I have a tough decision to make.

[ProbablyHarrison]

Okay, so here are my two options:

1. Pay $1,900 for a beautiful, well-raised, but all-around overpriced eclectus and pick him up myself early February.

• This option gives me 3-4 months where I don’t have to even worry about school (just work) and can focus mainly on the bird. There is also a health guarantee from this breeder and the bird comes vaccinated against polyomavirus.
  or

2. Pay about $1,000 for an eclectus of similar (but uncomfirmed) quality from out of state but have to wait until April to have him shipped to me.

• This option means I will be returning to school about a month later; I will still have plenty of time to spend with the bird but not as much focus. As of right now I'm not sure of a health guarantee but my reference assures me that they'll have a clean bill of health and I don't doubt them.

So please tell me what you guys think. Is the lower price worth the wait? Or should I pay more to get my parrot sooner?

On the emotional side for me, I reeeeeeally don't want to wait. But is it the best thing?

 

[Thingamagigs]

depends on how much spare cash you have
$900 is a lot that you could spend on fabulous toys, cages, play stands, vet check ups... a $900 difference is HUGE!

Eclectus are $500 - $1900 in Australia. Most commonly between $600-$800.

Its a very personal choice though... $900 for an extra two months... is it worth it? I am very short on cash, an extra $900 isn't something I would want to spare. Others opinions will be based on their personal situation as well

Best I can do is... if you are happy to pay nearly twice as much to have your bird very soon, then go for it

 

[birdbrainzz4me]

personally i would go with option a. i don't think the bird would be overpriced considering everything that has been done with it so far. it's coming with a health guarantee, and already been vaccinated. plus it sounds like it's coming from a good breeder so you have to keep in mind that they put part of their life into raising that bird for you if you bought it. no different than paying for child care. but like grey says, i don't want to tell you what to do either. but it makes more sense to me to go with the first option, it sounds safer.

 

[Chikoo]

First option sounds safer, but I'm sure the second one would work out fine too. Just depends on your financial situation. If money was no object, I would go with option A.

 

[LoveMyParrots]

I would go for the first option, I don't like shipping any animal. It's worth to pay the extra $900 in my option. Since the it's well raised.

 

[wenz2712]

I would also go with the first option.. You know it has been well raised and cared for.

 

[moni.k]

hmm that is a tough decision!!

I don't know about the veterinary costs in your area, but Nalani's "first wellness visit" cost over $400. I did a full panel blood work (180), 2 gram stains (100 total), 2 polyoma vaccines (43 each), general exam (55), recheck exam (35), not to mention testing for diseases and viruses. I can tell you right now that finding a GOOD vet is important and taking all precautionary measures are too. So 1900 should be considered as 1500 for the bird itself. That still is a bit high, but you're paying for a reputable breeder that will sell you a fully weaned and completely healthy bird. You know the background and history of the baby which is really important in my opinion.

However, with that said... Also take into consideration food, toys, cage, perches, travel carrier. That alone can cost anywhere between 300-600 for the basics. I hate to be crunching numbers but it is NOT cheap. So this is when the lower priced bird comes in...

Either way, you will be spending a good amount of money no matter which bird you choose. Try to talk to the breeders, get some history and additional information on the babies.

I wish you could meet these birds in person, because you'll get to see that it isn't the price that's the determining factor. But the bond and connection you feel with a particular bird. Like most people say, we can try to force a relationship, but they are the ones that choose us.

Good luck on your pick!!

 

[Oedipussrex]

It may already and you just haven't specified, but i would make sure the health guarantee includes proper tests, and not just the breeders assurance of good stock, or a vet simply giving it a visual physical once-over.

Even if the breeder is prepared to refund or replace it, once you've had it for a year fallen in love with him and it does turn out to be sick you aren't very well going to want to return him.

Im only saying this because pickle was also 'guaranteed' in the way that the breeder was prepared to reimburse if anything happened within a short time frame of him getting home, and our original vet was unwilling to do tests without any cause to believe he was sick. fast forward a year and he had PBFD the whole time. If tests have been done ask for photocopies of the results for the future and your own reference.

That said i have to admit the price difference is hugee but i would be too paranoid about shipping and buying from someone i haven't met to take option 2. If the potential travel cost was less than the price difference i might be tempted to go meet option 2 and possibly bring it back myself though..?

 

[Echo]

It seems to me like you don't know much about the option 2 breeder/bird, for us to make a judgement on it really.

The fact that you could drive to pick your baby up in option 1 is a plus. The fact that you would have it sooner is also a plus since you will be spending more time with it. If money is no option, I would say go for it.

If money is a factor, I would look more closely at the option 2 and see what kind of breeder/ baby you are dealing with.
You don't always get what you pay for. Some breeders are out of their mind with their prices! $1900 is high for an Eclectus. And you can't buy good health unfortunately.

 

[momto3]

I was faced with a similar situation when I got my baby Blue Crowned Conure. Admittedly, you are looking at a much larger price difference, however. Sounds like they are both from good breeders and much will depend upon if you are willing to take a chance on loving the bird that is shipped to you or you would like to visit the bird and check it out. Could you check out the first bird and make your decision based upon your gut feel for the bird? I had a bird shipped to me and she is the sweetest, healthiest bird ever and it was a great experience. However, she also could have been perfectly healthy and just didn't like us for whatever reason. I wouldn't hesitate to have a bird shipped to me, but I personally think it is very nice to meet the bird and be assured of a match. My Blue Crowned, Roscoe, chose me and even though he had some health issues and the other Blue Crowns that I was looking at had better "guarantees," I knew that he was the one.

It's a tough decision! Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[MonicaMc]

I can't tell you which option to go with, as it's ultimately up to you, however, you mentioned polyoma virus... which reminded me of this article. Might be an interesting read - oh and it also mentions eclectus.

Flights of Fantasy Aviary

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

Thanks all for your help! You really helped solidify what I was already feeling... I went with the local breeder and the higher price because I think the benefits will be worth it. Now all I have to do is wait for my little guy to finish weaning!