Lovebird dupe

Hello. I think I may have been duped? I picked out a lovebird at a breeder approximately 3 weeks ago. I took 2 pictures of it. The breeder even told me to note it's tail colors and design pattern. It was beautiful and a turquoise colour.

Every Friday the breeder sent me a photo of my baby to keep me updated and yesterday I picked the baby up. I noticed the breeder was very nervous and it was almost like they wouldn't let me see the baby completely, but they finally put it in the cage I provided. I noted right away that the green leg band was gone, and asked them about it. They said they took it off, as it was marked that it was mine, however, the baby had it on already when I only looked at her as you can see in 1st picture.

In any case, I then noticed that the tail looked very different than what i had seen on the first visit and also the 1st picture I took. I didn't say anything because I have been under so much stress with the passing of my mother and all the things an executor has to do, that I couldn't bear to think I got the wrong bird.

Once I arrived home, I looked at the pictures again this morning, and feel assured more than ever that this bird is not the one I picked out. I am feeling very upset disappointed and angry, but I don't understand why the breeder would do something like this? I paid the full price, and would have paid more if they asked for it, because I loved the little bird so much. The breeder even got me to kiss the little bird on the head, saying I was his new mommy on the 1st visit so I feel like I bonded with it from therein.

I don't know if I should speak up at this point, it just seems too stressful to have to confront the breeder. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I was thinking if I could get an expert opinion it would help a lot. I'm sure there must be some very experienced and knowledgeable bird/lovebird owneres who would know if this is my bird or not. I realized that birds do change as they grow, but I just feel dubious this is my case because as I mentioned above, the breeder told me to remember the tail color and pattern and how beautiful it was. Obviously, I do love the lovebird I have but I just feel like I have been duped.

The 1st 2 pictures are ones I took in my 1st visit; then 2nd, 3rd pictures by the breeder which looks different already, and the last one is by me this morning.

I would appreciate anyone's opinion. Thank you so much!

It looks like the same bird to me, bit I am not a lovebird expert.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Hello Spornette and Welcome to you & your new baby!

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother.

Congratulations on your new baby!

I don't know why a breeder might do this other than, something may have happened to your initial pick and the breeder wasn't honest about it.
Personally, I would ask. But, you said you weren't up for confrontation. I get that. How is the cutie that you have? Is she/he wonderful?

Here are some important links to get you started.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

Maybe others will have more input...

Alehner529 said:

It looks like the same bird to me, bit I am not a lovebird expert.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

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The baby I saw in the 1st visit and also the picture I took depict exactly a V shape on the end of the tail. The V shape just under the turquoise coloured feathers was very dark black. It was like a perfect border. The next pictures she sent me do not depict that at all. I'm looking at the baby right now, and the black part is almost like a dark grey, and the V shape pattern does not exist at all. I believe the pictures she sent me are the bird I have.

Tami2 said:

Hello Spornette and Welcome to you & your new baby!

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother.

Congratulations on your new baby!

I don't know why a breeder might do this other than, something may have happened to your initial pick and the breeder wasn't honest about it.
Personally, I would ask. But, you said you weren't up for confrontation. I get that. How is the cutie that you have? Is she/he wonderful?

Here are some important links to get you started.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

Maybe others will have more input...

Click to expand...

Thank you so much.. I might be crazy but is it possibly she shows off these more beautiful and fancy birds, so that the chances of you buying it are greater, and then gives you another one? To be honest I got my previous lovebird from them a few years ago (she flew away 2 weeks after my mom passed) and I also thought at the time that she didn't give me the one I picked. At that time I did have a little squabble about it with her, and she adamently denied more than several times that she did not give the bird to someone else. Again, I have no idea what she is doing, it doesn't make sense, as I paid her for what she wanted for both birds. I did love the 1st lovebird I did get from them, and she was very healthy and robust, so I had no qualms. I just had to get over the mixup and put it out of my mind. Maybe I was wrong afterall?

