Rosella Parrot- Pet store

Hi everyone

About a year ago I saw a beautiful Rosella parrot for sale in a pet store a few miles away from my home. Today I decided to visit the store again seeing as I was in the area. To my horror the same Rosella Parrot was still in the pet store.
I feel really silly because I always advice people against buying from pet stores and recommend rescuing or buying from a breeder instead...but if I said I hadn't given the Rosella a second thought, I'd be lying.

I know it's really stupid to fall for the whole "Awh, I feel sorry for him" thing...but I just can't get the bird out of my head.

To be honest, I'm not sure if I'd like talking in or out of considering buying the Rosella. I'd just like some honest opinions

I would not be able to 'not' ask why she's still there... is the price too high? Is she ill? Is she even for sale..??

I'm so with you on this, I'd be just as torn!! Big fan of rescuing here... but sort of sounds like she might need a rescue!

I hate seeing birds in pet stores... hate it, hate it, hate it...

There are several people on this forum who have *adopted* their fids from pet stores, myself included. As much as we would like to keep parrots out of pet stores, unfortunately that is something that is most likely always going to be happening unless some legal action is taken, and even still there's still always going to be hoarders and improper "breeders".
I'd say go with your heart. If you really feel like this bird isn't getting the life it deserves being at the pet store for so long, I definitely would not hold it against you for taking him/her home. Rosellas are beautiful birds and atleast this way we all know he/she is going to someone who cares deeply and will provide a loving, healthy home.
Ask if the bird is vet checked, DNA'd, socialized, the age, diet, etc.. pretty much whatever you can do to get some history. I'm sure you know what to do hehe Keep us updated..!!
Can't wait to see your new addition to the family.. Hehehe :54:

Thanks Flashback and Sterling...It's a difficult decision!

I asked a few questions (mostly through shock rather than interest) the bird is for sale and it has been in the store for over a year. Apparently the bird is healthy (it looks healthy to me) and through research I'd say the asking price is reasonable.
The owner of the pet store says the bird hasn't sold because there isn't a demand for large birds/parrots in the area. The owner also said that once/if the bird sells they won't be selling parrots again which is nice to know!

My opinion on the matter is that, yes there is a HUGE issue with parrots in desperate need of adoption and people interested in a parrot should try to consider adopting a bird over buying if possible/reasonable. We adopted our BFA when he was 10 (we've had him longer now than he spent in either of his prior known homes). We are his THIRD known home (and his final home, might I add). He needed a good home, we love providing that for him and he's gone from a very angry/untrusting bird to a very loving and happy bird. Adoptees can be wonderful companions and its a wonderful experience to take them out of a tragic situation and "help". But on the other side of the coin, there are also a lot of young birds out there in petshops who need loving homes too. IMO, it would be SO much better for a parrot to spend its ENTIRE life in one loving home than to bounce around to 4,5,6+ homes before finally finding a forever home at 20 or 30 years old (and having had to go through all that abuse and neglect). 2 of my parents 3 birds were bought before they were even weaned. In their 40+ years on this planet, those birds have never been anything but treasured, loved and well taken care of and it is a wonderful thing for them to have had that only-positive experience with humans. I WISH we could've gotten Kiwi as a baby and he never had to go through what he did. I'm sure every person who adopted a bird wished much the same.

I also believe that a bird chooses it owner, and maybe that rosella is just calling out for you to take her home. Naturally, you should research if you're up for the challenge, but sometimes when you "know" you "know". And at the end of the day, the point is to give a bird a good home. If this one has been calling for a year, why not give her a good home?

