Would you Ever????

[amesoto]

Buy a bird that was darn near completely plucked?
There is a CAG at a bird store here that plucked its feathers out in a matter of 24hrs. The owners don't know what happened and they've tested and medicated and sounds like they are doing everything "right". They just can't find a reason the little guy is plucking. He/she is a wonderfully sweet little bird. Just charming. Would you ever buy a CAG in this condition?

[savagem13]

I would. To me, their personality is what is beautiful. As long as the little bird had been tested for all of the diseases and proven negative, I'd give it a chance. It might be that the environment of the pet store, with all the comings and goings, is too stressful for him?

[Lisa B]

I would too. many dont because they are not "perfect"
as mentioned, the baby could be overwhelmed, and not handle stress correctly.
please note, you want the test results in writing, and also, you might need to repeat them with your own vet to get a better picture of what is going on if the plucking doesnt stop.

[Sprecker]

I would and have bought fids that were less than fully feathered. It may not be something wrong with the fids that is causing the plucking. It might be the enviroment or something in the store that is stressing the bird out. It might have an alergy that might cause an irritation on the skin.
Case in point, there was a Sulpher Crested 2 that was at a pet store near my house once and she started to pluck as soon as she was put in the cage. She never stopped until some really great people took her home. A couple of years latter they brought her back to show the employees how good she had gotten and how wonderful her feathers came back, but as soon as they stepped in to the store where the birds were kept she instantly started plucking again. Even while she was being held.
So it might just be something/someone in the store that is making the fid want to pull the feathers out.

[kellywess]

I definately would as long as all bloodwork showed the bird was healthy and that the plucking was behavioral. I look more for personality with a bird and if that personality will fit into my already established flock and my life.

[huntress]

I would but not for a pet store price.

[amesoto]

Honestly I don't mind the appearance....I just worry about possible health issues. I think their normal prices are around 1300 for a CAG...they're selling this guy for 500. Next question.....having a CAG and a B&G in the same home? Too much of a health risk for my macaw? Is this the right forum for this question or should I consult my vet?

[kellywess]

This is the right forum. It is said that it is not a good idea to house macaws with cockatoos, greys, zons and tiels because they are very "dusty" birds. Macaws are prone to respiratory and lung issues.

[Tom Lawless]

It seems like Grey owners live in fear of plucking. It would be one less thing for you to worry about since you've accepted it as part of him before you ever bring him home.

Kelly makes a good point about the dust. I have a Congo African Grey and a Hahns Macaw. When I got the Grey I didn't know that this could be a potential problem. I keep a good air cleaner going in the room and they take a shower just about every other day so dust doesn't seem to be a problem for the mini-Macaw (I don't know if B&G's are more sensitive). My vet is happy with the arrangement. You might want to check with your vet if you decide to go forward, especially if you are going to bring him in to be checked anyway. $500 is a steal. They are great birds. I hope it all works out for you. It sounds like he would have a great home with you. Keep us posted.

[amesoto]

<a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/Amesoto/?action=view&current=Charlie.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/Amesoto/Charlie.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Everyone at the pet store calls him Charlie. He's 8 months old. It was so hard to leave him.
I really have to work on my husband. I also have to wait and make sure Lambert, our Blue and Gold is healthy. We think Lambert had a seizure last weekend. He was acting out of sorts Sat night and Sun I woke up to him screaming with a cramped right foot. Dr is doing blood work but told me that this sort of thing is pretty common in birds his age and thinks it is probably related to a calcium deficiency which is easily remedied. Once we get those results back next week I'll start working on my husband regarding Charlie. He is the sweetest little bird. I just want him!