Dubai Birds – Premium Exotic Birds in Dubai

    Hand-raised vs imported birds in the UAE — what's the difference?

    Hand-raised at the seller

    Option A

    Hand-raised at the seller

    Imported / parent-raised

    Option B

    Imported / parent-raised

    Almost every bird sold in the UAE is one of two things: hand-raised by the seller from a young age, or imported from a foreign breeder and sold on. The difference shows up in the bird's temperament, its health risk, and the paperwork that comes with it. This is the single most important question to ask any bird seller — including us.

    Our recommendation

    Choose a hand-raised bird if you want a bonded, socialised companion that's already comfortable with humans and a known feeding history. Choose an imported / parent-raised bird only if you have rescue or breeding experience, you're prepared for an extended quarantine period, and the seller can produce a clean import licence and post-quarantine vet certificate.

    Side-by-side

    AttributeHand-raised at the sellerImported / parent-raised
    SocialisationSocialised to humans from hatchling stageVariable — often human-shy
    Health riskLow — known feeding history + recent vet checkHigher — quarantine + import-stress related illnesses
    PaperworkHealth certificate + CITES (where applicable)Should include import licence + post-quarantine cert
    Time to bond with new ownerDays to weeksMonths
    PriceHigher (reflects months of care)Lower (often a re-sale)
    Suitable for first-time ownersYesNo — needs experienced handler

    Frequently asked

    How do I tell if a bird was really hand-raised?
    Ask the seller (a) how old the bird was when it arrived in their care, (b) what they were feeding it, and (c) for a video of the bird stepping up onto a human hand. A genuine hand-raised bird will perform a step-up, take food from a hand, and tolerate close human contact without alarm calls.
    Is buying an imported bird illegal in the UAE?
    No — provided the import paperwork (licence and post-quarantine veterinary certificate) is in order. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is the issuing authority. Birds sold without paperwork should be treated with extreme caution.
    Why are hand-raised birds more expensive?
    Hand-raising means feeding a chick by hand every 2–4 hours for weeks, then weaning, socialising, and vet-checking before sale. The price reflects three to six months of intensive care.

    Still not sure?

    Send us a WhatsApp with a few details about your home — apartment vs villa, hours at home, who else lives there — and we’ll recommend the right bird in 5 minutes.

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