considering a conure and question

[Haven]

I joined this forum VERY recently to learn and do some research in order to have a good idea of what is involved in adding a bird to our home.
As I search and read I find that babies are priced from $350 to around $500.
But there are quite a few folks selling birds older for considerably less.

For example
there is a woman in my state selling a 10yr old female Sun Conure with the cage and toys and everything needed for $200.

There are other similar birds a couple of years old also available.
with a similar situation.

Now as someone who hasn't owned a Conure I am trying to decide, if the bird that is a bit older and needs a home due to changes in the current owner's life is a good consideration.

Babies are wonderful, but if these birds need a home what questions need to be asked if you were considering acquiring an adult bird.

Would this be a mistake for someone who is new to birds? or if the bird is healthy and "social", well handled, etc perhaps it is a good way to go?

Thanks for you input

Anne

 

[Beilana]

Questions to ask:
When was the last vet visit? Any medical problems?
Is the bird DNA sexed with certificate?
How old is the bird?
Is it hand-tame?
What is its diet, preferences etc?
Are the wings clipped?

Thats all I can think of so far

You could also ask the reason for rehoming.

 

[Beilana]

oh! Also make sure you have a meeting with the bird before you agree to adopt it.
I really don't see anything wrong with adopting even when you are new to birds. I have seen VERY strong bonds form between older birds and new owners! Good luck

 

[Haven]

ok that's a wee bit encouraging, I had a concern in the back of my mind about a bird who was bonded with a current owner and the difficulty of the change and bonding with that bird.
Nice to hear that it is possible there seems to be a number of birds who need homes that are a few years old.

Do you think that there would more likely be behavior issues that would need to be worked through? Which would challenge someone who though trying to "learn it all" LOL would be just a beginner.

Don't worry I'm asking not running out to pick up a bird. LOL

 

[Ladyeclectic]

Welcome to the boards! I was following your intro post and am gratified you're doing research first.

Unfortunately there's no "right" or "wrong" answers to your questions. If this is your first bird there are definitely upsides and downsides to both young birds as well as older, more established birds. With older birds you have the probability of getting a bird who can already talk, is affectionate and well-rounded, and possibly trained in several tricks. On the downside you also have to deal with a pretty set personality and any quirks that may take a while to train out. On the other hand, starting fresh with a baby you have a clean slate to start with but will have to teach it everything.

Nobody can tell you which way to go. My first bird, a Green-cheek conure, is very hand shy and it'll probably be a couple more weeks before she allows me to pick her up, let alone touch her. Then there are others whose birds are snugglebugs from Day 1. There's no guarantee either way with any age or species as, just like all beings, every bird is it's own individual.

I wish you luck in your search though, and hope you find your heart and soul soon!!

 

[doodadz]

My first bird was an older bird, as were some of my others. Only one came as a baby. I loved the "baby" experience but highly reccomend the rehome route. An older bird is more likely to have a more stable personality and it gives a bird a loving home rather than a grudging home or a temporary home at a "halfway house". Just keep your eyes out for opportunities and weigh the pros and cons. I wish you joy in your journey.