Kiwibird said:

My opinion on the matter is that, yes there is a HUGE issue with parrots in desperate need of adoption and people interested in a parrot should try to consider adopting a bird over buying if possible/reasonable. But on the other side of the coin, there are also a lot of young birds out there in petshops who need loving homes too. IMO, it would be SO much better for a parrot to spend its ENTIRE life in one loving home than to bounce around to 4,5,6+ homes before finally finding a forever home at 20 or 30 years old (and having had to go through all that abuse and neglect). 2 of my parents 3 birds were bought before they were even weaned. In their 40+ years on this planet, those birds have never been anything but treasured, loved and well taken care of and it is a wonderful thing for them to have had that only-positive experience with humans.

I also believe that a bird chooses it owner, and maybe that rosella is just calling out for you to take her home. Naturally, you should research if you're up for the challenge, but sometimes when you "know" you "know". And at the end of the day, the point is to give a bird a good home. If this one has been calling for a year, why not give her a good home?

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100% agree.. you know there's *got* to be a reason you checked back a whole year later. That's how Riddick07 ended up with Folger, the crazy, formerly-known-as-psychotic BE2 who now has chosen his human and is going to have a wonderful life. She eyed him for a whole year before even visiting him! Things happen for a reason.. if it's meant to be, it'll find a way.

Thanks everyone

Every bird I've ever owned has been a rescue... but in a way, I feel this bird needs really needs rescuing!

The only problem with the bird is that despite seeing customers all day everyday, it isn't used to being handled. I hear Rosella Parrots can be awkward to tame at the best of times...Never mind one that's been left to its own devices for over a year!

I guess one thing that's putting me off buying the bird is that I can't help but think of all the stress it's already been through in its life...Perhaps the bird would be better off being kept for ornamental purposes in an aviary where it can be left alone?

Every species of parrot can be "difficult" to socialize. Especially ones with "people" issues. Just think of all the people who have socialized large macaws and cockatoos who came to them with a bad attitude, if they can do those things, it IS possible. Even the most difficult rosella is going to be a lot easier than a bird with a beak that can sever a finger. And so long as you are dedicated, there is absolutely no reason you wouldn't be able to gain this birds love and trust.

In regards to the second post- Sanctuaries have limited space, and it really should go to birds who have suffered so much abuse they will never assimilate into a normal home. A bird who has spent a year in a pet shop being fed and seeing people in a relatively positive way everyday is not in fragile enough condition to be sent to a sanctuary to live out its days. That bird belongs in a real home. And I would expect if you have rescues, you have to know it takes patience and hard work to build trust. It wouldn't be any different with this bird- time and patience.

Thanks Kiwibird I needed that! I'm going to talk to my partner about the bird tonight (I can already see his eyes rolling!) I'll go back to the pet store tomorrow, ask plenty of questions and spend a long time looking at the bird before I decided to take him/her or not.

Coming in late on this thread, but I reckon you should get 'im. He needs you and is calling to you. What else is there?

Forgot to add: Rosellas have the most beautiful song! It's much more tuneful and pleasant to the ear than other parrot noises - like a mellow, low-pitched whistle (but that doesn't do it justice). Look up do a search for 'rosella song' or 'rosella .mp3' and see what you think.

Another one for the Parrot Posse! What's wrong with purchasing a bird from a pet store? We've all done this, and might do such a thing again. Ain't no reason to be judgemental on how a person obtains a bird.

Talk to the manager/owner of the bird store and discuss price if you want to buy the bird. However, you can also ask permission to visit the bird several times a week or whatever the shop owner is comfortable with. Get to know the people who work there, and it won't hurt to buy a few things while you are there. Some of us get all uppity about pet shops, but really, until PetsMart and Petco came along the local pet shop was the only place to buy exotic pet supplies.

I don't know what part of the world you are in, but in the USA, times are tough and pets are having a rough time of it. Many are being abandoned at shelters or simply abandoned. Some are being horribly neglected. Getting a pet from a shelter is a good thing. Donating money to a shelter is a good thing. Volunteering at a shelter is a good thing, too.

How you get a bird is of no consequence. Yeah, it would be great to get one from a shelter/rescue, but many of us don't live near a shelter, or our homes may not live up to the expectations of the shelter.

