Jewel's Vet visit...

Ok, so the Bird shop I purchased her from (she was flown in) told me they would "warranty her" with a vet visit within the first 72 hours of arrival (I would've done it anyway). I took Jewel in within that time, and here's what I learned...
She is healthy, BUT - she has very damaged feathers. They are broken, some down to the skin leaving BIG SCABS. She is missing too many secondary feathers. I thought it was all due to over clipping her wings, but the vet (I really like her, and she owns a Pionus) said that it was most likely from panic flapping against a small cage or a wall repeatedly. Especially since there were no feathers to speak of in the shipping crate (that was first thought, it was due to shipping). Her tail is broken.
With all of this, I am upset. I just want to make her better, and I can't. The vet said it could take a year or more for feathers to correct. She most likely will never fly, which makes me sad because she is a bird after all and that is what they do. Do I contact the shop?? Would it do me any good?? Most I would get is a partial refund, because I WILL NOT GIVE HER BACK. I would love a partial refund, since they failed to inform me of any of this. The only draw they informed me of was that she is hard to get out of her cage, and she 1 year old, so they just wanted to find her a home. PS she doesn't know step-up, like I was told.
Other than her feathers, she is in good health, and is truly an amazing girl. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
THOUGHTS?? OPINIONS WELCOME.

I know you already love your girl. I'm sorry this happened to you though. I can see maybe some unknown backyard breeder being dishonest (not that they're all bad - of course I have to say so that no one comments on that ) but shame on a brick and mortar "store" misrepresenting what they were selling!

Whether or not she could ever fly might just be speculation at this point. Unless the bone structure or feather follicles under the skin have been somehow damaged. Even if... There are MANY ways to enrich your bird's life and provide exercise, health and happiness regardless. I know... The point is, they lied to you, or at least made things sound better and didn't disclose anything that might have been perceived as not being perfect.

I would definitely contact the store and express your disappointment at their non-disclosure of the condition of the bird. NO ONE 'expects' to get a bird with scabs and a lot of damage without a disclosure! Shame on them.

Did the vet take any blood samples for a general health panel as well as disease antibody testing? I wish you all the best with your new girl. She is a beautiful bird regardless

I had sent an email to the bird shop, and they responded within 2 hours. (Even though it probably took me that long to put the email together; it's hard to keep my words friendly when I am so upset and frustrated- but I did.) They are willing to fully refund me (minus shipping) her cost, to help pay for vet bills and such. I appreciate that. I was kind of afraid that they would want me to ship her back to them, because under no conditions would I do that. I just hope someday she's able to recover fully from this, and can fly. (I just don't feel like a bird can be truly, and completely, happy if they cannot ever fly.
Jewel just gets sweeter and sweeter every day, and she seems to really love everyone in my house. So although it started off a bit rocky over here for our first bird, and even though we have long road to recovery ahead of us, I feel like somehow this was all meant to be. I just love her so much, and she's already returning the love within a few days of being in her new (forever) home. Thanks for your support, RavensGryf. I really appreciate it.

VICTORYCC124 said:

I just hope someday she's able to recover fully from this, and can fly. (I just don't feel like a bird can be truly, and completely, happy if they cannot ever fly.

Thanks for your support, RavensGryf. I really appreciate it.

Click to expand...

You're so welcome ... But I happen to disagree on the first sentence I know of several mentally healthy and happy birdies on this forum who have never flown or can't fly. It's a little different when they know flight, then it gets taken away. Depends on situation though IMO.

Good! I'm glad you at least got reimbursed. I know you'll have much success with your new baby because she is so loved!