigh club hosts a bird fair each Memorial Day week-end. Check
out their web-site for more information.
The Raleigh club also sponsors a lovebird show and a cockatiel show
each year. Once again, a great place to go and learn.
Website development by:
© 2006 -2010 Gay Whitney
Last update: June 5, 2008
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