browsing through the ads

[papaya]

Well,
I was browsing through the ads and came across a Pionus (asking $ 500 OBO including the cage)
The ad got me curious (they were also selling a miniture donkey!). Anyhow, I called to get a little more information.
The woman wasn't sure what Pionus she had. She thought it might be a Dusky Pionus. Had it since seven years and got it from someone but she did not know how old it was then. She said he/she was friendly but the reason for selling the bird was that she was afraid that her grandchildren would get bit.
Well, I went to look at the bird.
The owner has lots of animals (living on a farm) and wants to reduce her work load. Anyhow, his/her name is Paco. Paco lives in this small 20X24 inch cage and is let out rarely since she is afraid that her cats and dogs would get it. The cage is small and DIRTY! (Fly poop everywhere!) One toy!
I think the woman means well but is not really into having Paco.
I had him on my arm and he started to whistle (sooooooooooo quiet). He did then bite into my sweater but continued to climb up on my shoulder. I wasn't comfortable with that so I put him on the playtop. He/she climbed down and started shredding the newspaper. The owner says that is his/her favorite thing to do (no wonder, there was nothing else for him/her to do, since the playtop had no toys!)
Paco has been on a seed diet only. Rarely any fresh fruit (never any vegetables). Since he bathed in his water dish she bought an enclosed dish so he could not make a mess .
His feathers are dull looking (he has never been to the vet).
So, to make a long story short. I told her that the cage was too small and I would not be willing to pay for the cage since he needed a bigger one.
I offered her $ 200 for the bird. She said she has to think about it and that there was someone else interested. She would let me know on Friday.
I don't know what I am getting into, but I feel Paco needs a good fun home.
I will let you all know on Friday! Oh, by the way. Paco is a Maximilian Pionus!

[Amie]

YAY!!! I hope it comes through!

We're possibly getting a pionus too, so when you get him, I want to see LOTS of pictures!

[papaya]

I cannot believe how quiet he was! He fits the picture of a Pionus totally. Does not like to be handled (touched) but is content to be on your shoulder and just sit there. The woman said that when she first got him his wings were clipped but hasn't had them clipped since. All he does is just sit there but she did not have him out for a long time. She had some trouble getting him back into the cage. Poor bird was so happy to finally leave his cage.
Good luck with getting your Pionus Amiestgermain. They look like they are wonderful birds. But what bird isn't, right?

[Busguy]

Good luck, for Paco's sake as well as yours!!

[Amie]

Originally Posted by papaya

I cannot believe how quiet he was! He fits the picture of a Pionus totally.

Even the "loud" noises the one we're visiting with makes are whispers in comparison to my ekkie when she wants something!!

"UP UP MAMA!! UP UP!!!" I love it, though :)

[Ashling]

I hope you get him! Poor little thing! The arrogance of some people. I'm glad you told her the cage is too small- at least she knows that now. I doubt she'll do anything about it though : /
Good on you for trying to buy him (I really do hope you get him!) It's great that you want to give him the fun, healthy, loving life he deserves!

[Valo's Moirana]

aahhh.... my dream bird....

hope it all works out!

[Courtzrocks]

Aw I so hope you get him!

[cashmerekiddy]

Hope HE get's YOU !!! Poor bird - he'll have tons better fun after Friday - let's hope

[papaya]

Thanks everyone for wishing me / Paco good luck. I really want him to have a better home. Now I don't consider myself the best home, so if there is someone that thinks all he/she has been waiting for is a Maximilian Pionus rehome then I would love to hear from you. As I mentioned in previous posts, space is limited in our house. But where there is a will there is a way, I always say.
No parrot should live in a prison. I don't think the woman is out for the money - she would rather find him a better home.
I think this happens a lot. People don't educate themselves enough and think they are doing ok.
We have to wait one more day. The woman said that she had the ad in the newspaper for one week and it ends this Friday. She will let me know either way.
Till then!