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BirdWhisperer
02-13-2016, 04:55 PM
I didn't know quite what to title this thread, and it hit me... "Unknown Origins - Dangers Of Craigslist". Why do I title this thread with "Unknown Origins"? Well the majority of all animals sadly purchased from Craigslist have unknown origins, I mean after all how can one prove if they have been abused? One can also not prove until it's too late whether the bird is sick, has a disease, been mistreated, and so forth! Sometimes Craigslisters even lie about the breed and the sex of the bird or animals to make a profit! As for "Dangers Of Craigslist" well that goes hand in hand with the animals coming from unknown origins. Let me use my story to warn you all of the dangers of buying from Craigslist and what you can do to perhaps make sure that the bird or animal you are getting is the right choice for you.

My story, or shall I say my Amazons' story;

February the 7th, it was a windy and quite a chilly day... I had seen a Zon I had liked quite well at a store 45 minutes from my house, I enquired about the Zon but they said it was their store mascot so the Zon was not for sale. I was heartbroken but I moved on, I kind of figured with 6 Budgies my husband wouldn't be too thrilled at the thought of me getting a Zon. This particular Zon was one of the bigger ones, I do believe it was Yellow Naped Amazon, Either way it was pretty big! I felt so intimidated by the Zon, yet I felt a strong mysterious attraction to the bird, just being around such an exotic bird made me shiver with anticipation. I hanged on that Zons every move and noise, the Zon would even cry like a baby when I had to leave. I knew I had to leave, it was better for the Zon, after all he/she was the store mascot I didn't want either of us to get too attached.

February 8th, I was doing my regular Craigslist browsing, I am quite the Craigslist junky. I don't do a whole lot of shopping on there, considering you never know who you will meet, who might scam you, or how about all those creepy robberies or murders that stem from the dangers of buying on Craigslist? So yea, I didn't really expect much from searching around, I was just browsing the community pets section and that is when I stumbled upon "Carlos". The add said that Carlos was a Red-Lored Amazon, he spoke words, he was trained, yada yada yada, pretty much all the good things one could ever want from a bird! The add also said he was not loud, nor was he a screamer. My eyes broadened as I read the add, needless to say after reading it I tried to close off the add and push it to the back of my mind, I didn't think my husband would be keen on the idea. I mean come on, we have 6 Budgies and that's a first for us? Right? What would I do with a Amazon? What about the cage? The Feed? Do I even know how to raise one? Thoughts were racing through my mind at such a fast speed, it was like a drag race in my brain I felt burnt out.
I waited for quite sometime but I couldn't hold it all in, I just had to show my husband and oddly to my surprise my husband smiled and said we could meet the little guy! Or shall I say big guy? chuckles. So I contacted the lady with some questions, she kept asking me if I was interested and I said I was and that I was sorry for asking so many questions I just wanted to make sure he was right for me. We set up a time and we went to go meet the fella, I pulled up with money in hand and she offered me inside. I don't want to go into too much details about the home, but I admit I did notice a particular smell but that is besides the point. My eyes were shifting around the room, I was wondering where is Carlos? She probably noticed my curiosity as she said "he's right behind you", Carlos was in a cage behind us in a dark corner. She then proceeded to drag the cage out for us to see him. I noticed he was in a small cage, the cage appeared dirty, and there was just room for him and a toy. The cage seemed quite small, so small his food dish from what I could remember was on top as the cage had one of those play top things on it.
Now it was time for her to get the fella out for us to see him, I noticed he seemed really scared. She had to force him out he was so scared, she placed him on her arm and he slid off! It was all in slow motion I saw the poor bird fall on his side, he never even broke his fall with a swift glide! I was worried, she saw my worried look on my face and she said "he is just scared this doesn't normally happen". Her approximately 5 year old daughter went on to say that when he falls she picks him up, I remember thinking wow that is so strange...
Long story short she proceeded to place him in the carrier after I said I would take him, I gave her the money, she gave us his food and his toy. She told me that she couldn't keep him due to monetary issues, she also told me that she had a large cage for him and she had to sell it for money and buy him that small cage. She then informed me that she had friends who would come over, tease, taunt, and even poke poor Carlos, that really touched me on a deep level and to be quite honest angered me that someone could be so cruel to an animal.
The lady seemed nice, I have no qualms with that... it's just what happened after that to this day makes me wonder.

Fast forward we purchased his cage, bought him some new food, new toys, everything a bird could want! His own little bird paradise! We brought him home, and we set up his cage. Carlos appeared skiddish which I just figured hey it's probably normal, after all he just met us and he is making such a big move to a new home it had to be quite scary and tough for the poor guy. Not long after acquiring him I posted a topic about him on a couple forums saying "Meet Carlos - The Red Lored Amazon", quickly folks peaked in, even commented! To my surprise people were saying that Carlos did not appear to be a Red Lored, but instead a Red Headed Mexican Amazon, I thought a red headed whatta?! I looked it up and thought WOW they're right! Quickly after things began to unravel as the days went by. I started to notice odd things about Carlos, he wasn't quite speaking like the add had said, I did hear him say whats up maybe three times? I noticed he would also go to bite me anytime I would come near his cage. I also noticed he had a strong odor about him like urine, that odor was vaguely familiar... It wasn't long after purchasing him that he fell in the cage, I thought it was quite strange that he would land on his side and not try to glide, it reminded me of the time a few days prior when he slid off the ladies arm. I was worried, worried to the point that I made a topic asking if it was normal for Amazons to fall from their perches. I was so worried I felt sick to my stomach, I had just bought him not too long ago and I didn't want him to get hurt.

As for his smell, I wanted to remedy that so I waited a couple days or so so he could adjust then I gave him a light shower in our bath tub. Carlos shimmied and shaked, he was partly afraid yet he loved it! I noticed with each sprits of the shower his colors went from dull to neon green and quite vibrant! His smell began to diminish and he seemed a lot healthier! but then I noticed something quite odd... Carlos began to lean to one side, I thought what in the world. I lifted Carlos up and realized HEY his wing don't match! I quickly showed my hubby, I thought this couldn't have just happened here, after all the lady and daughter did say that him falling was a natural occurrence.

We updated our topics on the other forums about the fact that we noticed something was up with his wing, was it fractured? Perhaps broke? We didn't know! After conversing on different forums I realized I needed to ultimately make a vet appointment to figure out what in the world was up with poor Carlos! The next morning we rushed to call the vet as soon as it was open, they said they had room later that day around 4pm? We headed over early and waited. They took Carlos in, I almost cried seeing him shriek as the doctor wrapped him up like a Mexican Burrito. The doctor poked and prodded poor Carlos over, and the doctor made his assessment... To our dismay the doctor said that Carlos was missing his arm! My jaw dropped, I just remember looking over at my husband in utter shock, I quickly looked over to the doctor and said how did this happen?! The doctor said he doesn't know, but that Carlos was not born that way, and that he did not just hatch out of the egg that way. The doctor said he hopes it was surgical and not something else. He then quickly proceeded to tell me that Carlos would never ever fly again. We ended up paying a hefty vet bill, it was quite possibly the only time poor Carlos has ever been to the vet in a long time if ever! We also made sure to get him dna sexed, get some blood panels done, the whole 9 yards! If the lady wasn't forthcoming about knowing that his arm was missing, how would I know if she really knew his sex or anything else like his overall health!

On our way home I was so sad, I knew buying him was the best decision I ever made. Since Carlos went through all of that, I bought him even more toys! I bought him a rope and so forth to make things easier for him to traverse his cage. I went ahead and lowered all of his perches, me and my husband did all we could to accommodate him in this predicament. I can't help but to wonder if he was abused, did someone purposefully remove his arm so he could never fly again in an effort to save time and money? After all just remove the poor arm, and never have to pay a vet to clip his wings!? How cruel!

- Do I regret Carlos? Would I change a thing? How do I feel about all this? I absolutely do not regret Carlos! and if I had to do it over again I would not have changed a single thing. Carlos is safe, he is with me now, and I will do everything in my power to take care of my son. I feel saddened, hurt and distraught that he is missing his arm and a complete wing! On one side he has a long beautiful black and red wing, unfortunately on the left side that black and red wing is completely gone! He can't even fan out his left side because it has no arm to even extend the wing.

