1. Check availability
Available birds are shown on the home page and on our BirdsNow listing. Status may include Available, Coming Soon, Reserved, or Sold.
Before you reserve
Everything you need to know
Kensington Aviary is a small Maryland aviary focused on well-socialized, hand-fed cockatiels and parakeets. Click any section below to expand.
2. Ask questions first
Text or email us with the bird tag/name, preferred sex, pickup timing, and any mutation or temperament preference.
3. Visit — in person or virtually
In-person visits are welcome so you can meet and interact with the birds. Virtual visits via WhatsApp or FaceTime can also be arranged. Just reach out to schedule!
4. Reservation
A bird may be marked Reserved after a deposit or confirmed arrangement. Pickup timing should be agreed upon in advance.
Once we have confirmed availability together, you may place a deposit on our Reservation Deposit page.
5. Pickup
Pickup within the agreed timeframe — usually when the bird is 8 to 10 weeks old. We are based in Kensington, MD 20815.
6. Delivery
Delivery is possible but not preferred. It will be arranged case by case depending on location and availability.
🍼 Optional early hand-feeding arrangement
Most babies leave Kensington Aviary only after they are fully weaned and eating independently, usually around 8 to 10 weeks old. In limited cases, if you already have hand-feeding experience or are seriously willing to learn and follow proper instructions, we may discuss an earlier pickup on a case-by-case basis. This must be agreed upon by both parties before an unweaned baby can be taken home.
Unweaned babies may bond especially closely with the person who continues their feeding, because feeding is a major source of comfort, trust, and daily interaction at this age. Around 6 weeks old, cockatiels are usually more feathered, stronger, and more aware of people than very young chicks, and many are already beginning to nibble soft foods, millet, and seed while still needing formula support. This can make the transition easier than caring for a very young chick, but hand-feeding still requires careful attention to formula temperature, feeding amount, crop emptying, cleanliness, and daily monitoring.
For approved early hand-feeding arrangements, we will provide starter hand-feeding formula, feeding syringes, silicone shield nipples, and practical guidance on feeding schedule, formula preparation, safe feeding technique, and transition to independent eating.
Early pickup is only considered when we are confident the new owner understands the responsibility and both parties agree that the arrangement is appropriate.
What is included
- Hand-fed and daily-handled baby cockatiel — tame and human-bonded
- DNA sexing result when applicable
- Basic transition guidance for food, housing, and handling
- Clear status information before pickup
Weaning diet
Our baby cockatiels are weaned onto a varied, nutritious diet:
- Mixed seeds (primary staple)
- Millet sprays (encourages independent eating)
- Baby spinach (fresh greens)
- Apple slices (hydrating supplement)
Continue this diet after pickup, then gradually introduce pellets and vegetables.
Health policy
If a licensed veterinarian diagnoses an illness within 7 days after pickup, contact us promptly with documentation. We will work with you on a refund or replacement.
Contact an avian vet if a bird appears weak, inactive, injured, or ill.
Laboratory screening before placement
Each clutch of babies is screened through professional avian diagnostic laboratories before placement. Our routine clutch-level screening includes Avian Polyomavirus (APV), Avian Bornavirus/PDD-associated virus (ABV), Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), Chlamydia psittaci/Psittacosis, and Avian Herpesvirus/Pacheco’s disease.
Pooled PCR testing
For each clutch, we randomly select several babies, usually around six, and collect small blood samples for pooled laboratory testing. The pooled samples are tested using highly sensitive PCR molecular diagnostics for pathogen detection. Only babies from clutches with negative screening results are made available for new homes.
We recommend saving an emergency option before you need one. The first two are closest for routine care.
| Clinic | Notes | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Wheaton Animal HospitalClosest | Sees cockatiels, parakeets, and parrots. Wellness exams, nail/beak trims, diagnostics, respiratory and nutritional care. Dr. Gary Schwartz experienced with exotics. | 2929 University Blvd W, Kensington, MD 20895 301-949-1520 |
| Neighborhood Veterinary AssociatesAvian/Exotic | Avian/exotic practice in Clarksburg. New-pet exams, disease screening, lab testing, husbandry/nutrition consultation, and some mobile avian/exotic services. | 22750 New Cut Rd Unit D2, Clarksburg, MD 20871 240-912-6144 |
| Best Friends' Veterinary Hospital | Gaithersburg option. Dr. Victoria M. Hollifield listed by the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Call ahead to confirm bird appointment availability. | 7600 Lindbergh Dr Ste H, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301-977-1881 |
| Forestville Veterinary and Bird Hospital | Bird-focused practice. Avian medicine and surgery, disease testing (Psittacosis, PBFD, Pacheco's), imaging, grooming, hospitalization, and wellness care. | 7307 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747 301-736-5288 |
| Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services (SEAVS) | Specialist option in Fairfax. Dr. Scott Stahl is DABVP Avian Practice. Best for complex cases. | 4105 Rust Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-281-3750 |
| Pender Exotics / Pender Fairfax24/7 | Emergency/specialty backup. Exotics department with 24-hour care for hospitalized exotic patients and 24/7 emergency care. | 4001 Legato Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033 703-654-3100 |
| VEG GeorgetownEmergency Only | 24-hour emergency clinic near DC/Chevy Chase. Sees birds and exotics, no appointment needed. Call ahead to confirm bird-capable staff are present. | Georgetown, DC 24/7 emergency |
Information is provided as a convenience and may change. Always call ahead to confirm availability and that the clinic currently sees birds.
Looking for a future baby? Join our waiting list or contact us with your preference.