My visit to the Bird Specialty store.

[EdgesofTwilight]

I am looking to get my first parrot and still not sure exactly which one I want, there are so many. So I took a trip out to Birds Unlimited, a specialty store just outside of Rochester, NY. It was well worth the hour and 15 minute drive out there. The staff was very knowledgeable and not pushy towards any type of bird. They will however try to convince you what not to get in the best interest of the bird and you.
I didn't take that many pictures because I was talking most of the time and forgot I brought my tablet with me. I am really interested in a Hahn's Macaw. However they didn't have any but they were unsure if they would be able to get any in. After describing what types of birds I was interested in such as GCCs, Parrotlet, and cockatiels. She also suggested a Caique. One was trying to escape from a cage so she took him out so he could stretch his wings and I got to hold and play with him. He jumped around and nibbled on my fingers, but eventually got to give home scratches. Definitely not a bird I would of considered. I would probably consider a Caique, but probably as a second bird. They are inquisitive and energetic and acrobatic.
After looking around some more the girl, which happened to be the manager, came back out and said that she knows a customer that has a Hahn's macaw that she is wanting to rehome. It was her son's and her left for college and basically doesn't want to care for home any more. The only thing is that he's 8 years old and has occasional feather problems, probably plucking. If I was definitely iinterested, she would give me the owner's info to talk to her. Im just not sure if I want to dive into that even though I would want to make a better home for him. Considering what behavior issues and if any health issues.
After being in the store for an hour and a half I didn't find exactly what I want, but I came out with a lot more knowledge than I had when I entered. Definitely worth the trip.

Here's the few pictures I did take:

 

[Kiwibird]

Sometimes, the right bird is meant to be, so don't be too quick to dismiss the hans without even meeting him. There's something to be said about "love at first sight" and IF that were the case, it makes it *so* much easier to overcome behavioral issues. Also with plucking specifically, thats often a result of poor diet and little-no mental stimulation. I would hope as you've been researching birds, you understand what they eat and how important toys and interaction is! That's many times all a bird needs.

We did our research and deep down were set on an amazon. We tried to keep an "open mind" to different species and kinda sorta tossed around the idea of other similar sized birds, and even a few times we were ready to go meet birds (that fell through) but really never felt right about it. We got a call about Kiwi being rehomed on a Friday afternoon. A few calls and emails to the lady rehoming him, and we picked him up Saturday afternoon (it was a 4 hours drive each way:52:!). I loved him the minute I saw him, and knew he belonged with us (even though he was a difficult little such and such at first:20. He was 10 when we got him, and had some behavioral issues (mainly due to being unhandled/untrained), but we kept at it and he eventually came around. 6 years on, he's a wonderful companion. Couldn't have asked for a better bird! Not saying the hans will be right, but might as well meet him if deep down your pretty set on the species. And you'll "feel" it when you meet the right bird for you, even if they aren't a melt your heart sweetie pie right off the bat. If it's one you meet next week, great. If it takes a while, remember, even small birds can live 20-30 years, the big ones will likely outlive you! There is no rush to find the perfect companion.

P.S. Those caiques are adorable little birds! I don't know much about them, but what I do know is they are exceptionally high-energy birds.

 

[EdgesofTwilight]

I forgot to mention, the prices were a little on the high end on the birds. The Caiques were $999, however all birds purchased from them receive a coupon for a wellness check from a vet and 3 free groomings a year for life. Which actually seems worth it.

 

[EdgesofTwilight]

Kiwibird, I totally understand what you mean. I definitely would make sure he got a good diet and plenty of attention and of course toys

 

[Pinkbirdy]

That's where I go!!! Ive got about half my birds there. My first bird "Greta was from there" . Shes a Blk headed Caique I have 3 now [caiques are a good choice IMO]

 

[EdgesofTwilight]

That's where I go!!! Ive got about half my birds there. My first bird "Greta was from there" . Shes a Blk headed Caique I have 3 now [caiques are a good choice IMO]

I talked to Megan and got the occasional comment from the owner. I think Paul is his name?

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Yes, his names Paul . Ive learned so much about birds from him . I was able to get over my fear of birds [and look at all my birds now ].I used to spend hours in there.

 

[Squirt]

Let the bird pick you. That's serious. Birds tend to pick who they want to be their "people." It's okay to have a general idea about size, noise, etc. There are also lots of wonderful birds that are rehomed. Don't let it scare you.