Adoption or Breeder?

[ProbablyHarrison]

I've been planning for a long time on buying a newly weaned baby eclectus from a breeder here in Georgia, but it's come to my attention that 1200 might be a bit overpriced for a SI Eclectus even with the vaccinations she gets for each bird. But buying from another breeder could still be very pricey (and not to mention traumatic) if the bird has to be shipped.

I was wondering what your opinions are on this. Should I stick with a baby, or try and adopt an older, but cheaper bird that needs rehoming?
Keep in mind that if I were to adopt an older bird I would insist on meeting the bird in person at least once, probably more.

Basically, I know we get what we pay for, but how much is too much?

Thanks for your input, everyone.

 

[Blue]

All my birds are rehomes, so I only have experience with older birds, Greenie will be 10 in the spring, and he's a great bird. He's chosen my husband as his person but will step for anyone, including my 21 month old daughter. I personally wouldn't pay $1200 for a bird, I'd rather spend that on spoiling them, there are a lot of birds out there that need home that are a lot cheaper (or even free).

 

[Mitz]

Probablyharrison are you talking about the same breeder tat I'm looking into: her name is Jane at pretty bird (prettybird.com) all she breeds is eclectuses.

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

Yes, that's the breeder.

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

Thank you for your input, Blue. You make some good points. I still have to think long and hard on this but thank you.

 

[MikeyTN]

I can tell you this from experience looking for Eclectus in my area and also in your area too, it's VERY hard to come by. They're NOT one that goes out for adoption much in our area. In order to find one at a lower price, you may have to drive some distances to get it. I had to drive 4 hours to pick mine up! I don't regret it one bit cause they're one of my favorite parrots!

 

[kc_y0]

I paid that much for my Eclectus, knowing there were cheaper eclectus's in the area, and I really don't give it a second thought haha, If you are confident with the breeder, if she is hygienic, polite, happy to answer any questions before and after you purchase the bird - go with your gut feel. I love audrey to death, and I was happy I paid what I paid because if I went somewhere else, I wouldn't have my crazy loony feathered friend hahaa.

 

[JKF8]

What I suggest you do is learn how to hand-feed and crop-feed first and then purchase a nestling Ekkie, that is if you have the time in each day to raise it yourself? By doing this, not only do you gain valuable experience but at the same time you can get a nestling for about $500 - $600.

You can of course go the adoption route but by doing so you may have to deal with a bird that has issues.

Are you wanting a male or female Ekkie and does the sub-species matter?

I've been planning for a long time on buying a newly weaned baby eclectus from a breeder here in Georgia, but it's come to my attention that 1200 might be a bit overpriced for a SI Eclectus even with the vaccinations she gets for each bird. But buying from another breeder could still be very pricey (and not to mention traumatic) if the bird has to be shipped.

I was wondering what your opinions are on this. Should I stick with a baby, or try and adopt an older, but cheaper bird that needs rehoming?
Keep in mind that if I were to adopt an older bird I would insist on meeting the bird in person at least once, probably more.

Basically, I know we get what we pay for, but how much is too much?

Thanks for your input, everyone.

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

I am not willing to buy an unweaned bird because of the numerous issues that can lead to, whether the bird is cheaper or not. I'm considering one bird I've found on craigslist but if I'm at all uncomfortable with what I experience I will probably just stick with the breeder (unless something else pops up on craigslist that is acceptable before that time).

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

Thanks for all of your replies, guys. This question has just recently come up and now I'm thinking about it a lot! Haha

 

[KatherineI]

What I suggest you do is learn how to hand-feed and crop-feed first and then purchase a nestling Ekkie, that is if you have the time in each day to raise it yourself? By doing this, not only do you gain valuable experience but at the same time you can get a nestling for about $500 - $600.

You can of course go the adoption route but by doing so you may have to deal with a bird that has issues.

Are you wanting a male or female Ekkie and does the sub-species matter?

Um, no. It is NEVER recommended to purchase an unweaned baby, but even more so for an unexperienced person. Do a search, no one with an ounce of experience would ever recommend this. I have handfed unweaned babies and honestly, I'd never do it again if I didn't have to. It's way too dangerous, too many things can go wrong.

I am not willing to buy an unweaned bird because of the numerous issues that can lead to, whether the bird is cheaper or not. I'm considering one bird I've found on craigslist but if I'm at all uncomfortable with what I experience I will probably just stick with the breeder (unless something else pops up on craigslist that is acceptable before that time).

