Ijistcantsayno
Member
I just got home from our local pet shop (had to buy crickets for the geckos) and was surprised to see a couple of cockatiels there. I asked about them, how old are they, blah blah because they were in cages that are differently than the rest. Every once in a while they will babysit birds (similar to dog boarding) so I assumed that was the case. Nope. The owner had purchased them 16 years ago as babies for her 2 kids. The kids have since moved out, same sad story Iโm sure a lot of birds go through. It breaks my heart that they have been tossed aside, and we have the means to care for them...BUT (and this is a big but) we have 4 budgies, which as you all know are new to us, plus these birds have NEVER been to a vet. They are both in separate cages, and have never been housed together or in the same room together. One of them seems to be cage aggressive or at least wants to bite while in the cage, but is fine when taken out. That one also seems to have a minor balance issue. He seems to open his wings to stabilize himself while perching, even in the cage. He actually fell once while I was there. The other is much more docile, and seemed to dance when we whistled to it. Their โstuffโ is included in the purchase price but itโs all old and gross. The rope perches are worn and frayed, they have had the same toys for their entire lives! The whole cage and setup seriously looks like it should be chucked. Which is fine, because Iโd prefer larger cages anyways.
If we were to adopt them (and that is a bid IF) does anyone have a rough idea of life expectancy?
Can we train the cage aggressive behavior out at this point?
Should we expect behavior to get worse before it gets better?
I understand they are powder birds, how much powder do they produce? Will a quick daily dusting suffice or is it more involved? They would be staying in my bedroom, because...cats.
Obviously they would need a trip to the vet pronto which is a significant cost as well. Itโs roughly $225 for a visit and gram stain per bird in my area. Thatโs not including blood work. With blood work Iโm looking at $300-$350. Each. If Iโm going to do this Iโd like to go into it armed with as much info as possible.
I guess my real question is should I just walk away or not? Iโm on the fence...Iโm heartbroken for the family they lost, but Iโm also afraid we may not be the family that is right for them.
Thought, opinions, and insight are all welcome. I know there would be nothing worse than taking them in if we cannot provide what they need.
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If we were to adopt them (and that is a bid IF) does anyone have a rough idea of life expectancy?
Can we train the cage aggressive behavior out at this point?
Should we expect behavior to get worse before it gets better?
I understand they are powder birds, how much powder do they produce? Will a quick daily dusting suffice or is it more involved? They would be staying in my bedroom, because...cats.
Obviously they would need a trip to the vet pronto which is a significant cost as well. Itโs roughly $225 for a visit and gram stain per bird in my area. Thatโs not including blood work. With blood work Iโm looking at $300-$350. Each. If Iโm going to do this Iโd like to go into it armed with as much info as possible.
I guess my real question is should I just walk away or not? Iโm on the fence...Iโm heartbroken for the family they lost, but Iโm also afraid we may not be the family that is right for them.
Thought, opinions, and insight are all welcome. I know there would be nothing worse than taking them in if we cannot provide what they need.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk