Merlin
was $1200 from the breeder (it was the 19th breeder I had called, and the only CAG available...AND I was planning a trip to Ottawa the next week anyhow, so a 500km drive was worth it!) They were sold before they were even born back in 1998/99 in the GTA.
Stryder was free, because he was bred from my last clutch back when I had time to breed (i.e. could bring babies to work with me to hand feed!).
Rosco
was $800 - the breeder was a friend & gave $100 off.
Mesi was $10 - from a so-so breeder. She's a good natured little girl.
I used to work at a large pet store, and if someone asked about the store credit card, I tended to direct them to the less expensive options. I paid for all our birds in cash - I don't believe in putting pets on credit. I was more concerned about matching the right person with the right parrot/little parrot, in order to feel better about letting the babies leave the store (hey, I'd be hand feeding some for 1-3 months before they were able to go home). And I was always thankful for our bird purchaser, who let us drive any ailing birds to our avian vet at the first sign of trouble. Now the chain has been bought out by another big company, and I feel bad when I go in and see dirty cages and unkempt birds
.
So not all employees don't care - I hired people who cared, and would say "no" if the person didn't mesh with the bird, or have the right attitude (i.e. I want a bird who talks - what if it doesn't talk? - I'll give it back - sorry, we're not able to help you!). It was the bird's life, and our conscience at the end of the day.
I've been working in a non-animal industry for the past 7 years since then, and miss it every day, despite some not-so-nice days and attitudes of people out there.