I am writing today to let you know what a wonderful breeder Christi is (the owner of Heavens Birds). I wanted to write this because I know how I felt when I began trying to find my new baby, Chappy. I was very uncomfortable and cautious about buying a bird over the internet. By the time I went to pick him up, however, I was completely at ease.

When I first wrote to Christi, I was basically writing to everyone, trying to find the bird I wanted. I had already had a few things fall through. I had spent over a hundred dollars on sexing of birds alone. I wanted a boy, and everyone said "no problem". The 1st guy told me he had to have a boy, he had a clutch of 4, so there should be 2 of each sex, and it was practically unheard of to have them all be the same sex. Lucky me - they were, and I paid to find out. I had another lady tell me that she could tell it was a boy because his head was bigger - wrong, another girl. I kept getting my hopes up, and getting them crushed. So believe me when I tell you I was worried.

Christi was my angel though - mine and Chappy's. Once she read my letters and realized how badly I wanted a little boy Indian Ringneck (1of many birds that she raises), she went out of her way to make sure I would get one. We made a great deal on the sexing, and arranged to meat 1/2 way on the trip to get the bird. All we had to do was wait to see if the ONE bird she had left (of Ringnecks) for the year was a boy or girl. I, after my luck, was positive it would be a girl. Christi kept communicating with me and giving me hope. After a few weeks of waiting, I got an email, it was a boy - I cried I was so happy.

Once we knew he was the bird I had been waiting for, Christi sent me pictures, and even called me so I could hear his voice. She wrote all the time and let me know how my "Chappy" was doing. Once she knew that he would be weaned soon, we made arrangements to meet. We both drove over 8 hours each way to meet and make this happen. Christi was absolutely wonderful. She was so sweet. She told me everything I needed to know, and made me feel like a close friend, not just a customer.

Of course, after everything, I was still a little worried. What if he didn't like me? What if he was a mean bird? Well, Christi told me ahead of time to not get discouraged, it might take him a while to adjust, especially with the long trip. She said he might not eat, and he might nip. How stupid were we....He came right out of his carrier(during the exchange) and gave me a kiss. As far as the eating - Chappy, miss a meal? I don't think so :-) This guy is so healthy, and so sweet. I knew from the moment he stepped on my hand that he was well taken care of and very loved. And I know Christi was relieved that he liked me too. The other thing I figured out quickly - as you will - is that Christi doesn't breed birds, she raises them. They aren't some little feathery things she feeds for a bit and then sells off. She puts her heart into every bird. They are like children to her. Its more of an adoption than it is a sales transaction.

I have had Chappy for about 2 1/2 months now, and we couldn't be happier. He sees me as his momma bird. He is talking to me now, he cries for me, and he snuggles up with me. I can't tell you how many nights this wonderful little boy has fallen asleep while I hold him and rub his head. Christi made this happen, and I will be forever grateful to her.

There is one last thing - something I never even told her, but something I think might show you how much I liked her and trusted her, even though we had never met. About 2 weeks after Christi and I started working together, before we even knew if it was a boy, and before I had sent the money to her, I got another email response. Someone else had a ringneck, a Lutino one, and a boy. They lived within a couple of hours of me, and it had already been sexed - all I had to do was pick him up (and pay for him of course). The price was about the same, minus travel expenses, and I would have gotten a bird much faster, but I said thanks, but no thanks. I had the cage, the toys, even some treats all ready. I had them for months, and could have filled them right away, but I didn't.

Christi cared so much about making sure I got my baby boy. She answered questions for even before she knew my story. I was just so comfortable with her that if I had to wait a few more months, or longer, it didn't matter. I knew she would come through, and I also knew that the bird I got from her would be well worth the wait, because she cared so much about where they ended up. I was right too.

If you have any questions about how things went, or if there is anything else I can say to make you more comfortable, please feel free to email me at cherylmayer@hotmail.com. If you want a healthy, happy, well cared for bird, Christi is the lady you should see. Her birds aren't just from Heaven, she is too.

Sincerely,

Cheri Mayer