The one I have now is very sweet. He is already sitting on me and my shoulder all morning, so this is pretty wonderful, I have no complaints. I just feel like I bonded with the other one, and I feel very disappointed and angry because I feel like i have been had, and it's not a good feeling. It makes me feel like a fool. Maybe I should just email her and ask her why the tail is different, so that I can get some closure, as long as it doesn't stir up more stress. I don't need more stress ! lol

Thank you for the links, I will definitely read up on them.

Spornette said:

Tami2 said:

Hello Spornette and Welcome to you & your new baby!

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother.

Congratulations on your new baby!

I don't know why a breeder might do this other than, something may have happened to your initial pick and the breeder wasn't honest about it.
Personally, I would ask. But, you said you weren't up for confrontation. I get that. How is the cutie that you have? Is she/he wonderful?

Here are some important links to get you started.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

Maybe others will have more input...

Click to expand...

Thank you so much.. I might be crazy but is it possibly she shows off these more beautiful and fancy birds, so that the chances of you buying it are greater, and then gives you another one? To be honest I got my previous lovebird from them a few years ago (she flew away 2 weeks after my mom passed) and I also thought at the time that she didn't give me the one I picked. At that time I did have a little squabble about it with her, and she adamently denied more than several times that she did not give the bird to someone else. Again, I have no idea what she is doing, it doesn't make sense, as I paid her for what she wanted for both birds. I did love the 1st lovebird I did get from them, and she was very healthy and robust, so I had no qualms. I just had to get over the mixup and put it out of my mind. Maybe I was wrong afterall?

The one I have now is very sweet. He is already sitting on me and my shoulder all morning, so this is pretty wonderful, I have no complaints. I just feel like I bonded with the other one, and I feel very disappointed and angry because I feel like i have been had, and it's not a good feeling. It makes me feel like a fool. Maybe I should just email her and ask her why the tail is different, so that I can get some closure, as long as it doesn't stir up more stress. I don't need more stress ! lol

Thank you for the links, I will definitely read up on them.

Click to expand...

You're welcome!

If you are pleased with the cutie you have, but think you'll feel better if you tell her your thoughts, than you should.
If you think they aren't being honest with you, maybe you're right. I wouldn't buy another bird from them.

When Levi chose me out of his group of 4 siblings. I held him & spent time with him. When I decided he was the one, I wrote down his band number right in front of the breeder. When I went to pick him up I checked to make sure it was him. I realize the band you initially saw was removed and that doesn't make any sense to me other than your suspicions.

Tami2 said:

Spornette said:

Tami2 said:

Hello Spornette and Welcome to you & your new baby!

I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother.

Congratulations on your new baby!

I don't know why a breeder might do this other than, something may have happened to your initial pick and the breeder wasn't honest about it.
Personally, I would ask. But, you said you weren't up for confrontation. I get that. How is the cutie that you have? Is she/he wonderful?

Here are some important links to get you started.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

Maybe others will have more input...

Click to expand...

Thank you so much.. I might be crazy but is it possibly she shows off these more beautiful and fancy birds, so that the chances of you buying it are greater, and then gives you another one? To be honest I got my previous lovebird from them a few years ago (she flew away 2 weeks after my mom passed) and I also thought at the time that she didn't give me the one I picked. At that time I did have a little squabble about it with her, and she adamently denied more than several times that she did not give the bird to someone else. Again, I have no idea what she is doing, it doesn't make sense, as I paid her for what she wanted for both birds. I did love the 1st lovebird I did get from them, and she was very healthy and robust, so I had no qualms. I just had to get over the mixup and put it out of my mind. Maybe I was wrong afterall?

The one I have now is very sweet. He is already sitting on me and my shoulder all morning, so this is pretty wonderful, I have no complaints. I just feel like I bonded with the other one, and I feel very disappointed and angry because I feel like i have been had, and it's not a good feeling. It makes me feel like a fool. Maybe I should just email her and ask her why the tail is different, so that I can get some closure, as long as it doesn't stir up more stress. I don't need more stress ! lol

Thank you for the links, I will definitely read up on them.

