Well, Wish Me Luck...

[nofearengineer]

I have been talking to a woman I found on Craigslist....(not the adult services section...get your mind out of the gutter ).

She is selling a male CAG, approx. 15-18 months old, for $500. She says he is sweet, has never bitten, talks like crazy, and loves everybody. He eats pellets, fresh fruits and veggies, though he has never been to the vet. He steps up, is cuddly, and basically sounds like a ready-made buddy.

He lives in a large California Cage...which coincidentally is what Gandalf lived in. If it turns out to be the same model, I won't have to buy that from her. however, if it's different, I will probably purchase it too (she's giving a fair price), so he has one less thing to miss. Hopefully, we can work out something on all of his toys...poor little guy.

She lost her husband to cancer 2 years ago, so she bought a macaw for companionship. That turned out to be a big mistake...she could not handle the noise. So she "traded him in" for a CAG. She loves the bird, but now has found a human love, who is apparently deathly allergic to pet dander (she is rehoming her dog as well). I feel bad that she is rehoming her parrot, but I can sympathize the circumstances under which she bought him. I too am hoping to fill the void left from the loss of a loved one. I can only hope the change doesn't break his heart too. I can only compensate him with the promise of a lifelong doting parront.

Anyways, she's sending me some pictures. If everything checks out, I hope to be able to make the 2 hour drive next weekend and get him.

 

[Bobby34231]

Best wishes and good luck on your endeavor

 

[AndrewH]

Good luck!

 

[Beilana]

Best wishes I hope everything works out for both of you

 

[Spiritbird]

Finding love on Craigs list are you?? It sounds really good to me and a fantastic price. I would still make the sale contingent upon a passing avain vet exam. This bird will be lucky to have you as a guardian.

 

[bogo1]

Fingers crossed for you as this sounds like a win all around. Let us know what happens.

 

[Cowtown]

Good Luck and I hope everything works out. I agree with Spiritbird about contingent upon a passing avain vet exam.
Please post pictures as soon as you can.

BTW where is the Gray located? I hope it all works out for you and the Gray.

 

[Von1983]

Best of luck and well done for taking that plunge again. You sound like you're an amazing parront xx

 

[nofearengineer]

With the 2-hour drive, I will have to go get him on a weekend (probably next Saturday). I have found several avian vets who are open on Saturdays, and I am doing my best to sift through them and find the one I "trust" the best.

Has anyone here ever had to choose a vet without much foreknowledge? Any tips or suggestions?

Locally, I know many parrot owners who can give me reviews I trust. On the road, I'm really at the mercy of chance.

*EDIT* I found an ABVP certified vet in the area who is open on Saturday til 2PM. Fabulous! now to make sure it will actually be him there on Saturday and not just his assistants.

 

[Bobby34231]

I'm glad you found an ABVP certified vet, while it may not insure that you find a vet with a great personality and bed side manner , the vetting process that they must undertake to become Board Certified in their specific field, in this case Avian, does ensure that you will find one that is experienced and fully competent in their field of expertise, for anyone interested in what being ABVP certified means to you and your fids, heres a link........ ABVP - certification, species, credentialing, veterinary clinical

 

[antoinette]

You deserve so much happiness, everyone deserves a second chance
Gandalf is smiling down on you, he is proud of his daddy going forward. Here's a message from Gandalf
You have so much love to give, what a wonderful gift sharing it with a bird
You know the rules !!!!!!!!! pictures pictures pictures

 

[nofearengineer]

Well, crap. I just got off the phone with the vet, and the the doctor will be out of town next Saturday, so the exam is out.

I guess I'll talk to the woman to see if I can work out some sort of deal where she takes him in this week. He is banded, so that would help with the risk of "switcheroo", and the vet would give me the results.

Oh the tangled web we weave when first we practice to get a CAG.

 

[michell448]

Good Luck!!! Keep us updated!

 

[Spiritbird]

Crossing fingers and praying it will work out for you. If it does not then it was not meant to be. The seller should go out of her way to do what is necessary for a safe transition for this bird.

 

[nofearengineer]

I jut got off the phone, and she said she would hold the bird for me.

I am supposed to go pick "her" up next Sunday.

She thinks it's a female because it is smallish for a Congo. It makes no difference to me.

She has the California Cage with the flip out balcony, which is different than mine, so I will buy that as well, for an extra $200. A good price, and it will give the little birdy one less thing to miss.

 

[bogo1]

Excited for you, Bryce! So you get her next week?

 

[AndrewH]

Cool!

I actually got to meet a CAG today at a breeder friend's place. I hand't interacted much with greys before (they seemed aloof, to me), but boomer was holding his foot out for me to pick him up. He put his head down to scratch. He was so nice. Very social. I'd seen him before, but never touched him.

Anyway, I was surprised because I thought of CAGs as somewhat tempermental, one-person birds.. I now see why CAG people love their birds.

 

[SharonC]

That's great!

 

[tibanks]

How fun to get a new buddy. I too found love on Craigslist, that's where I found my Congo..It's been a perfect match. She was only 14 months when I acquired her and she's now 3 y/o and a wonderful addition to our family. I pray the vet check goes well, and can't wait to hear more about your new parrot.