I'm glad you're smart and researched enough to know this.

Both of my fids are rehomes. While Loki (GCC) has some issues that we are working through, Sugar is the best bird I've ever encountered and I've been around a lot, mostly rescues. Rescues/rehomes can take some work. I've never had an Eclectus, but I hear they are wonderful birds. If you are willing to make the effort and put in the work, I see no reason why a rehome/rescue shouldn't or can't be an option. Whichever you decide to do, I wish you luck! Sounds like you've done your research.

 

[Chikoo]

I acquired both of my birds on Craigslist, and they are great.

 

[bkparrot]

there is a sweet male for adoption in nyc. if anyone is interested, please call brian at bird camp. he cares about his birds and will only adopt if the bird chooses you.

 

[sonja]

I have 3 ekkies--- 2 rescues and one re-home. I think if you keep you keep an eye on local classifieds and rescues you can find one without too much trouble.

 

[LakeDesire]

My preference is rescue, rehome, breeder in that order. I recommend adopting from a rescue if possible because rescues are full of unwanted birds (the rescue where I just adopted my amazon had a pair of eclectuses).

 

[JKF8]

First of all Katherine, I don't appreciate your condescending manner of talking to me.

Secondly, I clearly stated : "LEARN TO HAND-FEED/CROP-FEED FIRST". That does not mean attempt to learn but it means to learn properly how to do both, whatever time it may take a particular individual.

I too would never recommend an inexperienced person to purchase an unweaned baby, that is why I simply suggested that the O.P. learn first and now I say learn well from a very experienced person, which I thought was understood but maybe not.

Just one option Katherine for a person that may want to possibly wait to acquire a baby that way (& for much less money), that's all.

A good person and/or a good breeder would not sell a unweaned baby to someone who could not prove they were qualified to hand-feed/crop-feed.

Um, no. It is NEVER recommended to purchase an unweaned baby, but even more so for an unexperienced person. Do a search, no one with an ounce of experience would ever recommend this. I have handfed unweaned babies and honestly, I'd never do it again if I didn't have to. It's way too dangerous, too many things can go wrong.

 

[MikeyTN]

JKF8,

What I don't understand is why would you even suggest an unweaned baby even IF the poster knows how to handfeed? That is something I never suggest and I raise them! To hand raise one on your own does NOT mean the bird will bond to you!!!! For instance some of my babies, the moment they get old enough they leave me and will try to nip me if I try to get them off my partner. They pick who they like plus they see you as their parent and when it comes fledging time, it doesn't mean they will stay with you. I've heard plenty of stories of people thinking hand feeding on their own would bring them closer but was the exact opposite from what they expected.

 

[Mitz]

Probablyharrison, if you buy from that breeder any time soon please let me know how it goes by private msging e. thnx

 

[njgray21]

What I suggest you do is learn how to hand-feed and crop-feed first and then purchase a nestling Ekkie, that is if you have the time in each day to raise it yourself? By doing this, not only do you gain valuable experience but at the same time you can get a nestling for about $500 - $600.

You can of course go the adoption route but by doing so you may have to deal with a bird that has issues.

Are you wanting a male or female Ekkie and does the sub-species matter?

I've been planning for a long time on buying a newly weaned baby eclectus from a breeder here in Georgia, but it's come to my attention that 1200 might be a bit overpriced for a SI Eclectus even with the vaccinations she gets for each bird. But buying from another breeder could still be very pricey (and not to mention traumatic) if the bird has to be shipped.

I was wondering what your opinions are on this. Should I stick with a baby, or try and adopt an older, but cheaper bird that needs rehoming?
Keep in mind that if I were to adopt an older bird I would insist on meeting the bird in person at least once, probably more.

Basically, I know we get what we pay for, but how much is too much?

Thanks for your input, everyone.

Any quality breeder will NOT sell an unweaned baby, even to someone who has just learned to hand feed. Things can and have gone wrong even for experienced hand feeders. Yes definitely an option for the OP but not one most would recommend IMO.

 

[melbourned]

My wife and I have adopted two rescue eckies. It took about 6 months for full acclimation, but well worth the results. They are a constant source of joy and entertainment. There are many wonderful birds available for adoption, so I highly recommend giving one a good home over buying a baby.

I don't know how old you are, so remember a baby can very well outlive you, so you will need a plan for his/her new home. My wife and I are 62, so we are planning for our babies, 7 yr old and 16 yr old.

Ed