How you take care of a creature you take in your home matters greatly to him or her. If you have feelings about the Rosella, sit on those feelings for two weeks. During that time investigate your ability to take care of this bird. Maybe go visit a rescue-if there is one near you-and explore other options.

After two weeks, if you still like the Rosella and can provide for its needs, then go for it. Doesn't really matter where it came from. The home that it is going to is what matters the most. And YOU are in control of that.

oh wow, I bet you were shocked....I know I would be....oh the poor thing.
how can it possibly be there for so long and no one want it.....

that's the beauty of this....rosellas can be tame, but normally they are not pets, so please do not feel guilty about not being able to handle it.
if you buy the bird, and get it out of there, it will be better off with you, no doubt about that.....even if you decide to find it a better home down the line, it will be better off.

they are spectacular birds, gorgeous colours, they are not loud, easy to keep and can be entertaining in their own way.
.......but they do require a flight cage, just so you know.

Kitty said:

I guess one thing that's putting me off buying the bird is that I can't help but think of all the stress it's already been through in its life...Perhaps the bird would be better off being kept for ornamental purposes in an aviary where it can be left alone?

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NO WAY, go get that bird. Talk to the owner and dicker with them. Tell them the bird has been in the shop for over a year, no longer hand tame, so who other than you would even be interested in the bird and see if they are willing to negotiate any on the price.

I wish you great success.

Kiwibird said:

Even the most difficult rosella is going to be a lot easier than a bird with a beak that can sever a finger. And so long as you are dedicated, there is absolutely no reason you wouldn't be able to gain this birds love and trust.

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But Rosellas just have a different temperament. There's a reason they're usually found as aviary birds rather than pet birds. I believe though about the love and trust part, that could happen, but by nature the grass keets and relatives don't like being touched, and don't really have those typical "pet" qualities in their genes. I guess Macaws can eventually become "pet quality" (if you get away without having a finger severed as you say ) because they form a more close, touchy feely pair bond as a species? Hopefully in time if you get him Kitty, you'll have a nice bird who will enjoy siting with you, if not on your shoulder then at least near you.
My mom has a Princess of Wales who was hand fed but never would allow touching. In fact, he had to live with my mom for several YEARS before he felt comfortable to step up. Though I know he'd love an aviary lifestyle, he's also happy being a little clown running around (fast) on her floor and throwing balls, ringing bells like mad, and beating up his foot toys! Talking too

Just want to say.. I didn't mean to seem snobbish about the pet store thing. I am all for a bird finding a good home, no matter how it finds it. I just wish it didn't happen, because nearly every bird I've ever seen in a pet store looks sad.

Anyway.. Please let is know what happens next, Kitty!

Hi everyone

I spoke to my partner last night and went back to the pet store this morning. Apparently the Rosella was given to the pet store when his owner no longer had time for him. The Rosella's previous owner clams the bird is male and about five years old. The bird has been in the pet store for just over a year, which now makes him approximately six-seven years old.

I spent a good couple of hours with the bird in the pet store and asked lots of questions...The bird is very fearful of people and doesn't like being approached. He seemed healthy and his feathers were in good condition but he didn't look happy at all.

After thinking about it carefully, I decided to take him home!

I am so happy you decided to bring him home...he will thrive in your home, I am sure
Did you already get him?

Ps: Sorry guys, like flashback, I didn't mean to sound snobbish either I just feel it's better to adopt if possible. I'm from the UK and there are plenty of "problem" parrots for sale.

Hi Terry

Yes, I have him already I love him but I can tell he's going to be hard work!

As some of you know, I already have a feather baby called Hardimos. Sadly, Hardimos has a brain tumour which has unfortunately effected his balance. I recently purchased a new cage for Hardimos that's more suitable for his special needs so I've put the Rosella in his old cage which is nice and spacious The rosella seems to be enjoying it!