Too much for a 17 year old Timneh?

[Nakiska]

Hey all....

Well, I wasn't looking for, but stumbled across - a Timneh owner who passed away and her son is selling her bird for $800.00 (USD) with good size cage and all accessories.

I've not yet met this bird, but am quite interested, however, I'm balking a bit at his apparent FIRM price.

He seems knowledgeable enough, very nice, answered all my questions thoroughly and I really felt the honesty and I really do want to meet this bird...but...well...this bird IS 17 years old...to his knowledge.

I know that 17 is young for an African, and I also know that diet is super important in longevity and I'm just wondering...in your opionions...does that price sound fair or high?

Thanks,

Toni

 

[BillsBirds]

17 is not an old Grey. But, $800 is the price of a young, fully feathered, tame bird. Does this bird have any problems? Behavior issues? Feather concerns? Need taming & training? All these things should be considered. Also, is the cage in good condition? Or do you need to buy a new one soon? I've always used these questions to help set an agreeable price.

 

[Rio Mom]

I've seen baby Timnehs advertised for $800, so it does seem kinda high to me.

 

[Nakiska]

Well, from what I've been told, now mind you, I haven't yet met this bird in person...he's in excellent health, one owner, has not shown aggression, is good with family/friend visitors and will readily step up and sit with them as long as they don't try to pet him too soon. Once he's comfortable he'll let who ever is holding him pet him. He says a few words and mimics sounds...does not seem to have a male/female handler preference. He said he's a pretty laid back bird.

I haven't seen the cage but it's the least of my concern as I have a nice huge parrot cage he could live in should his current cage be inadaquate.

I'm kind of thinking if I meet him and he seems to take to me and he's pretty much tame then perhaps this is a "fair" asking price.

I guess for the last year, his Mom was very sick and this bird wasn't given a lot of attention and now she's passed.

 

[Tarkus]

Ok you can look at this a couple of ways.

First you could say 800 bucks is a bit high for even a well socialized middle aged Timneh.
Or you could say I like this bird and he needs a good home so 800 won't kill me.

I'm not saying you don't try to negotiate but are you going to let 100.00 or so stop you.
If you can afford it go with your heart.

For the record I think "firm" is a little mercenary for a dead mans bird.
Another reason to think now about what's going to happen to your bird when you're gone.

I wish you nothing but the best.

Be Big,
Alan

 

[roxynoodle]

I do think that sounds high. I also thought 21 wasn't old for a Grey, but my vet is considering Merlin a "senior" bird, and made sure I understood that (kindly, but still, she told me a couple of times in case she didn't get through the first time) I guess I've learned that just because they CAN live 40-50 years doesn't mean you should expect them to.

I've also learned an older bird can come with underlying health problems that are not immediately apparent and the vet bills can pile up. Now, Merlin was given to me, so that makes the vet bills easier to swallow. If I had paid $800 for her, that's $800 less I would have had for her medical expenses. I admit, she is one of the sweetest little things I've ever met, and she is so much like my BCC who died in October that she has healed a hole in my heart.

Would the owners let you get a vet check first before committing to that price? Would they go down because you already have a cage? They could sell the cage separately.

 

[Spiritbird]

My Timmie was $900 when she was a baby. The cage is not new. So half of the bird price should be around $450 and about max for a used cage would be $200. That would place the price at $650. Even the $650 is high to me. This guy is money hungry.

 

[Wulfgeist]

I agree with SB, I think the guy probably looked up the price (of a hand-fed baby) and decided that the buyer was getting a good deal because the cage and everything comes with.

 

[BillsBirds]

As I've said, and others too, that seems high. But, like Tarkus said, "Go with your heart". If you can afford $800, and he is as good as you've been told, then go for it! Though, like with anything, try to get the price down, anyway. And, you know that we all thank you for helping this bird find a good home. I have a feeling that your mind is already made up. Good luck!

 

[oled]

I would gladly pay $800 if the perrot is "perfect" for you. The price is not the most important if it is the rigt bird for you