Orange Bird Sale Review

[akasha]

I wasn’t sure where to post this, but I’ve put it in the Australia forum as I attended from the viewpoint of a zoo nerd scoping out what species would be readily available to Aussie zoos should they choose to display more avifauna.

The Orange Bird Sale is held annually, attracting vendors from all over the state. It was held on 04.03.2023 at the PCYC indoor courts. Entry cost $2.

There were over a hundred vendors and thousands of birds available for sale, both exotics and natives.

A mix of people attended, including those who are serious about aviculture, people looking for a pet, and also lots of people like myself who just like to have a look at the spectacular birds on display. Members of the public are encouraged to attend just to look.

In a way, it’s better than a trip to the zoo in that many more species can be viewed and at very close range. I would have loved to take photos, but it felt a bit rude so I didn’t.

The birds on offer ranged from $15 Japanese Quail to $8,500 for a pair of African Grey Parrot.

A few exotic birds that caught my interest were a pair of Yellow-streaked Lory, some of the smaller macaw species, the tiny waxbills, and some beautiful blue morph Kakariki.

As expected, most of the natives offered were parrots and finches, but I also saw Crimson Chat, a pair of White-winged Fairywren, Painted Button-quail and Red-chested Button-quail for sale.

Of course a big part of the appeal of the bird sale is also the morphs that are available. There were some stunning birds on offer. Some of my favourites were pied Elegant Parrots, silver Crimson Rosella and rosy Bourke’s Parrots.

Below is a list of exotics I can recall seeing, I know there were plenty of others as well. (Most birds aren’t labelled, it’s expected if you’re serious about buying you will know what you are looking at). Some of these birds I’d never seen before, so it was a great opportunity to view them.

Japanese Quail
White-breasted Ground-dove
Ruddy Ground-dove
Namaqua Dove
Chattering Lory
Black-capped Lory
Dusky Lory
Yellow-streaked Lory
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Green-winged Macaw
Yellow-collared Macaw
Red-shouldered Macaw
Blue-fronted Amazon
Red-lored Amazon
Lilac-crowned Amazon
Yellow-crowned Amazon
Double Yellow-headed Amazon
Yellow-naped Amazon
Sun Conure
Monk Parakeet
White-bellied Caique
Black-headed Caique
African Grey Parrot
Senegal Parrot
Masked Lovebird
Peach-faced Lovebird
Moustached Parrot
Derbyan Parakeet
Alexandrine Parakeet
Indian Ring-necked Parakeet
Yellow-crowed Kakariki
Red-crowned Kakariki
Cuban Finch
Red-throated Parrot-finch
Orange-cheeked Waxbill
Orange-breasted Waxbill
Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu
Blue-capped Cordon-bleu
European Goldfinch
European Siskin
Orange Bishop
Napoleon Weaver

I wonder why Aussie zoos don’t take advantage of this species availability more? There are certainly opportunities here for some vivid displays to be created at a relatively low cost and with simple enough husbandry.

I’d also like to say that I was very impressed with the quality of the birds. Yes, they are in small carry boxes/cages, but I didn’t see any birds that showed signs of illness or distress. Well done to the organisers and vendors!

If anyone has any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them

 

[Josh F]

I think a potential answer to your question about utilising what's available from the private sector is that at the very least many of the Gov-funded zoos (the majors if you will) have a tendency to avoid dealing with private sector animals. This is very likely to be different with the privately owned zoos that have more freedom around the acquisition of species.

 

[animal_expert01]

Interesting to hear European siskin are still around. Old posts on various forums suggest they were nearly gone from aviculture even in the early 2000s.

 

[MRJ]

I wonder why Aussie zoos don’t take advantage of this species availability more? There are certainly opportunities here for some vivid displays to be created at a relatively low cost and with simple enough husbandry.

Australian zoos do get most of their parrots from private breeders. Very few are set up for breeding in zoos, and the only parrot species with a program is the orange-bellied parrot. They often work directly with breeders or through the avicultural societies. However the tendency these days is for fewer and fewer aviaries, so fewer birds and species are required. Interesting report, thanks.

 

[DDcorvus]

There was an interesting collection of birds on offer indeed. The most expensive birds on sale though was a pair x split blue Pionites melanocephalus for which that asking price was $15.000.

And I have had discussions with colleagues, about why there are no more kakariki enclosures in zoos outside New Zealand. Even if there are less aviaries this is one of the species where an interesting story can be told and a species that is attractive for visitors. Plus the husbandry is very easy. The main problem would be to limit breeding but for the rest they could fit in many collections.

 

[Astrobird]

Was there any pheasants or waterfowl there?

 

[akasha]

Was there any pheasants or waterfowl there?

No, it’s a sale for parrots, finches and softbills. There are plenty of other poultry auctions held where pheasants and domestic waterfowl are available. I’ve also seen NZ Scaup offered at auction in Goulburn.