My Advice; I can't say don't purchase from craigslist, but realize that people will do anything to make a buck! People will sell hurt birds, sick birds, and even half dead birds for profit! Do I think she harmed Carlos or sold him knowing his arm was whacked off? I don't know, all I know is, the lady could not properly care for him, she admitted that much. I do know she admitted he was mentally and emotionally abused, I also know that she had to downsize his cage to where he was cramped inside for profit. I can't fault her for not having money, the poor lady lived in a trailer park, I don't doubt she was poor and in need. I won't point fingers at her and assume, nor will I hold any grudges, instead I will just smile and be glad that Carlos is safe and with me now... this is his home, his permanent home.

I would advise anyone looking around for birds on craigslist to ask questions, ask a lot of questions! If they get mad, tell em to get glad! If they feel bombarded and don't reply back, oh well move on! Ultimately I cannot tell a person what to do, if someone wants something bad enough they will go for it, but please take this post to heart. Just be alert and be prepared for the worse. Know that taking in any birds, especially big birds like parrots or any other animal for that matter requires more than just time and attention, but requires money! It takes money to buy the bird or animal, to buy the food, the toys, and the proper housing for that particular animal. Not only this, but please consider the cost of the vet bills! You could end up buying a sick animal that did not show any symptoms until you bring it home an the sickness passes on to all of the other animals, and it's too late and all of your animals get sick and quite possibly die! This is why it's vital to quarantine birds for at least 45 days! This is why again it's also vital to ask questions! Make sure you ask the seller if they have ever taken their pet to see a vet, ask them if the bird has ever been or is sick, also make sure that the seller is willing to let you see the animal and spend time with it before you rush in and make a purchase. If it's a bird look over the bird, check the beak and nose, is the nose runny? Check the eyes, does the eyes appear runny and or droopy? Does the bird appear lethargic? Ask about the birds diet, is it just a diet of seeds and treats, or does the diet contain pellets? These are things to know and look out for! Check the feathers, are some of the feathers missing? Check the birds personality, does it seem aloof? Intimidated, mean, again these are things to know.
The birds personality can tell a whole lot about the birds overall health, just be aware of the decision you're about to make when meeting someone on craigslist to purchase any kind of animal.

How Carlos is now fairing; Carlos Is doing absolutely fine now, he is getting along a lot better! He has made such remarkable progress in the last few days, I couldn't be any more proud of him! He went from barely wanting out of his cage to step up on my finger due to fear, to where now he just loves getting out of his cage! My hubby even made him his own perch so he can sit beside me while I am on the forums hehe.
Carlos used to try and bite me when I would go near his cage to change his bedding, food, and water. Carlos still growls and opens his beak but he no longer tries to bite quite like he did. Poor guy even bites the cage just so he won't bite me, I think he is realizing that I love him and he is safe now with me where he belongs. Me and my husband absolutely love him! He is like a son to me now! I have a 2 year old daughter who he is intimidated by but I do not allow them around each other, he has nothing to fear here. He won't ever have to worry about being abused, poked, or prodded again.

I hope Carlos realizes that he has helped me too, I had a very tough pregnancy with my daughter... I almost miscarried her many times, in fact the doctors said I would. Praise God she's here! I also had to have an emergency C-Section because she was suffocating in my womb the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck at least twice! After bleeding heavily and going through such a tough pregnancy with my daughter we realized that having another baby may be too risky, so I really think that's when I began to lean even more on my pets to help me cope. Carlos among my other feathered friends, and furry friends have helped me through so much! I absolutely love and adore all of my pets! Pets truly are a blessing.

PS. Feel free to ask me any questions about anything, my experience, how Carlos is, and so forth.

BirdWhisperer
02-13-2016, 05:03 PM
May I also add that next week I find out the blood results from Carlos blood panel, his proteins, etc, and the results of his DNA sexing! I will also have a mini renaming ceremony next week haha. I am thinking about Carlisle if a male, or Carla if a female, who knows. :P

Lady
02-13-2016, 07:54 PM
Wow, I'm so glad you have h/her now. S/he will have a better life filled with love from you and your family!

BirdWhisperer
02-13-2016, 08:18 PM
Wow, I'm so glad you have h/her now. S/he will have a better life filled with love from you and your family!

