Hello everyone! I am thinking of getting a new cockatiel, however, times have become increasingly desperate as my search continues. My experiences with birds from chain pet shops have been bad, and all breeders are too far away. I will definitely be attending my local bird show on April 22, however in the meantime I have looked to Craigslist. I saw a beautiful baby latino tiel, and then contacted the seller. I noted a few things. He seemed to raise and hand feed and breed the birds himself, as he knew their exact date of birth. He also seemed to sell to others, as I first made an offer on a cinnamon tiel, but he said that he just sold it. However, the feathers around the neck in the listed photos seemed a bit sparse, and when he sent me another, there was this tan stuff around the cheek spots and near the beak that he claimed to be just seed hulls. He says that the bird was only a few months old and had an unknown sex, and had "no health problems whatsoever, two healthy parents, and good blood flow(?)". So, what is your opinion? Should I trust this random stranger with my potential new baby? Have you had good or bad experiences with craigslist? Is there anything wrong with the bird that you can glean from the (hopefully visible) picture? We will meet the bird later today. Hopefully all will go well!
Thoughts on Craigslist?
- Thread starter Stormiii
- Start date
Kiwibird
Well-known member
- Jul 12, 2012
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- 1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
I think as long as you can meet the bird in person before any exchange of money, there is definitely the *potential* to find a bird on there you like and fits in well with your family. If you are a woman, you should also take a friend or relative (preferably a man) with you to any meetings from craigslist to be on the safe side. I've never gotten a pet on craigslist, but I have bought a few things. Always go with my husband with when going to look at something but never had any issues to date with scammers or some creeper who wasn't actually selling xyz item...
Be sure you are able to set up a proper quarantine scenario for any new bird you get so if it comes home with a disease your healthy bird doesn't catch it. The same is true for a bird from a pet store or breeder as well. Never a good idea to introduce any new bird to your current bird before a vet check and 6 week quarantine period.
Be sure you are able to set up a proper quarantine scenario for any new bird you get so if it comes home with a disease your healthy bird doesn't catch it. The same is true for a bird from a pet store or breeder as well. Never a good idea to introduce any new bird to your current bird before a vet check and 6 week quarantine period.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thank you! Oof, I need to update my profile, but Jasmine (sadly) died 5 days after purchase. I got her from a chain pet store, which is the bad experience I've had. I have no other birds currently. I will be taking a male friend along with me, and the seller is letting us interact with the bird before purchase.
Flboy
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- Dec 28, 2014
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- JoJo, 'Special' GCC, Bongo, Cinnamon GCC(wife's)
Well remember, that breeder could be a birdo-loving axe-murderer for all you know!
So be careful!
So be careful!
OutlawedSpirit
New member
- Apr 12, 2016
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I think, just like with anything else on the internet, Craigslist can be a goldmine or a deathtrap. I have heard of people being scammed trying to purchase birds from Craigslist, but I also personally know breeders that do occasionally advertise on Craigslist because it is a free way to advertise to local people.
I agree that as long as you are able to meet and interact with the bird before agreeing to a purchase, then it is really no different than finding a breeder or rehomed bird through other channels. Just proceed with caution and use good judgement such as going with someone so you are not alone.
I agree that as long as you are able to meet and interact with the bird before agreeing to a purchase, then it is really no different than finding a breeder or rehomed bird through other channels. Just proceed with caution and use good judgement such as going with someone so you are not alone.
Kiwibird
Well-known member
- Jul 12, 2012
- 9,539
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- 1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
Yea, if the seller is having you meet the birds I'd imagine there would be no reason not to buy the bird if you like 'him'
"Good blood" could be either referring to the parent birds being good, healthy breeding stock or perhaps the bird had a blood test done at a vets and came back healthy. I would ask for them to clarify what that meant when you visit.
Generally, the "scams" on CL are easy enough to spot, i.e. someone selling a year old hyacinth macaw, 'super friendly' for $500 and they'll ship him to you for free!
Just use common sense. If it seems like a sensible price for the species, is someone local willing to meet in person, doesn't read like they used google translate/don't speak good English (or whatever language is spoken in your country, for those reading this thread at a later date) etc... it's 99.999% likely to be legit.
"Good blood" could be either referring to the parent birds being good, healthy breeding stock or perhaps the bird had a blood test done at a vets and came back healthy. I would ask for them to clarify what that meant when you visit. Generally, the "scams" on CL are easy enough to spot, i.e. someone selling a year old hyacinth macaw, 'super friendly' for $500 and they'll ship him to you for free!
Just use common sense. If it seems like a sensible price for the species, is someone local willing to meet in person, doesn't read like they used google translate/don't speak good English (or whatever language is spoken in your country, for those reading this thread at a later date) etc... it's 99.999% likely to be legit.
bug_n_flock
Well-known member
- Jan 2, 2018
- 1,517
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My youngest is from Craigslist. Still in quarantine for another few weeks, but so far so good.
Also my current cat and 1 previous were from craigslist. Current cat came fully vetted and free with 0 health issues(but she is a certified psychopath lol). Previous one came free with several thousand of her closest friends(fleas) and no vet work done. She also was a lovable nightmare, as most cats are.
Like others have said, be safe. Crossing fingers for you finding a good fit with the bird.
Still in quarantine for another few weeks, but so far so good. Also my current cat and 1 previous were from craigslist. Current cat came fully vetted and free with 0 health issues(but she is a certified psychopath lol). Previous one came free with several thousand of her closest friends(fleas) and no vet work done. She also was a lovable nightmare, as most cats are.
Like others have said, be safe.
Crossing fingers for you finding a good fit with the bird.
smbrds
Well-known member
Sorry to hear about your Jasmine passing. I can see where you want to avoid the chain store either way. Not many Mom & Pop stores left.
It is good that you're interacting with the bird in person and getting a feel for the breeder. Great idea on bringing the friend. Make sure the breeder offers a Health Guarantee. I hope all goes well.
LordTriggs
New member
yes definitely bring a friend with you when you go to take a look
the 2 mother cats my mum bought actually came from a guy who turned out to be a serial killer who would kill people who came to buy animals from him. Luckily my mum's pretty savvy and knew it best to take someone with her but constantly had a bad feeling there. 10 years later we see on the news they found a pile of bodies in his basement. Not trying to put you off but just be smart about it, most people are okay (albeit slightly crazy) but they mean well
the 2 mother cats my mum bought actually came from a guy who turned out to be a serial killer who would kill people who came to buy animals from him. Luckily my mum's pretty savvy and knew it best to take someone with her but constantly had a bad feeling there. 10 years later we see on the news they found a pile of bodies in his basement. Not trying to put you off but just be smart about it, most people are okay (albeit slightly crazy) but they mean well
Oliver17
Member
I have purchased on craigslist my two dogs, great pups. What about adoption? Good luck!
- Thread starter
- #12
Wow! Thank you all so much for your helpful advice. We went and saw the bird yesterday, and it was a sweet little thing! The breeder who we texted with ended up being a 14 year old kid who breeds birds as a hobby! He seemed very knowledgeable on the birds, and hand fed this lutino one. By 'good blood', he meant the bird was not anemic and his or her blood clotted fine. It was fully weaned, and seemed happy and healthy and social. He or she still baby begged, though, as the bird was only a few months old, but the bird will grow out of it. We will probably buy it on Thursday or earlier!
LordTriggs
New member
sounds like a good trip! And potentially a future good full time breeder
Hope to see some pictures when they come to your home
Hope to see some pictures when they come to your home
WOW! Adventures on Craigslist!
Good for you for reaching out.
And good luck to you!
Good for you for reaching out.
And good luck to you!
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