Hard choice

[JackTheParrotLover]

Well, I have a bit of an issue. I'm getting my first bird in a couple weeks. I've been planning to get a Blue Crown Conure for a while now, until today where I'm at a cross roads. I went to Petco to get crickets for my beardie, when I saw a neglected Indian Ringneck. It's feathers were dull, it's tail was bent and basically broken, it was being fed cockatiel diet, and overall is in horrible condition. I asked if I could handle the bird but they told me no, they don't trust him. I volunteer at my local aquarium where I get to work with many different bird species and have a professional bird trainer who dedicates his time to help me, so I know what I'm getting into. It sickened me that birds like this could be treated so awfully, and the public says nothing. Now I don't know what to do. I can get the conure like I've planned, because that's the bird that I like the most. Or I could rescue the Ringneck, because I do like IRN's (just not my favorite). For a first bird, the conure is better for me. They're much more forgiving, less nippy, etc. I would feel so bad if I didn't get the IRN, but it's not the bird species That truly fits me. Do you think it would be worth the challenge (I am a student, so I would only have before and after school to spend time with him, but I have a month to get started before school starts again), for me to take this bird and provide it with a loving home? Or should I stick with the conure because I know more about them and much more prepared for one. Also, do you think they would let me handle him if I told them about my experience? Thanks guys!

 

[Terry57]

I think that if you have your heart set on a conure, then you should stick with that plan.
It sounds like there could be multiple issues with the IRN, and as much as I would like to tell you to go rescue him, that may not be best for anyone.
If you can't get him out of your mind, I would definitely go back and let them know you have some experience and want to hold him. That could make up your mind one way or another for sure. Who knows? He may take right to you and turn out to be the bird of your dreams. On the other hand, he may make it clear that he is more than you want to handle right now.
It is so hard when you see a bird who desperately needs a home.
Please let us know what you decide.

 

[chris-md]

Welcome to the world of bird rescue. It's so disheartening!

I can only say go with your gut. Unlike most people, you actually have experience with parrots and have a good idea of what fits best. I would say get the conure; you have to live with the bird for decades. It's better all around if you get the bird that best fits your needs, wants, and desires.

That's the problem. You can't save everyone in this world.

 

[JackTheParrotLover]

I think that if you have your heart set on a conure, then you should stick with that plan.
It sounds like there could be multiple issues with the IRN, and as much as I would like to tell you to go rescue him, that may not be best for anyone.
If you can't get him out of your mind, I would definitely go back and let them know you have some experience and want to hold him. That could make up your mind one way or another for sure. Who knows? He may take right to you and turn out to be the bird of your dreams. On the other hand, he may make it clear that he is more than you want to handle right now.
It is so hard when you see a bird who desperately needs a home.
Please let us know what you decide.

I will definitely do all of those

 

[1Spongebob]

A friend of mine got to know the employees of the local Petco & she goes up there regularly just to handle the birds & give them attention. Perhaps you could do the same?

 

[JackTheParrotLover]

A friend of mine got to know the employees of the local Petco & she goes up there regularly just to handle the birds & give them attention. Perhaps you could do the same?

I was thinking of that, idk, I'll have to go talk to them.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Sadly, this is not surprising one bit. I've have heard SOOOOOOOO many stories of how the birds are mistreated or in poor condition in Petco stores.

I got Skittles at a local pet store (Maine owned and operated) and he was in excellent condition. They spend time with the animals in that store (even the lizards!). That being said, if I were in the market for another bird, I'd go with either a rescue or a bird that was not being cared for properly in a pet store. I was not in the market for another bird when I got Skittles. I was shopping for a new PC and he just happened to find me. I think there are often signs that point to the right choice. It all works out in the end.


Personally, I think that given your current living situation, its probably not an ideal fit for you to get the IRN. Chances are, its going to need a lot more time and attention than you can provide right now.

Perhaps, you may know someone who'd be willing to give it a good home?

