Natacha wrote:Ok...so it seems to me that you are considering either the Senegal or the Sun Conure because they are available now and the upfront cost of each of them is relatively on the low side (why specify cost otherwise..)
Now, do tell, what ARE you LOOKING for in a second bird?
If neither of these birds was available now, what species would you be looking at? What are you looking for in a bird??
Senegal and Sun Conures are totally different type of birds. Quite honestly, when I was looking for my second parrot before looking at species I drew up a list of what I wanted in a bird. My requirements suited the Senegal much MUCH more than any type of Conure.
Put the money factor on the side and for the moment, forget that these two birds are available now. What you should focus on now is what you want in a second bird before buying one.
This is sage advice. Also, while it may be nice that the upfront cost is less, do not forget that the cost of maintenance for a "second hand bird" is exactly the same as a store bought one if not even more (possibly medical or behavioral issues that require additional costs). Considering how much the yearly cost of keeping a parrot is, the cost savings in the long run are virtually non-existent.
If a parrot costs $500 retail but you get it for $250 "second hand" but still at a young age. You are only saving 1% in the long run. Let's give it a conservative estimate that it lives 25 years. At a very modest $250 a year in maintenance costs that is $12,500 over the estimated span of life. $12,750 vs $13,000 is practically nothing. And if that bird happens to have any problems (as result of second hand) that necessitate even just one serious vet visit, the savings would be instantly lost. So the point I am trying to make (and it's not just to you or in any way to discourage you) is that people should NEVER get a rehomed parrot thinking it is for the sake of saving money.