Thank you so much, I know that was a long post but I just had to get that ordeal out. Phew. :P

spiritbird
02-13-2016, 08:59 PM
I truly enjoyed reading your story. Must admit to shedding a few tears. Thank you so very much for the support of Carlos and I do understand he brought sunshine into your life.

:nodding::nodding:

BirdWhisperer
02-13-2016, 09:06 PM
I truly enjoyed reading your story. Must admit to shedding a few tears. Thank you so very much for the support of Carlos and I do understand he brought sunshine into your life.

:nodding::nodding:

Thank you for being supportive on both this site and the other. I am truly glad I brought him here, I feel like I can be the one to give him a good permanent home. :)

Casper's 2nd best friend
02-13-2016, 10:16 PM
It is wonderful to hear that Carlos is responding well to your love and affection. I think maybe the previous owner was trying to do a good thing, knowing he was prone to falling, by getting him a smaller cage so that he wouldn't have so far to fall.
We have never had Casper's sex checked. DNA testing in the UK is about seventy pounds sterling, that's over a hundred dollars. We are placing our faith in the fact that he is twenty eight years old and hasn't laid any eggs yet. :th_smile:

BirdWhisperer
02-13-2016, 10:46 PM
It is wonderful to hear that Carlos is responding well to your love and affection. I think maybe the previous owner was trying to do a good thing, knowing he was prone to falling, by getting him a smaller cage so that he wouldn't have so far to fall.
We have never had Casper's sex checked. DNA testing in the UK is about seventy pounds sterling, that's over a hundred dollars. We are placing our faith in the fact that he is twenty eight years old and hasn't laid any eggs yet. :th_smile:

I wish that were true, but she never once told me his arm and wing was completely missing. She also made sure to tell me that she sold his large cage because she needed the money, and that's why she purchased the smaller cage. I wish she would have told me that he was missing his arm, if she would have been more forthcoming I would have been able to accommodate him sooner. I can't help but to wonder why she didn't give me all the details.

kendrafitz
02-14-2016, 12:08 AM
Poor baby! I can't even imagine what he has been through. He is so very lucky you found him. I look forward to reading about his progress and seeing lots of pics of him. It sounds like he has come a long way in a short time already.

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 12:49 AM
Poor baby! I can't even imagine what he has been through. He is so very lucky you found him. I look forward to reading about his progress and seeing lots of pics of him. It sounds like he has come a long way in a short time already.

Thank you, your macaw is sooo cute. I will surely keep everyone posted. :)

kendrafitz
02-14-2016, 12:54 AM
Thanks Kristin. She is a character, that's for sure. :)

PlaxMacaws
02-14-2016, 12:59 AM
Hey Kristin... I just read your thread starter. Carlos' story is so impactfully sad :(. I too am very glad you have taken him away from the hell to which he was confined and certainly that you have ended the risk for him being further abused and potentially tossed around from person to person. Your actions for, and concerns about Carlos and his well-being are beyond noble. I'm so glad to know that you love him so much and that he has a forever home with you now :D

By the way, is the photo of Carlos you are using as your avatar a reversal? From reading your story my interpretation is that he's missing his entire upper left appendage but in that photo it appears to be there. I believe I can see the joint and part of the wing. If the image is a mirror reversal that would seem to explain it.

Please post often about Carlos (or whatever his name ends up being) and his new life .... after reading his story I almost feel that I know him now :heart:. Thanks so much for sharing.

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 02:28 AM
Thanks Kristin. She is a character, that's for sure. :)

You're welcome :)


Hey Kristin... I just read your thread starter. Carlos' story is so impactfully sad :(. I too am very glad you have taken him away from the hell to which he was confined and certainly that you have ended the risk for him being further abused and potentially tossed around from person to person. Your actions for, and concerns about Carlos and his well-being are beyond noble. I'm so glad to know that you love him so much and that he has a forever home with you now :D

By the way, is the photo of Carlos you are using as your avatar a reversal? From reading your story my interpretation is that he's missing his entire upper left appendage but in that photo it appears to be there. I believe I can see the joint and part of the wing. If the image is a mirror reversal that would seem to explain it.

Please post often about Carlos (or whatever his name ends up being) and his new life .... after reading his story I almost feel that I know him now :heart:. Thanks so much for sharing.

