Help, problems with buying a cockatiel.

[TheNzJessie]

please if price is an issue dont get a bird they cost thousands to keep over their lifetime.

[Shelby]

I agree with Jessie. And don't just get a GCC or a sun because they're similar in size to a cockatiel. All 3 birds have different personalities and noise levels. Really research each species and discuss with your family which is best for your lifestyle. And it really is worth visiting your potential bird before purchasing it. Even when buying any other animal, most people visit them at the store/shelter at least once before bringing them home, to get to know them and see if they are friendly. An hour drive is not really too bad. It's a good trip to make on a Saturday, when you have leisure to really get acquainted with the bird. I live in NH and EVERYTHING is an hour away, so maybe I'm just used to it. If nothing else, it's a great chance to chat with your parents!

[CrazzMc]

please if price is an issue dont get a bird they cost thousands to keep over their lifetime.

It isnt an issue as I have already bought it, the problem or question with the 'price' was why are cockatiels so expensive all of a sudden, thats all I wanted to know...

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 =).

Thanks, I actually went to both pet stores and saw both birds, I really liked the baby cockatiel that was about $125 and it was quite happy, then I saw the other cockatiel at the pet store. It was really aggressive and honestly quite unhappy as the pet store doesn't take full care of the smaller birds only of the Greys, and the Amazons. So, I decided to buy the cockatiel from the pet store. Its a little aggressive and a bit scared but already on the second day its eating from my hand so I think we will get along just fine

Thanks for all your posts and tips! And if I saw a GCC for $80 I'd buy it in a heartbeat but unfortunately the breeder that I have here sells them for a whopping $450 which again I thought was quite high. I guess birds in CT are just more expensive because they aren't readily available as much.

[CrazzMc]

I agree with Jessie. And don't just get a GCC or a sun because they're similar in size to a cockatiel. All 3 birds have different personalities and noise levels. Really research each species and discuss with your family which is best for your lifestyle. And it really is worth visiting your potential bird before purchasing it. Even when buying any other animal, most people visit them at the store/shelter at least once before bringing them home, to get to know them and see if they are friendly. An hour drive is not really too bad. It's a good trip to make on a Saturday, when you have leisure to really get acquainted with the bird. I live in NH and EVERYTHING is an hour away, so maybe I'm just used to it. If nothing else, it's a great chance to chat with your parents!

I was leaning towards a cockatiel and I did get it, however I have always admired a sun conure, but I saw a few videos and the sun conure was quite loud (compared to what I heard from a cockatiel and my parakeets) so I took that out and I haven't seen a GCC in CT for a decent price so I didn't get that either.

[Khaiqha]

Sometimes the costs are worth it. My friend just got a tiel for 150. He looked at two stores, one which had one for 70. They both hand fed and bred their own birds.

The $70 birds were never bathed, didn't have access to full spectrum lights, ate only seed, weren't handled often, had broken feathers, etc.

The $150 birds were in perfect feather, had full spectrum lighting, ate seeds, pellets and veg, practically did what they could to jump on you and play with you, etc.

[CrazzMc]

Sometimes the costs are worth it. My friend just got a tiel for 150. He looked at two stores, one which had one for 70. They both hand fed and bred their own birds.

The $70 birds were never bathed, didn't have access to full spectrum lights, ate only seed, weren't handled often, had broken feathers, etc.

The $150 birds were in perfect feather, had full spectrum lighting, ate seeds, pellets and veg, practically did what they could to jump on you and play with you, etc.

I understand what you mean which makes perfect sense, however I ended up leaving the tame one that was happy at the pet store, and I ended up buying the one that was un-tame, I felt bad for it. The bird deserved better, we aren't getting along as the tame one, but we will eventually build a strong relationship

[HungryBird]

I have a feeling the cockatiels at Fauna (awesome bird store in NYC) are around $125 each. I think it is not unreasonable considering what you will be getting. I know they aren't getting rich off of them. Their birds are so well socialized with both humans and other birds.

If I were ever looking to purchase a cockatiel I would go to them. I don't think I would regret it. They take good care of their birds and I know I would be bringing home an amazing companion.

Don't buy from someone who treats the animals poorly. Check out the living conditions. Talk to them. Checking Craigslist is a good idea too.

[liz]

Sometimes the costs are worth it. My friend just got a tiel for 150. He looked at two stores, one which had one for 70. They both hand fed and bred their own birds.

The $70 birds were never bathed, didn't have access to full spectrum lights, ate only seed, weren't handled often, had broken feathers, etc.

The $150 birds were in perfect feather, had full spectrum lighting, ate seeds, pellets and veg, practically did what they could to jump on you and play with you, etc.

I understand what you mean which makes perfect sense, however I ended up leaving the tame one that was happy at the pet store, and I ended up buying the one that was un-tame, I felt bad for it. The bird deserved better, we aren't getting along as the tame one, but we will eventually build a strong relationship

That is ike me going through an individual to rescue a bird knew nothing about except that she needed me. At least the birds in shelters are being cared for.

[laducockatiel]

I got my cockatiel (tame, hand fed) for £60. That is the average price for them in the uk.