FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do you ship birds/chicks?
- In most cases we do not ship birds. There are some cases where we can but it is determined by amount you want and your location. Best is to email with your information and we'll get back with you.
Can I purchase eggs?
- We do not sell eggs of any exotic species. We do sell Runner/Mallard, chicken and domestic quail eggs when we have extra however; most of these are sold locally. During the breeding season if the birds are laying well and we have surplus we do put them up for auction on eBay.
Do you sell ducklings?
- Most ducklings are easy to raise but we do not ship any Ornamental waterfowl or Call Ducklings until they are juveniles. We can ship ducklings from our Khaki Campbell, Muscovy, Runner and Mallards but shipping depends on location and quantity you want.
Will the birds be pinioned or full winged? Can you pinion them for me?
- We do not pinion adult birds because this procedure requires the removal of part of the wing. We will only pinion day olds which is easily done at this young age. The birds will have minimal pain and stress. Each year we do pinion a small number of common species such as Mallard or Muscovy so these pinioned birds may be available. If you prefer pinioned birds we will try to fill your request.
Can I get a picture of the actual birds I am buying?
- This is an extremely difficult request for 2 reasons: 1. Catching birds just to photograph them causes needless stress to them and the other birds in their enclosure. 2. When birds are ready for sale, distinguishing those specific birds from all of the others that are identical to them would be near impossible. It would most likely involve catching many birds and try to find some small identifying mark to make a positive id of the photographed birds. Most ornamental birds once they acquire their adult plumage have virtually no difference between individuals of the same species and color.. The pictures on our web site are of our breeder stock and describe the birds that we sell. We can send a photo of some of this years hatch of the species that you request. Your birds would most likely be pictured in the group.
What should I feed my new birds?
- All of our Gamebirds are feed an 18% Gamebird pellet. Waterfowl are feed Kent Multi-flock and Layer Mash. Chickens are feed Layer Mash. If similar feed is not available in your area a chicken layer pellet is a good substitute. All of these can be mixed with grain or fed on its own. Grains that we use are wheat, corn and milo. All of our ducklings are started on Kent Waterfowl Starter. All other chicks, poults, keets, and peachicks are started on Kent Chick Starter.
Do I need a permit to own any of these birds?
- Each state has different requirements based upon the species and breed you are purchasing. It is best to check with your Department of Natural Recourses and ask if a permit is required. Some species you do have to buy a permit if you wish to sell them, this normally pertains to animals that are native to North America. Wood Ducks usually require a permit if you choose to sell their offspring because they are a native North American species, but Mandarins do not since they are native to China. The permits are normally easy to obtain however there will be a fee involved. We currently hold both State and Federal permits for all mammals, waterfowl and gamebirds that require them.
Is shipping dangerous to my birds?
- While there is always a risk when shipping birds there rarely are any problems when done properly. We make every effort to ensure your birds are only shipped under safe conditions. For more information on our shipping policies please see our "Ordering" page.
Do you ship mammals?
- Some mammals can be shipped, however, by law they can only be shipped via Airline to the nearest major airport. Animals must be shipped in approved containers and since most of the mammals we sell would chew or tear through a cardboard box, approved shipping containers for mammals are expensive for both you and us. Most small mammals we cannot ship as their is no approved shipping container available within reasonable price. We currently only offer Fox's, Opossum, Raccoon and Gray Squirrel's for shipping. The buyer will pay for the container and all shipping costs, Hillview will pay $25.00 towards the total cost of health/export papers.
If I place my birds on open water, instead of in an enclosure will they fly away?
- Full winged birds can most certainly fly and most likely will if turned loose immediately. We recommend when purchasing birds that you keep them penned up for at least 1 week so they can become accustomed to their new home. Birds that are pinioned or feather clipped stand a much less chance of leaving. Feather clipping does not hurt the bird in any way but does render them flightless until their next molt so they will need protection from predators. To properly feather clip a bird you will cut the primary (long wing feathers) on one wing only. We can Feather Clip any bird upon request at any time.