Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Fellow Bird-lovers: Considering purchasing a supposed bonded pair of macaws that were listed on a "pet classifieds" website...they would have to be shipped to me from Philly to Pgh., Pa... I have 2 major concerns: shipping in this weather, and how does one insure/assure that they are getting what is advertised? This seller seems honest; even asked if I could come to Philly to pick them up; sent pictures; stats, etc... They are beautiful from the pics he sent me; and I'm not extremely concerned about breeding right now, but would like to have some kind of 'guarantee' that I am getting what I'm told I'm getting... He tells me they will travel in an insulated carrier... Any helpful feedback is much appreciated!

Sorry to be long-winded, but have one more that I'm looking at in our local pet shop; know the owners; but this macaw (greenwing) is always featherless from the neck down; owner has dropped price on him somewhat bec. he knows that I have been interested for a long time; I'm just feeling sorry for the little fellow now, and want to give him a good home. Am I risking buying an incurable plucker, one with Giardia?!?!?! owner's excuse is always "he's just molting"... well, then he must molt year round, and I don't think so... Many thanks for any and all feedback and suggestions!!

Well as far as buying something over the internet have you checked to see if this person has sold stuff before, has good feedback etc. If there is no way to check I wouldn't buy unless I could go see them and had a guarantee but that is me personally. Many people have really good luck purchasing animals online but then you hear the horror stories. Buyer sends in money doesn't get animal, buyer buys male and female gets two males (females), buyer buys healthy birds find out they have disease parasites etc. If you are set on buying these birds then get a guarantee that will hold up in court. Make sure you have signed papers stating that they are a male and female and will refund if vet says they are not, have signed papers stating healthy and that they will refund if vet shows they are not in so many days, etc. As far as shipping in this weather it is possible but can be dangerous for an animal. If you do get them shipped make sure that they are shipped in crate that has heat (heat packs etc) make sure the shipping company (airline etc) has a great history of shipping animals and I would still say if it is possible go pick up the birds get to see them and then you will be the one to take them home and keep them "safe".

As far as the bird in the pet store. When macaws molt they usually do it in a way that they are never featherless. They grow new feathers in while losing the old they are not like certain types of chickens etc that just drop all feathers and no they would not molt all year long!! This bird has something wrong with it be it medically or psychologically. If bought know that it could infect any others in close quarters if it is a medical condition. It would need to go to a vet immediately to be checked over and I would nor recommend supporting the pet store in this way if they have let an animal get that bad!!

Stephanie

Thank you so much, Stephanie! Really good advice, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! You obviously know your 'bird stuff', and love them, too!!! I have adopted a few, and have rehabbed wild ones, etc., since I was young... just now getting into the bigger ones. It's hard to not love them all!!!

I know now how I can talk to this pet shop owner... and also how I can work with this seller on-line, even though right now I'm not feeling at ease about buying the macaws this way!!

Again, I can't thank you enough for your very thorough help!!!
Blessings!