Price for a plucked macaw?

[Astrid660]

My Cockatoo was listed in the paper for 500 dollars, but once they saw I was an adequate home - and I pointed out that the cage was really nice and I said I can understand why you want 500.. I came home with her for free...Anyway you never know unless you go and see! I think any price for a bird like that is a bit silly.. because the bird needs love and a good home more than anything, so idk...

[Lex123]

I'm sure the Macaw would thank you for giving it a nice home!

[r2rusmc]

Originally Posted by murphyzoo

I found a macaw on CL to be rehomed. I inquired about the bird and was told that it was 20 years old and plucked everywhere but its wings and feet(?). They wanted $400 for the bird and the cage. Is that too much for this bird?

Bottom line is that the macaw is worth what you're willing to pay. PERIOD

As for the plucking. Sometimes they pluck for reasons that you'll never figure out. Sometimes the reason may be learned but the damage is done and feather regrowth doesn't occur. Sometimes it has been going on for so long that the habit is irreversible. Sometimes there is a medical cause but damage is done and it will never feather out. Sometimes the medical cause can be resolved but the habit is irreversible.

If you get the bird to "fix" it, you are most likely setting yourself up for disappointment. Not all plucked birds are the result of neglect or abuse.

MissV regarding the price of macaws. Well the price goes up on hybrids as well. I've paid much much more. Why? Because I was willing to pay the price. I've also seen B&G's in perfect feather go for $200 at auctions.

When it comes to the price for rehomes, it comes down to what you are willing to pay.

As for the sellers asking price. They have their reasons and it is not always because they don't care about the bird. With things the way they are now that price can mean they have a home to live in for another month, a vehicle to get to work or food on the table.

My advice is the check out the bird. If it feels like a match then go for it with only the expectation of providing it a happy life.

[FloorCandy]

As far as this bird goes, when you think about the long run, is $300 really alot? Price really shouldn't be a concern when adopting a bird (unless you can't afford it). It's sad but if they are in dire straights the family will look to recoup money any way they can. The cage is probably worth the price at very least. However, what you need to really look at is the future cost of the bird to you. You will have to have it vetted, which will be a few hundred bux minimum, and if all is well that's it. But, if the plucking is a result of illness you could be looking at a lot of money. IMO the family should offer a bird with problems for free if a good home comes along, but they sound desperate, so I think they may eventually just give it to anyone willing to pay. If you have it vetted and cannot afford the care for a serious illness, you could always try to find a rescue, and at least you got the bird out of a home that would give it to the highest bidder so to speak. Yes the bird is "worth" the money, but it is also a poor little bald baby who could end up somewhere bad. I agree with the other posts that say to go meet him, and just take it from there.

[MaryG1959]

As someone whos adopted "all" of my birds and most with nutritional deficiencies and plucking---be very careful if you own other birds. Make sure that you quarantine strictly and get this bird vetted ASAP.

Having said that, there is no other experience I find more rewarding than giving an animal a good home.

Find out what they feed their bird, and whether the cage is even suitable or not....find out whether they've ever vetted the bird and if so get copies of the records and possibly give the vet a call to get an opinion as to its general health.

If the bird is on a poor diet (which I can almost guarantee is most often the case) you may very well improve the birds health and quality of existing feathers. If the bird has damaged the feather follicles---then you will not see regrowth. ....and my personal opinion is "who cares!" You haven't lived in my book till you've kissed a naked chested bird!!

I adopted two blue and gold macaws. I paid an adoption fee of $800 (RANSOM!) for two sick and malnourished birds. They were barbering, shredding and literally eating each others feathers. They were quite literally starving to death. While their health improved and their feather quality improved....it was very very expensive. Their vet bills for the first six months was around $1500.

If you cannot afford the $400, plus the possibility of a new cage, plus the possibility of around $1000 for vet care over the next six months then I would pass.

If you can afford this and are willing to do the work neeeded with a bird who may be a screamer, or biter, or even a mutilator then I say "God Bless" and congratulations!

[shellbeme]

Originally Posted by MaryG1959

You haven't lived in my book till you've kissed a naked chested bird!!

Tee Hee! We call that a 'Chicken Chest' in my house! They are great for smooches!

[murphyzoo]

Good stuff guys, thanks!

[TAGyourIT]

GO, GO, GO! What are you waiting for????? Both of my Macaws are rehomes, one is 6 and one is 9 or 10... They are the sweetest birds ever. I have not had an issue with them from day one, and yes...my B&G DID jump right into my arms when I met her. They were both pluckers, but they are both growing their feathers back nicely.

GO MEET THE BIRD!!! You might regret it if you dont.... :-)

[supriser42]

I say GO FOR IT. Even considering the age of the bird, love and affection goes a long way. (Not saying he is being abused or has been abused). A year and a half ago we purchased a 5 year old Umbrella cockatoo. The ppl we bought him from only had him for a short period of time. After purchasing him, we found out that he is the same cockatoo we had consider buying a few months before from a pet store in Arkansas. He had all the papers on him and knew the history of him. The reason he had purchased him was because he knew Cotton was abused and he could find a good home for him. We regret ever passing him up in the first place. All his feathers were cut too short, blood feathers were even cut too short and he would have bleeding spells, which we had to tend to immediately. Now, his feathers are coming back beautifully and he is one big spoiled baby and is very playful. He is not going anywhere now and he won't have to worry about having a happy home. So I say GO FOR IT, the price sounds good and I am sure you will give it a loving home.

[MissV]

Have you made a decision yet? I (and likely everyone else!) want to know how the poor guy ends up. ^^



About price...yeah, I agree that it's whatever you're willing to pay and ideally money should be no object, but let's be realistic. At the end of the day, we all need money to survive and if you can find a better deal other places, it may be necessary for you to do so. :/

The difficult thing is separating what your heart feels and what your head tells you. Heck, I'm having that problem with getting MY CAR. I like one sales person and then I want to do business with them but then another, better deal comes up...

I feel like I'm going to hurt the feelings for the dealer or something. o.0

I know, I know. For all my talk I'm such a freaking sap.