Help, problems with buying a cockatiel.

[CrazzMc]

Okay, so today I went to the local pet store and I saw 3 cockatiels there, I wanted a Lutino and it was there however these cockateils are $150! Last time I saw cockatiels at this pet store they were $75. So I don't know whats going on but I guess these birds are in demand.

I asked the store owner and she said that these cockatiels were about a year old. (I really couldn't see them as I left my contacts in all night and had no glasses and an eye infection. [They are in cages behind a 8 inch thick glass and I didn't go inside because I didn't want to infect any of the birds.]) I was worried, because I wanted a younger cockatiel so I could train and tame it easier. Will I have problems taming and training this one?

Here's the next scenario, about an hour away there is a "Parrot Only Pet Store" they have a baby Lutino that Hatched July 2011. Its all ready weaned but the problem is that I called the store up and the girl who worked there said that I'd have to come down a couple of times and get used to the bird and make sure that I was a right fit for it, but its an hour drive there and an hour drive back and I cant get my license for another 3 months [so my mom would have to drive me]. And the bird is $125.

Is it worth spending another 6-7 hours? and gas price for a baby cockatiel that is already quite tame?

or

Can I easily tame a year old cockatiel and save about 6 hours of driving and not to mention about $100 on gas price?

Thanks everyone!

-Raj

[GlassOnion]

I would actually look on Craigslist or Kijiji for a young, tame Cockatiel. That's how I got my Apple, and he's the cutest thing in the world. He only costed me $40.

[CrazzMc]

I would actually look on Craigslist or Kijiji for a young, tame Cockatiel. That's how I got my Apple, and he's the cutest thing in the world. He only costed me $40.

Connecticut sucks no one sells cockatiels here for cheap. I've seen some breeders (privately) and they honestly don't take good care and just breed for money, most weren't even weaned but even on Kijiji, theres nothing near me.

Craigslist is always empty too.

[GlassOnion]

Put up an ad looking for a young Cockatiel Doesn't have to be a baby, my tiel was 4years old when I got him and we bonded right away. And he whistles everyday!

[CrazzMc]

Put up an ad looking for a young Cockatiel Doesn't have to be a baby, my tiel was 4years old when I got him and we bonded right away. And he whistles everyday!

aww thats awesome I actually found a person who sells conures on kijiji who only lives half an hour away, if i get a good price i might go see those

I've been looking for a bird for a while now my cage and toys have been sitting in my room for days w/o a bird cant wait to either or or

[cml]

6,7hrs for a bird that lives for decades and will be your friend for that time? That time spent is nothing compared to the responsibility that comes with a bird.

[CrazzMc]

6,7hrs for a bird that lives for decades and will be your friend for that time? That time spent is nothing compared to the responsibility that comes with a bird.

If I was driving it wouldn't be a problem, I do have some respect for my family as well. They aren't waiting on me 24/7.

[cml]

6,7hrs for a bird that lives for decades and will be your friend for that time? That time spent is nothing compared to the responsibility that comes with a bird.

If I was driving it wouldn't be a problem, I do have some respect for my family as well. They aren't waiting on me 24/7.

There is nothing disrespectful (no need to go on the defensive, i am sorry if you took it the wrong way) about asking them to drive you, infact as Im trying to explain in this post, its about making sure that you pay your parents proper respect, that they are okay with you getting the bird, because it will affect them as well.

Since you live at home they will be a part of the birds new life, and its good if they are interested in him as well! =) And, I dont know how old you are but not having moved out, its highly likely that they will probably share part of the responsibility for your new pet.

I do wish you the best of luck, but honestly, a few visits to get to know the bird is nothing but a GOOD thing . Then you will have an inkling of its personality and have a chance to really consider whether you want the bird or not, because its a big commitment.

Good luck, Im sure it will work out =).

[Cage Cleaner]

$125 for a cockatiel is ridiculous. Craigslist, or adopt one. Or, find a bird fair and go barter down the price. Green cheeks go for $80 at bird fairs. There is no good reason a cockatiel would go for $125 anywhere.

[Bobioden]

Green cheeks go for $80 at bird fairs.

Not around Colorado they don't. $225 is the starting price for a Normal, I paid $299 for my Yellow Sided. Turquoise and Pineapple are usually $350.