Click to expand...

You're welcome!

If you are pleased with the cutie you have, but think you'll feel better if you tell her your thoughts, than you should.
If you think they aren't being honest with you, maybe you're right. I wouldn't buy another bird from them.

When Levi chose me out of his group of 4 siblings. I held him & spent time with him. When I decided he was the one, I wrote down his band number right in front of the breeder. When I went to pick him up I checked to make sure it was him. I realize the band you initially saw was removed and that doesn't make any sense to me other than your suspicions.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for sharing Tami.. You must know then how I feel!!
I feel very stupid now obviously, and you were so smart. What a shame, although, I was going through so much, but still this was the 2nd time! lol This is a lesson for me to learn, never to be repeated. I thought the band would stay forever because when I bought my parrotlet several years ago she was banded. So when I got my lovebird with the band missing at least I asked, but obviously it really looks like the answer the breeder gave me was not the truth. I knew that deep down but I couldn't deal with it. I regret that now in hindsight. It's just that most likely the breeder did not have 'my baby' anymore, but it's hard to tell she had so many in the cages, I never actually looked at them all.

I think I am going to email her afterall, and you have helped me there, so thank you. I will see what she says, and will post it. I dont think it will be good, as I believe she is a chronic liar. There's nothing I can do about it now, except that I will never deal with her again if I should want another one.

Thank you very much.

Glad I could help!

Good Luck.

This was their reply:

This is the exactly the same baby you chose when you came to see it, also the exactly the same baby in the pictures I sent you. What the benefit is it to cheat you? I am a Christian, I don't have any benefit to get from lying to you.

If you are not satisfied with this baby, you can return him and I will give you a full refund. Please let me know what time works for you to return the baby. Thanks.
........

I was not satisfied with the breeders answer, so I sent her a new note. If she is sure she is right, why can't she give me an explanation about why the tail feather markings are different?

I would rather have you explain how the tail colours and identification marks, are different from the 1st pics I took to your pictures. Since you are sure this is the same baby, and you are an expert in breeding and raising him, I would have no problem imagining that you are more than happy to explain it this to me. I would suggest that you keep the leg bands on your birds, so that this does not cause any of the same problems with other customers. That is only fair. The leg band is very welcome and serves a purpose.

It's pretty clear this breeder is corrupt.

Her final answer was:

I am sending you two pictures I took just a moment ago. They look very different in color, but they are the same baby. So under different lighting condition, colors do change, let alone we used different camera..In short, this is the exactly the same baby you chose, and exactly the same baby in the pictures sent you. Another thing may have confused you is I did cut off the plastic leg band before babies leave my home, because some customers don't like babies wearing a plastic leg band.
...................

The breeder could not answer my question on why the marking were different. it had nothing to do with colour so much and she has forgotten that I saw the baby and I see the baby I have now, nevermind the pictures.
I dont buy her leg band explanation either.

If she had made a mistake and given the baby to someone else I would have appreciated her honesty, but I dont see she is honest and who knows why she keeps repetively doing this. She did it to me twice, but this is the last time.

It looks the same to me, as the baby grows her tail grows. In the first was baby tail feathers, the others just show how they are naturally growing out as tail length changes. This is a beautiful and fteindly baby, as you are easily able to handle and hold. Many people here haven't gotten such fteindly birds. I think you should be very pleased with this bird.
My baby Quaker changed some ad he grew.
But if you are not happy, a d this is going to prevent you from bonding and loving this bird then you should return it.
My opinion it's the same bird, tail feathers have just been growing out as she grows into her adult body
Also, you are going to need a much larger cage. I hope that's something you are saving for and planning on. You have a beautiful happy fteindly baby, I hope you will be happy. As I've seen many people struggling with babies that weren't as hand tamed when they got them.

