Need Some Advice

[nofearengineer]

Wow....just wow....

I got an e-mail today from the woman who lives 90 minutes away...the one who was going to sell me the 18 mo. old CAG for $500 and then just stopped returning my calls. It's been 6 weeks since then.

She says she's been away because her mother was ill. She says she wanted to talk to me before she relisted the bird on CL. She says she will gladly take the parrot to the vet this week if I'm interested.

Man...this all sounds so suspicious. It's almost like she sold the bird before, and has now acquired another cheaply (hell...she could be selling the pair that was given away in KY recently for all I know). I'd love to have a new buddy, but I'm just sick of getting my hopes up only to have them dashed.

 

[Spiritbird]

It is so difficult to trust CL ads. If this person knew you were interested in the bird why did't she tell you she was going away?
Can you visit the bird and meet this person to see what the environment is like? Also get the vets name and inquire there about the care the bird has had if any. At least she kept your name and e mail. Birds can be sold and re-sold back and forth on CL for $$ but you know that. I can see why your are asking for help here.

http://www.ehow.com/list_6800497_scams-involve-african-greys_.html

 

[nofearengineer]

The vet would of course be the certified Avian vet in Louisville I mentioned before. I was actually the one who stipulated a vet visit 6 weeks ago before the silence started.

I figure if I pay the vet over the phone for the visit, I can at least get 100% rock solid information from them as far as the bird's health. Can a vet tell how old the bird is? In other words, how would I know he's not 18 years instead of 18 mos.? (I really do plan on my next fid outliving me )

 

[Spiritbird]

I have been told by my avain vet that they can give you an educated guess of age by it is only a guess. There is no sure way of knowing a birds age. Too bad you can't trust this woman to give you a DOB. Is the bird banded? Perhaps you could trace some of the birds history that way.

 

[SharonC]

It may actually be that her mother became ill, and she simply rushed off to be with her....I'd go meet her and the bird. I think you'll get a definite feeling about the whole thing then. Pay her after the vet visit, and you're sure that everything is OK. You can't be scammed if you're careful...and you know what to look for. Good luck with it!!!

 

[triordan]

go for it, you have nothing to lose~ god luck!

 

[CrypticDelirium]

I totally agree on the other posts, if family was sick I'd be off in a split second too, but do make sure on the vet visit first and I'd try to meet her at her house so you can see the conditions the birdie's been living in. I think it's a bit less suspicious because she offered the vet visit, most people with something to hide would not but you never know. Maybe she did get the bird free and wants to make $, but even if that's the case it's the bird who'd miss out if you passed them up because of it, not the greedy people. Best of luck, I hope it all works out perfectly and you end up with a wonderful new friend!! = )

 

[Von1983]

I know how much it would hurt you to be let down again nofear, but you must follow the excellent advice above and check it out as far as you can.

If the bird is real then it is he who will suffer.

Good luck. xx

 

[antoinette]

Great info in the above mentioned posts
Who are we to judge that a family was not ill, go and visit, check it all out.
Observer the condition of the bird. Obviously she has told you about the bird, is he friendly, does he talk etc. You know what to look out for. See if there is an instant "click" between you and the bird, follow your gut feeling, on this one.
Take if from there
I pray it all works out, you so willingly deserve another bird.

 

[bogo1]

Hold your heart aloof and use that brain to tease out the truth. For now
Treat this like an engineering problem and solve. Go see bird.Or show for Vet visit. You won't be hurt if you don't hope yet. Fingers crossed for you.