Another pet shop closing its doors

[marleen4]

You may remember from a previous post that the pet shop I used for selling my birds closed down in January. They gave me plenty of notice, and I got a new contact with another shop. I rang them yesterday to sell some birds, and they closed down 3 weeks ago! I live in South Auckland, and 4 shops have closed down over the last year or so. There is only one store left that is reasonably close (about 30 km!) that buys budgies. I won't be able to sell my Chinese quails and diamond doves anymore, unless I go to Henderson, which is about 70 km and not worth the trip.

Reason for all of this in my opinion is the new chain Animates, with 10 large stores throughout Auckland. They are pushing the smaller shops out of the market, and "battery" breed their own stock. They don't buy from breeders like myself.

So... anyone interested in some baby quails and diamond doves, to be picked up in New Zealand? I also have some budgies looking for a new home.

I have decided to split my female and male quails to avoid new off spring. I'm not sure yet what to do about the doves. As Animates do not stock these animals their genetic variety may slowly disappear from this part of the world. The other option of course is the NZ e-bay (Trade Me), and I saw that Nev is using them. He has some lovely lacewing Lutinos for sale at the moment. Perhaps he can explain how successful this is?

Okay, this is my rant for the day. I'm trying not to be too disappointed and to look for solutions. Sigh....

[marleen4]

Apr 20, 2013 21:42:32 GMT marleen4 said:

You may remember from a previous post that the pet shop I used for selling my birds closed down in January. They gave me plenty of notice, and I got a new contact with another shop. I rang them yesterday to sell some birds, and they closed down 3 weeks ago! I live in South Auckland, and 4 shops have closed down over the last year or so. There is only one store left that is reasonably close (about 30 km!) that buys budgies. I won't be able to sell my Chinese quails and diamond doves anymore, unless I go to Henderson, which is about 70 km and not worth the trip.

Reason for all of this in my opinion is the new chain Animates, with 10 large stores throughout Auckland. They are pushing the smaller shops out of the market, and "battery" breed their own stock. They don't buy from breeders like myself.

So... anyone interested in some baby quails and diamond doves, to be picked up in New Zealand? I also have some budgies looking for a new home.

I have decided to split my female and male quails to avoid new off spring. I'm not sure yet what to do about the doves. As Animates do not stock these animals their genetic variety may slowly disappear from this part of the world. The other option of course is the NZ e-bay (Trade Me), and I saw that Nev is using them. nev90 has some lovely lacewing Lutinos for sale at the moment. Perhaps he can explain how successful this is?

Okay, this is my rant for the day. I'm trying not to be too disappointed and to look for solutions. Sigh....

I'm trying to send this message to Nev, I hope it works!

[charlied]

Oh no, that's such a shame. It seems large chains everywhere are putting the smaller shops out of business & making allot more profit too... They have no shame :-(

[Hezz]

Not good, Marleen! I can understand your frustration ........ are you able to advertise them locally? Our local paper has a very active pet section, especially on the weekend and budgies are often advertised by their breeder. This is my first port of call when on the hunt for a new bird. One fellow has a little sandwich-board sign he put out the front of this house, and he must do all right as he is forever taking it back in again as he sells them. Good luck. I hope you have success one way or the other and can keep breeding your birds.

[Nicola]

We have plenty of pet shops around us. We have 3 about 15 mins away (1 only sells toys/equipment for all animals and fish) and 1 about 20 mins. I think it's bad that some places have lots and some none. I'm glad we have some pet shops but they really need to make sure that everywhere has at least 1. Good luck selling your birds and quails. I know somewhere will snatch them up

Nicola