❓ Common Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, financing, shipping, and caring for your bird from Morphnests.
Questions & Answers
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🐦 General
How do I buy a bird from Morphnests? Browse our available birds on the Shop page, then click Inquire Now or contact us directly via phone or Instagram. We’ll confirm availability and walk you through the deposit process. A deposit secures your bird while it finishes weaning.
Can I visit in person to see the birds? Yes — local pickup is always available. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re based in Southern California (Los Angeles area). Please book in advance so we can prepare your bird for pickup.
Can I reserve a baby bird that isn’t weaned yet? Absolutely. A deposit holds your bird during hand-feeding and weaning, which typically takes 10–14 weeks from hatching depending on species. We send regular photo and video updates throughout so you can watch your bird grow from day one.
How long is the waitlist for certain species? Availability varies by species and season. Common conures and cockatiels are available more frequently. Rarer species like Hawk-Headed Parrots or specific mutations may have waitlists. Contact us to check current availability or to get on the waitlist for your desired species.
What’s the difference between male and female parrots? Both sexes make equally wonderful pets. A few species show visible differences — Eclectus males are bright green while females are red and blue. For most species, DNA sexing is the only reliable method. See the DNA Sexing add-on on each product page if you’d like to know your bird’s sex.
💳 Payment & Financing
What payment methods do you accept? Ask Mo which payment method applies to your reservation and balance. For website add-on products, we accept credit/debit cards via Stripe. We also offer Klarna and Afterpay for split-payment financing on full bird purchases.
Do you offer Klarna or Afterpay financing? Yes! Morphnests accepts both Klarna and Afterpay, allowing you to split your purchase into interest-free installments. Select your preferred option at checkout. Klarna offers Pay in 4 or longer-term financing. Afterpay splits into 4 equal fortnightly payments — both interest-free when paid on time.
Why was my Klarna or Afterpay application declined?
Klarna and Afterpay make individual credit decisions based on your credit history, your account history with the service, the purchase amount, and how many active installment plans you currently have open.
A decline often simply means you have several BNPL plans running simultaneously, or this purchase exceeds your current spending limit. Each customer’s limit adjusts over time.
If declined:
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Try the other service (Klarna if Afterpay declined, or vice versa)
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Pay down open installment plans before reapplying
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Use Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal as an alternative
We cannot override Klarna or Afterpay’s decisions — they are independent financial services.
How does the deposit work?
Ask Mo for written reservation terms for the specific bird. Confirm the deposit amount, accepted payment method, balance due, and refund terms before paying.
Are deposits refundable? Deposits are generally non-refundable as they hold a bird off the market. However, if a bird passes away before delivery or develops a serious unexpected health issue, your deposit will be refunded in full or applied toward another bird of your choice. We handle every situation fairly.
Is DNA sexing included in the price? DNA sexing is an optional add-on for $45 — it is not included by default. Birds are not automatically sexed at purchase. If you’d like lab-certified documentation confirming your bird’s sex, select the DNA Sexing add-on on the product page before checkout. Results are provided once returned from the lab.
🩺 Health & Testing
What health testing do your birds receive?
All birds are raised in a clean, healthy environment. Morphnests conducts batch disease testing — approximately 1 in every 5 birds is tested to monitor the overall health of the flock and ensure all birds are disease-free.
If you want individual disease testing documentation for your specific bird, select the Disease Panel add-on ($75) on the product page. This covers PBFD, Polyomavirus, Psittacosis, and Chlamydia. Official lab results are provided only to customers who purchase this add-on.
Do birds come with a health guarantee? Yes — all birds come with a 3-day health guarantee. If your bird shows signs of illness within 3 days of receipt, contact us immediately with documentation from a certified avian veterinarian and we will work with you on a fair resolution. We strongly recommend scheduling a vet wellness check within the first week.
How do I find an avian vet near me? Find a certified avian veterinarian through the Association of Avian Veterinarians at aav.org. Not all vets have experience treating birds — finding one before your bird arrives home is strongly recommended.
✈️ Shipping
How do you ship birds? Ask Mo to confirm the carrier and route for your bird and ZIP code. USPS Priority Mail Express is only an option when the bird and shipment meet USPS requirements. Weather and carrier availability can affect scheduling.
Can you deliver to my state? Delivery depends on the bird, the destination, carrier eligibility, and weather. Ask Mo to confirm your ZIP code and whether home delivery or carrier pickup is available before reserving.