Laurasea said:

It looks the same to me, as the baby grows her tail grows. In the first was baby tail feathers, the others just show how they are naturally growing out as tail length changes. This is a beautiful and fteindly baby, as you are easily able to handle and hold. Many people here haven't gotten such fteindly birds. I think you should be very pleased with this bird.
My baby Quaker changed some ad he grew.
But if you are not happy, a d this is going to prevent you from bonding and loving this bird then you should return it.
My opinion it's the same bird, tail feathers have just been growing out as she grows into her adult body
Also, you are going to need a much larger cage. I hope that's something you are saving for and planning on. You have a beautiful happy fteindly baby, I hope you will be happy. As I've seen many people struggling with babies that weren't as hand tamed when they got them.

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I appreciate your analysis and reply. I just wonder why the breeder couldn't answer the question about the tail being different, and you can !!? I exchanged replies with her several times yesterday, and she avoided answering this question, by always asking me why would she cheat me and how upset she was. It came to the point where I had to let it go.

In one conversation though, she sent me pictures she took of 2 exact looking lovebirds, and explained how to tell them apart rather by how the wing pattern of the pied portions were different. She told me to look at my bird's wings and see if it looks the same as the 1st picture I took. I told her that this was the exact same thing I had a problem with was that the pattern and design patterns on the tail was different. But then she goes back to again how upset she is that I think she cheated me. It's bizarre that as a breeder she can't explain it to me, like you did.

As well, she never took responsibility for taking the leg band off, whatsoever. She ended up giving me 2 explanations. The first that she put it on so that she knew it was mine. This was when I asked her when I picked up the baby. She was like so nervous and sneaky about it, almost like she was guilty of something. She wouldn't let me see the baby and kept holding and stroking it and I couldn't see it until I had paid her for it and she put it in my cage I provided. Her behavior was a very strong part of my suspicion. The 2nd time it was through email, and she told me she puts those leg bands on when she has more than 1 clutch going on and then takes it off before she gives it to the baby's new owner.

In any case, I told the breeder how beautiful the bird she gave me is, and how super tame and sweet it is. I am very happy with him, especially as the days are going by now, and I am bonding with him more. However, that was never the issue, as I emotionally bonded with that first bird, and I felt a real loss when I thought the bird I got was not the one I picked out and felt drawn to.

I did have a look at my bird's wing pattern compared to the 1st picture I took and it does seem to match. Just one wing, though. I only got a picture of the one side. As well, the pattern on the top of the head does seem to match too. I am somewhat more convinced I have the same bird, and I think I am just going to tell myself it is, and it makes me feel quite a bit happier. The tail difference still makes me question but I have decided to let it go. If the breeder would only have kept the leg band on none of this would have happened, and apparently she thinks that she did nothing wrong as she is not apologizing for anything. She believes flat out that customers don't want leg bands. As a customer I would never go back to her, as I don't trust her. There's just something wierd there. Or maybe I'm just wierd.

Your birds color and pattern will continue to chsnge. I'm glad you are loving you special birdie. I hate leg bands, and they can have risks. Isounds like she just used temporary ones. What's your birds name?

Laurasea said:

Your birds color and pattern will continue to chsnge. I'm glad you are loving you special birdie. I hate leg bands, and they can have risks. Isounds like she just used temporary ones. What's your birds name?

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Hmm really, so you don't like the leg bands? What are the risks of them? My parrotlet who passed away earlier this year, had a leg band. I often wondered if it irritated her.

I just wish the breeder would have left the leg band on.. She would have saved herself so much stress. She could have asked and cut it off after I claimed him. But considering my previous Lovebird who flew away in August, and I lost her, I think the leg band would have helped me to find her. Not guaranteed, but it pretty much covers everything I could have done. I never got her back.

I named my lovebird Leopold Kailani Kiki. lol Leopold, as it was my mom's father and brother's name. My mom recently passed away in August, as well. After that name, I thought Leopold needed an exotic middle name. I didn't like any African names, so I found Kailani Kiki which in Hawaiian is supposed to mean feather kiss(es).