Buying Cockatiel from Pet Shop

Gavb8

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Aug 28, 2013
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Hello all,

We're getting a Cockatiel this weekend.

The Pet shop that we regularly go to for our fish etc has an 18 week old male for sale. We're thinking about buying him. However, he's not hand-raised.

What's your opinion: Will we be okay to get him since he isn't hand-reared?
 

crimson

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welcome to the forum Gavb8.
4.5 month old cockatiel is still just a baby, but can delivery a bite if necessary.

If it's afraid of hands, you will have to start at square one with training, so not to be afraid of your hands, then eventually learn to approach you without fear, then step up.

with patience, and time(sometimes it can take months)for this to be achieved.

cockatiels make GREAT companions, but can be flighty or nervous with the wrong owner.

you will need to decide if you have the time and devotion to train this baby.
 
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Gavb8

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Thanks Crimson.

Sure, we just had a concern as I've read some things saying DO NOT buy from a Pet shop and DO NOT buy a Cockatiel that hasn't been hand reared.
 

crimson

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I've bought from pet stores, and I am a breeder.
it really depends on the store, the quality of care they give them.
if the cage is kept relatively clean, half decent food and clean water dish, then I would say go for it.

Also what to look for in the baby, does it look alert, or sleepy/lethargic?
something else to check, take a look on the bottom of the cage....is their poop formed or runny/watery?

these are indications the bird is not thriving or is ill.

one thing we LOVE on here are pictures....is it possible you can take some pics of the baby and post them on here?
 
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Gavb8

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We are going for a look tonight and if it looks healthy, we'll buy it him on Sunday.

So sure, I'll take some snaps and upload them for you :)

The shop has said it's a male but I know it's hard to tell - hoping it is!
 

TessieB

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If you do your research, there is nothing wrong with buying from a pet shop. Years ago petshops were the only place to buy pets and their supplies. In recent years some shops have gotten a bad rap, and while I'm sure they deserved it, there are some out there that are providing products for pets that you won't see in PetsMart, PetCo and so forth.

Ask lots of questions and see how the staff responds. Local petshops that are surviving in today's economy are willing to go the extra mile to stand out, and will provide quality customer care. Ask questions about the bird you are interested in and see which vet they use in case of illness. Ask about their return policy.

After purchasing the bird, have a veterinarian perform a post purchase exam to screen for possible health issues.

Although some folks get all uppity about petshops, the good ones will take care of you and your pet in a way no chain store can.

Good luck!
 

Kiryon

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Some petshops really are terrible, but others are wonderful! The one I go to, I'd definitely buy a bird there if I fell in love with one they were selling. Only downside to the good petshops, in my experience, are the prices. I've seen tiels range from 180 to 250 in the one I go to which seems a little high compared to breeders I've seen.
 
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Gavb8

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Here's our little baby Rio that we took home last night.

He was a good alarm clock this morning chirping away! He's still shy though as you can imagine. He's an 8 month old boy.

How does he look?

2rdvig6.jpg
 

lisascannell

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It looks like a lutino, but it can't be because it has a grey patch on the back!! Does anyone know what mutation it is? :)
 
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Gavb8

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He does have a little bald patch behind his head?
 

crimson

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he looks pied.
Gav- great picture btw, he looks adorable.....could you get a picture of his back AND his bald spot.

the reason for his bald spot is when you breed two lutinos together it creates a bald spot.
 
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Gavb8

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Yep sure, I'll get one this weekend and post it up on Monday or whenever I get a chance :)
 

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