 

[RavensGryf]

From what you say, even though you have some experience and a mentor at work, I think that sticking with your original plan for the conure would be the best decision. IMHO I don't think it's too hard of a choice when you stop for a second to really think about it and put your heart aside. Sometimes we have to do that, and think about what is best for us in the long run.

Remember, you just can't save them all, and not everyone is in the position to take on a rescue. Since this is a store, once the bird is gone they will only keep on getting more. It is a sad and frustrating situation when stores like this purchase species like IRNs who need a lot of socialization from the beginning to keep them tame and be the kind of pet most people would want. This bird will now likely do better in an aviary situation. I wish you all the best .

 

[JackTheParrotLover]

Sadly, this is not surprising one bit. I've have heard SOOOOOOOO many stories of how the birds are mistreated or in poor condition in Petco stores.

I got Skittles at a local pet store (Maine owned and operated) and he was in excellent condition. They spend time with the animals in that store (even the lizards!). That being said, if I were in the market for another bird, I'd go with either a rescue or a bird that was not being cared for properly in a pet store. I was not in the market for another bird when I got Skittles.

[/QUOTE/]

Yeah, I know what you mean by local petstores, I have one here that's great!

 

[Astra]

While I may not be as experienced in birds as some other people on this site, i do have quite a bit of experience with other animals. I would say go with the conure, the problem with getting a sick bird from a place like petco is that it's supporting them selling birds. I see how you want to help the bird but it will just encourage your petco to continue selling larger birds. You also don't want to settle and be unhappy with the bird. Just my two cents. Good luck!

 

[JackTheParrotLover]

Well, I've decided not to get the one from PetCo. It's just not right for me at the moment. I've added an Eclectus in the mix though. I finally met some Alexandrines (yes, I know they're different from IRN) and an Ekkie. Ekkies have always been my favorite bird, but everybody I have talked to starts calling me crazy. I don't want to just settle for a bird. I thought I found the one today, an Alexandrine, but he sold before I could reserve him. I'm open to all three, the Ekkie, the Alex, and the BCC. I know when I meet the right bird, I'll know, and he'll know as well. I just want your opinions on the Ekkie. The only reason I ask is because I'm away for eight hours a day Monday through Friday, and have 3-4 hours a day to spend with the bird. Is that enough? Thanks the for the help everyone, you guys make it so much easier

 

[JackTheParrotLover]

Anyone responses?

 

[glutes]

Well, I've decided not to get the one from PetCo. It's just not right for me at the moment. I've added an Eclectus in the mix though. I finally met some Alexandrines (yes, I know they're different from IRN) and an Ekkie. Ekkies have always been my favorite bird, but everybody I have talked to starts calling me crazy. I don't want to just settle for a bird. I thought I found the one today, an Alexandrine, but he sold before I could reserve him. I'm open to all three, the Ekkie, the Alex, and the BCC. I know when I meet the right bird, I'll know, and he'll know as well. I just want your opinions on the Ekkie. The only reason I ask is because I'm away for eight hours a day Monday through Friday, and have 3-4 hours a day to spend with the bird. Is that enough? Thanks the for the help everyone, you guys make it so much easier

IMO, ekkies sound wonderful. However, what keeps me from even considering them is their health. I've dealt with sick animals before and it's so saddening. So to get an animal that is prone to health problems is out of question.


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[JackTheParrotLover]

This one isn't getting enough attention, so I'm starting a new one comparing Conures Vs. Eclectus

 

[snowflake311]

That's so hard. I was going to get a Parrotlet because he had been there for many months and is missing toes. But my daughter and I really wanted a green cheek. We found a black capped conure that just won us over. Pulled out all the tricks and we took him home. Poor parrotlet is still there. If I did not have my parrakeets I would so get the parrotlet too.

If the IRN needs work are you really willing to do all it needs ? I have thought about buying the parrotlet to rehome. But that is crazy for me to do right now.

If you feel a conection with the IRN I would say get it. Don't get it if you don't feel it will be right.