Not sure about a craigslist deal

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-06-2010, 07:16 AM

Saw a listing on Craigslist for two parakeets with cage for 30.00. That's exactly what we are planning to get our girls so I contacted. He says they are still available and tells me when I can come, but then the tells me he has decided to raise the price to 50.00 .

This week the cages are on sale at petco for 43.00 and the birds 15 each. Not sure we will get the birds there though.
I feel weird about the situation now, why would he raise the price like that. Something smells fishy or am I being paranoid? would you still look a the birds as it will still save us a few bucks.

**hotprincesscm** · 12-06-2010, 07:23 AM

I wouldn't....but that's just my personal opinion. I feel something shady is going on...and it's not worth taking the risk. Especially when it comes to a pet. Birds don't have a long life span to begin with and if there is something wrong with the birds and they die too untimely your daughters will be very upset. Birds from the pet store at least have a small "warrantee" and are usually young in age so might last longer....

**ladytoysdream** · 12-06-2010, 07:28 AM

If I wanted the deal, I would get the person on the phone, and see how firm they are on price. If you go to their house to see the birds, let them know that 30 is your offer. If they won't budge, let them know, they can always call you if they reconsider their price. Also let them know, it will be a Xmas present and if you don't hear from them in so many days, you will go to the regular store.
Ask them why the birds are for sale. Their age, etc.

And, or put a ad up on CL yourself, for wanted birds.

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-06-2010, 07:41 AM

I was a bit concerned about why they are selling, are they mean , old ect? I want friendly birds that will like my girls, that's we chose parakeets. I guess my gut is saying don't do it but my wallet is saying " I'm running out of cash and this is still a deal".

**stinkbug** · 12-06-2010, 09:05 AM

FYI...birds live a LONG time. My friend has a cockatiel that is 21 years old.

I'd steer clear of that deal for so many reasons....first off being the way they upped the price. You have no idea how they have been taken care of, the conditon of the cage....and tow parakeets are going to be loud! They will chatter constantly if there is any noise in your house, they will be competing. Ask me how I know this!!

**Darlene** · 12-06-2010, 09:07 AM

His ethics are lacking and I wouldn't buy from him.

**OOwl** · 12-06-2010, 09:26 AM

I have five parrots. I wouldn't buy from someone on CL, especially one that is asking almost premium price for birds you know nothing about. You don't want the birds to be old or ill and cause heartbreak for your girls. I think I'd go with the Petsmart birds (or better yet, look in your area for a bird specialty store). You can ask the associate to help you choose compatible birds that will be friendly with each other and tame with people) and to help you choose a proper cage (most people choose a too-small cage for parakeets, not realizing that they are active, playful birds that like lots of room to flit around and play). Best wishes to you on your gift. I think parrots make wonderful pets!

**2ndGenGranola** · 12-06-2010, 09:52 AM

I didn't think you could "sell" an animal on Craigslist. I know you can give away with a "rehoming" fee (I know weird language but I think they are trying eliminate "business" type events). Just to see the response, I might let them know the new price of the cage then question their "fee". I really would be tempted to flag that poster.

**ladytoysdream** · 12-06-2010, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by 2ndGenGranola

I didn't think you could "sell" an animal on Craigslist. I know you can give away with a "rehoming" fee (I know weird language but I think they are trying eliminate "business" type events). Just to see the response, I might let them know the new price of the cage then question their "fee". I really would be tempted to flag that poster.

You CAN sell animals on craigslist.
There is a farm and garden section and all kinds of animals listed.

I have sold chickens/chicks on there myself. I responded to a ad this summer for someone wanting a few pullets. I sold her 3.
I also responded to a ad for ducks wanted because my son had 6 he wanted to get rid off. I also had a ad on there for eggs and had to jump through hoops with CL to set that one up.
I now have 2 people ( 1 store and 1 egg seller ) that buy eggs from me, so don't have to use CL to look for any more customers.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-06-2010, 10:28 AM

Can you put an ad on craigslist for just finding a used cage and then buy the birds from the petstore? You might get a cage really cheap which will save money. Then you could get the birds as late as possible ....just before Christmas.

I wouldn't buy from him. Something is shady.

**Paws** · 12-06-2010, 11:01 AM

Nope, wouldn't buy from this individual...would spend the few extra dollars and buy from the pet store. Something doesn't sound quite kosher with that guy...

Well, that's what I would do anyway...

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-06-2010, 11:03 AM

Im starting to think it may be best to hold off until after Christmas and visit a Bird store to talk about the different kinds of birds and find the best fit for my kids.

The girls will be so disappointing in me but I don't want to make a mistake. We went to petco to look yesterday and Haylie had tears in her eyes because she just didn't want to wait anther day. She is an animal lover and wants to take everything home.

I feel so bad for her because she just want to love something and her mean old mom doesn't really want any pets.

**OOwl** · 12-06-2010, 11:27 AM

Ann, just a suggestion. . . Your daughter sounds like she is very responsible and takes her animals VERY seriously, which is great. I would recommend her first pet bird being a cockatiel, rather than a parakeet/budgie. Cockatiels are GREAT first (and thereafter) birds and they live longer than parakeets. They're a little larger and more robust, as well. There are many cockatiel breeders in every area (especially Florida where lots of pet birds are bred) that hand-feed their babies, making extra-tame, wonderful pets. Your local bird club would be a good source for locating a breeder. Cockatiels can live well into their 20s, males talk and sing, they're reasonable noise wise, and they learn tricks and such easily. You can buy a normal-color, handfed cockatiel youngster for about the price you were thinking of spending on two parakeets. What about getting a cage for under the tree, a book about pet parrots (Parrots for Dummies is a GREAT book!), a couple of bird toys for the cage, and then a mom-made "coupon" for a bird after the holidays.

Beware of purchasing used cages though. Bird cages are often "available" when the resident bird has died (sometimes of a contagious disease). Be sure you disinfect carefully if you get a used cage.

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-06-2010, 12:15 PM

OOwl- thank you for you advice. I think if we tell her that we might be able to find a bird that can do tricks she would be willing to wait. She is very responsible with her pets but she is also only 8 .
I think I will take that suggestion and get her a book and some toys. I don't want to buy a cage until we know for sure the bread. I wouldn't want to buy the wrong cage.

**Libby** · 12-06-2010, 12:34 PM

AnnK - I'd 'report' that poster if thats an option on CL. I use Kijiji more myself and have very lil experience with CL but its always seemed 'shady' to me. The fact that the guy upped the price is a huge red flag. You've heard of puppy mills right? Why not have a bird factory too? KWIM? You are making the right decision in WAITING until after Christmas & properly researching your long term purchase.