How much does shipping cost? Ask for a written quote for your bird and ZIP code. Confirm the carrier, any paperwork fees, and where you’ll receive the bird before you pay.
Can I pick up locally instead of shipping? Yes! Local pickup is always available and encouraged. We’re in the Los Angeles, Southern California area. Pickup is by appointment only — contact us to schedule.
🏠 After Purchase
What should I feed my new bird? Start with the same diet your bird was eating at Mo’s to avoid digestive upset — ask us before pickup or shipping. Generally: high-quality pellets 60–70%, supplemented daily with fresh vegetables, fruits, and limited seeds. We provide species-specific diet guidance with every purchase.
How do I introduce my bird to its new home? Give your bird 3–7 days to decompress quietly before introducing other pets, loud environments, or lots of guests. Let them explore their cage at their own pace. Speak softly, offer food and water, and avoid too much handling in the first few days. Patient introduction builds lifelong trust.
What cage size do I need?
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Cockatiels / Lovebirds: min. 20″W × 20″D × 24″H
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Conures / Caiques / Senegals: min. 24″W × 24″D × 30″H
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Amazons / African Greys: min. 36″W × 24″D × 48″H
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Macaws / Cockatoos: min. 36″W × 24″D × 60″H
Bar spacing must suit your species. Bigger is always better.
Do you offer support after the sale? Lifetime support is one of Mo’s core commitments. Whether you have questions about diet, behavior, training, or just want to share a cute video, we’re here. Reach Mo directly via phone, Instagram, or TikTok anytime.
🦜 Species & Pricing
How much do conures cost? Conures at Morphnests typically range from $275–$600 depending on species and color mutation. Green cheek conures are our most affordable, while sun conures and pineapple mutations are priced higher. All prices include hand-raising, weaning, and basic socialization. Contact us for current availability and pricing.
How much do African Grey parrots cost? African Grey parrots from Morphnests are typically priced at $2,500 (plus 10% California sales tax). Congo African Greys are the most common; Timneh African Greys are slightly smaller and often mature a bit faster. Both are known for exceptional talking ability and intelligence. Deposits are required to reserve a baby grey.
How much do macaws cost? Baby macaws at Morphnests range from $800–$3,500+ depending on species. Blue and Gold macaws and Green-winged macaws are our most popular. Harlequin and other hybrid macaws may be priced higher due to rarity. All macaws are hand-raised and fully weaned before going home.
What is the best parrot for a first-time owner? For first-time bird owners, we typically recommend cockatiels, green cheek conures, or lovebirds. These species are affectionate, manageable in size, and adapt well to home life. Cockatiels are especially gentle. Larger parrots like macaws and African greys are better suited for experienced owners who understand their complex needs.
Do you sell budgies or parakeets? Our primary focus is on hand-raised medium to large parrots. We occasionally have hand-raised budgerigars (budgies) and parrotlets available. Contact us directly to ask about current availability of smaller species.
What is the lifespan of the parrots you sell? Lifespans vary widely by species: cockatiels live 15–25 years, conures 20–30 years, African greys and Amazons 40–60+ years, and macaws and cockatoos can live 60–80+ years. Bringing home a parrot is a lifelong commitment — we encourage every buyer to research the lifespan before purchasing.
🎓 Training & Behavior
Will my new parrot talk? Talking ability depends heavily on species. African Greys, Amazon parrots, and Indian Ringnecks are among the best talkers. Conures, cockatiels, and lovebirds can learn words but have smaller vocabularies. All our birds are socialized to be comfortable with humans, which helps with training. Consistent interaction and repetition are key.
How do I bond with my new parrot? Start slow: let your bird settle for 2–3 days before handling. Offer treats by hand, speak softly, and spend time near the cage without forcing interaction. Daily one-on-one time outside the cage is the fastest way to build trust. Our hand-raised birds are already people-friendly, so bonding usually happens quickly.
My new bird is biting — what should I do? Some biting in the first days is normal as your bird adjusts. Never pull back sharply — say a firm “No” and put the bird back in its cage briefly. Reward calm behavior with treats. Most biting stops within 1–2 weeks as the bird bonds with you. Contact Mo for species-specific training tips.
Do you offer training support after purchase? Yes! Mo personally provides lifetime support to every buyer. You can reach us via phone, Instagram DM, or TikTok with any questions about behavior, diet, or training. We want your bird to thrive in its new home and are always happy to help.
Still have a question?
We’re always happy to help. Reach out and Mo will get back to you personally.