I am fairly new to the taxidermy world but I feel like I've been taken. I bought 2 captive raised male mandarins from a breeder off this sight. One of the drakes looks perfectk, but the other is missing the big tan feather that sticks off his back on one side. I don't want to mention the breeders name yet because I just E-mailed him and he hasn't had a chance to reply yet. I just paid 50 dollars a piece for them and think he should have let me know some feathers were missing. Am I right or wrong in this case. I really would like to know your opinion. Thanks in advance for any responces.
(for all I know some of these ducks may be one sided)
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I can truthfully say that I have never been completely satisfied with any pen raised bird I have bought from a breeder. Either the birds are genetic freaks, too small or too big, feathers missing(like in your case), or the breeder can't seem to mail your package to right address! It's usually a cluster f*#@ and not worth the money! You are best off finding somebody locally where you can see what you are buying! Good Luck!
I have also purchased birds this year here from breeders on the forum.I got 2 mountain quail, one was unmountable and smelled.I got 2 mandarins, one was good, the other was trash from 2 different breeders.After my complaining the guy sent me another better one and said he accidentally addressed the wrong box and I believe he simply made a mistake.I got a golden pheasant that was real good.I found a real good deal on some live quail but when they arrived they were so beat up from flying in the box it wasnt worth it.Always try to have them email you some photos of the birds if you can but that isnt always a sure thing either.I agree with the other guy who says local breeders are your best bet.
I bought a Greater Scaup drake, and a pair of Wood Ducks from Dave Almgren. They were perfect specimens. Shipped in 2'thick stryofoam box, 2 gel paks, and box completely wrapped with duct tape. Will buy again with complete confidence.
We have always gotten great birds from Jeff. He raises alot of birds and is also a taxidermist so he knows what to look for. we have bought a lot of mandrins from him and if we bought a 3-4 year old mandran that is exactly what we got. his e-mail address is DuckboyOregon@aol.com