Bad looking bird on craigslist

[knacky]

I was browsing the pet section on craigslist and I found this ad: Hahns Macaw

I don't know much about large birds, but I don't think that 'his feathers just never came back' sounds very believable. Should I call someone about this bird and get it some help? It looks like it might be afraid and sick, but I could be wrong.

 

[Jewelz]

I probably would try & do something.... 'They never grew back' doesn't sound like something someone who knows about birds would say....

 

[JerseyWendy]

Depending on how severely this bird plucked, the feathers MAY never grow back.

That doesn't necessarily mean the bird is sick. We have numerous members who take the utmost care of their birds, and they still pluck.

Behavior modification is required, and IMO it takes a skilled and VERY dedicated guardian to try and get the bird to stop. Some succeed, while others don't.

 

[Jewelz]

Depending on how severely this bird plucked, the feathers MAY never grow back.

That doesn't necessarily mean the bird is sick. We have numerous members who take the utmost care of their birds, and they still pluck.

Behavior modification is required, and IMO it takes a skilled and VERY dedicated guardian to try and get the bird to stop. Some succeed, while others don't.

Oh my JerseyWendy! Can they stop growing after the first time a bird starts plucking????

 

[knacky]

Okay, good. I was worried the bird might have been mishandled badly/very sick. I've seen a lot of flippers on CL and a phrase like 'I got him this way' made me suspicious. Thanks so much for easing my worries.

 

[getwozzy]

If the follicles have been damaged by the plucking, then no- they will not grow back.

 

[knacky]

There's not something that can help them regrow their feathers? Like some sort of rub to put on them? Parrots live for such a long time, it would be a shame if that bird had to stay like that for the rest of his life...

 

[JerseyWendy]

Okay, good. I was worried the bird might have been mishandled badly/very sick. I've seen a lot of flippers on CL and a phrase like 'I got him this way' made me suspicious. Thanks so much for easing my worries.

Yes, CL is infamous for bird flippers (and other animals, too, unfortunately). It's quite unfortunate that you just don't know who to believe anymore.

If it sounds too good to be true - BEWARE.
If the stories keep changing - WATCH OUT.

...and NEVER go alone into a strange home.

 

[getwozzy]

There's not something that can help them regrow their feathers? Like some sort of rub to put on them? Parrots live for such a long time, it would be a shame if that bird had to stay like that for the rest of his life...

Not that I know of, and as far as I know- once the damage is done, it's done.

 

[JerseyWendy]

There's not something that can help them regrow their feathers? Like some sort of rub to put on them? Parrots live for such a long time, it would be a shame if that bird had to stay like that for the rest of his life...

No, like getwozzy pointed out already, if the follicles have been damaged, no new feathers will ever regrow.

Believe it or not, but many birds DO live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life - even while looking a bit naked.

 

[getwozzy]

...or wearing sweaters

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

Yes, I saw a cockatoo in a sweater once. I don't like how dirty that room looks that the bird is in. There's another cage right next to the Hahs' cage, so I wonder if this person has many birds, a hoarder, etc. . .

That photo just gives me bad vibes, although I am a logical person, and usually don't fall into that emotional gut feeling.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Plucking can also be a habit [like picking a scab] . Ive had 2 Ive got on craigslist that have plucked some [but with me their not ,knock on wood]. So the environment change may have helped. You want to rescue ,then get this guy . But be sure your into it [to hard on them to keep rehoming]. Just cause they look like Hell doesn't mean hes cant be a sweet happier bird like the rest.

 

[KimKim]

Aww, he's a cute little guy. There is a really bad looking scarlet on my Craigslist that I keep thinking about Scarlet McCaw but my husband would probably not agree to another parrot... At least she is out on a play stand.

 

[getwozzy]

Yes, I saw a cockatoo in a sweater once. I don't like how dirty that room looks that the bird is in. There's another cage right next to the Hahs' cage, so I wonder if this person has many birds, a hoarder, etc. . .

That photo just gives me bad vibes, although I am a logical person, and usually don't fall into that emotional gut feeling.

Yes, I wouldn't doubt if it's a hoarder. That cage and the walls look disgusting. Someone with plucking experience should take this guy home!!

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

Looks like its in a basement too. The ceiling is very low, and there looks to be some kind of duct work showing.

No sunlight no doubt.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

Aww, he's a cute little guy. There is a really bad looking scarlet on my Craigslist that I keep thinking about Scarlet McCaw but my husband would probably not agree to another parrot... At least she is out on a play stand.

I would probably sink into depression if I looked at Craigslist all day. That one looks so sad too. Poor thing.

 

[crimson]

Personally I don't like what I see in the pictures.

1) he's plucked, and we don't know the reason or health issue behind it....

2) there is no natural lighting, where are the toys?? that cage appears to be quite grim, and this is only a guess, it appears to be possibly in a basement....it really reminds me of a jail cell.

3)If this bird is friendly as the ad claims, why is the Hahns tucked in the corner of the cage appearing to be afraid. He's not near the front of the cage perching and relaxed....or on the owners hands for a very nice picture....my birds don't react that way when I approach their cages, they are glued to the front, wanting to come greet me

my heart breaks for this bird, what a miserable existence for such a beautiful creature.

what really concerns me is the price!....why so low....?does he just want to dump him?....or maybe the price is low to find him a good home....who knows.

I would do your homework about this bird, but for $175.00 maybe there is nothing wrong with him, and the owner really does want to find a good home....you won't know until you go and talk to the owner and the see the bird.....IMO the bird deserves MUCH MUCH BETTER.

 

[knacky]

I agree that the atmosphere he's in skeeved me out. I feel really bad for the little guy and would take him home, but I don't have any money to take him or a cage to put him in right now, plus no experience with birds plucking. KimKim, I feel so bad for that scarlet macaw. Such a majestic bird shouldn't look like that... Not to mention that they want so much money for a bird in such poor shape? I hope he finds a good home soon. It doesn't seem like the people that have it now know how to take care of it.. EDIT: Maybe that's not much for a macaw? I don't know anything about prices for large birds.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

I agree that the atmosphere he's in skeeved me out. I feel really bad for the little guy and would take him home, but I don't have any money to take him or a cage to put him in right now, plus no experience with birds plucking. KimKim, I feel so bad for that scarlet macaw. Such a majestic bird shouldn't look like that... Not to mention that they want so much money for a bird in such poor shape? I hope he finds a good home soon. It doesn't seem like the people that have it now know how to take care of it.. EDIT: Maybe that's not much for a macaw? I don't know anything about prices for large birds.

If I could find the best home for a bird, I probably wouldn't even charge money for him/her.