I want to go get this lovebird...

[HeatherFeather]

$50 for her and her cage. I called about her, was ready with my shoes laced and everything to bolt out the door for her but they said she's not tame and she bites. =( I am tempted to go get her anyway because I'd hate for her to be sold to a family who doesn't think to ask the obvious questions, brings her home, then lets her sit there or turns right around to rehome her because she isn't "nice."

How many of you would go get her and how many would let it go?

[kaylayuh]

Considering I'm in the same predicament and am waiting for the call telling me whether or not I can have her... I would do it. But I would only do it if you feel confident enough in your bird raising abilities to deal with an essentially wild bird.

[Michael]

It doesn't really matter what others would do. It really depends on your situation and how experienced you are with that species and those kinds of problems. But, don't let the price impact your decision at all. Believe me, you'll probably spend more on supplies in a year than the price of a handfed lovebird, cage, and the whole deal. Only get the bird if you are completely ready and feel it is the right bird for you.

[HeatherFeather]

I have a friend who has an amazing red/blue macaw and it just saddens me that he's so mean and they will never tame him again. He used to be halfway decent when they first got him. (They're not his original owners, it's nobodies fault.)

I just would not want this girl to be in that situation too; never able to be tamed again. It's a gamble but I know she could be happy and content here even if I could never have a bond with her....

Hmm.. maybe I really should..

[HeatherFeather]

It's not about the price, I will most definitely spend more than that over the course of time, besides, if I do get this bird or not it won't affect me spending another hundred or so in a few weeks on my weanling.

[Michael]

No problem. I just wasn't sure why you mentioned it so wanted to say that just in case. I know some people get all round eyed when they hear about a cheap/free parrot and don't realize that will end up having to spend way more than what the parrot would have cost full price. That shouldn't be a reason to do it. But if you feel it's the right bird for you and you are the right owner for the bird, then go for it. That relationship is priceless

[kaylayuh]

I just would not want this girl to be in that situation too; never able to be tamed again. It's a gamble but I know she could be happy and content here even if I could never have a bond with her....

Hmm.. maybe I really should..

If you do, are you committed to keeping this bird and working with this bird even through the loss of blood and skin?
If the bird never bonds with you, are you okay with that?
Will you be able to provide adequate amounts of time outside of the cage to a bird that is unpredictable and may be difficult to control?


When I called about my potential fourth bird, I was told essentially the same thing. The bird was really bonded to the woman's daughter but the daughter got a cockatiel and the lovebird got very aggressive. The lovebird was rehomed to the girl's parents and she bonded with the mother. After two or three years, the bird ended up bonding with the father and biting the mother any time she would try to handle her. On top of that all, she's hormonal and has laid eggs.

Now ask yourself, how equipped are you to deal with those problems for the next 15 to 20 years? What happens if the bird turns out to be a screamer? If she doesn't get along with other birds already in the house? If she bites you any time you try to handle her?

[HeatherFeather]

Oh absolutely. The noise factor is the only thing I really need to consider, simply for myself, and I'm not worried about the rest. The only thing (save the possible screaming noise) that worries me, or rather bums me out, is the probability that she won't ever bond with me. I could accommodate, but it would just kinda stink.

And I mean, it's Craig's List... I fear for where else she would go!

It's time to weigh pros and cons!

ETA:
They said she was three. For the pros out there is that too old to rehabilitate a meanie?

[kaylayuh]

The only thing (save the possible screaming noise) that worries me, or rather bums me out, is the probability that she won't ever bond with me. I could accommodate, but it would just kinda stink.

I have two budgies that will never bond with me. It does suck and I wish they would, but they are just not tame-able. It does make me happy that they're healthy and active and appear to be happy. If you don't think you could deal with having a bird that prefers not to be handled, then this bird isn't for you. But if you can commit to providing all of the things you would for the birds that are bonded to you, I don't think getting her is a bad thing.

[HeatherFeather]

So true.. so true.. Besides, I never know. Three years old leaves a lot of room for possibilities.

I will keep you guys posted!


(I need to stay off CL!)