I don't know if it's reversed, but he does have a tiny nub there. The doctor said that it's equivalent to us missing from our wrist down. He can't even extend his wing out. The wing that is removed is the black and red one underneath the green so I am assuming that's the pick up flight wing. It's really sad to see him try to fly to me and he can't... either way he is so special to me and I am so glad to be his mama. :)

I will find out his sex next week and I will post that information, and I will also be revealing his new name. I best start the process of finding good names haha, I had considered Carlisle if a male, and Carla if a female we shall see. :P

spiritbird
02-14-2016, 02:37 AM
Do you like the female name of Carlee?

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 03:19 AM
Do you like the female name of Carlee?

Absolutely, my daughters name is Karleigh just spelled different. :P I named her after my mother that passed away in 2011. My mothers name was Carla.

Mare
02-14-2016, 05:46 AM
Such a lucky bird to have found his way to your door :). I truly believe that most birds on Craigslist are considered rescues if we bring them home. Our Sassy goffins girl was a Craigslist girl. The lady looking for a home for her was desperate to find someone and was asking $350 for her. The woman came to our home to be sure Sassy would be well taken care of and asked for no fee when I came to pick her up. She cried when I took Sassy away but was happy she was going to a good home. Not everyone is equipped mentally or financially prepared to take on a parrot. I'm happy that you were, Kristen :)

Penny
02-14-2016, 07:31 AM
I can only say for sure that it sounds like he's had some tough times and I'm glad he has a good home now~

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 07:42 AM
Such a lucky bird to have found his way to your door :). I truly believe that most birds on Craigslist are considered rescues if we bring them home. Our Sassy goffins girl was a Craigslist girl. The lady looking for a home for her was desperate to find someone and was asking $350 for her. The woman came to our home to be sure Sassy would be well taken care of and asked for no fee when I came to pick her up. She cried when I took Sassy away but was happy she was going to a good home. Not everyone is equipped mentally or financially prepared to take on a parrot. I'm happy that you were, Kristen :)

That's really sad, it's the economy in my opinion it's all gone down hill. I'm glad you got and rescued your Goffins, it's really sad for both parties the bird and the poor owner who no longer can afford the huge responsibility. Raising birds sure aren't easy, it's not to be taken lightly but it's oh so rewarding.

As for Carlos I got him for $350 too, she said she hated to sell him but desperately needed the money. I can't fault her for being poor she had a little girl and a man who was out working. I just really wish she would have told me he was hurt, either she didn't know, or she knew and was afraid nobody would buy him. I'm not really sure why, but I will say I did feel bad that she was fallen on hard times living in a trailer park and so forth so I would have still bought him.

I hate seeing anyone going through monetary issues of hard times, I definitely know what that's like, I can honestly say I'm blessed to have a roof over my head, money in my pocket, a good Hubby, my daughter, and the rest of all my furry and feathery babies. :) it's good to count our blessings.


I can only say for sure that it sounds like he's had some tough times and I'm glad he has a good home now~

Thank you, I'm really trying to make up for his wing and all. He truly is like a son, he's my little buddy.

Macaw Lover
02-14-2016, 02:38 PM
You must also realize that a lot of people are just so uneducated in birds. They have no clue what is needed in the ownership of birds or any other animal for that matter. You ask if male/female and so someone who really doesn't know but has someone standing right there with cash in hand is going to take a shot in the dark and give you and answer because they don't want you walking out without the bird.

You will look back and hopefully laugh at yourself that you bought a bird and did not stop things when the bird fell over! Then, to find out the poor little one is missing part of a wing.

I admit, I enjoy watching People's Court and am no longer surprised when there is a case of someone buying a 20 year old car, was told by the seller that it runs great, does not have a mechanic look it over BEFORE they buy the car and then show up in court because they find out that it needs repairs and thinks the seller should take the car back. Doesn't happen. When buying anything, you have to be on your toes if it on CL, an ad in the paper or just hearing about something up for sale by word or mouth and it is up to the buyer to determine the true conditions of things.

I know Carlos is forever grateful to you for giving him a much better home where he did not wind up in another home that shall we just say, was not a good environment for a bird? Love him, show him that all humans are not evil he will pay you back ten fold.

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 03:19 PM
You must also realize that a lot of people are just so uneducated in birds. They have no clue what is needed in the ownership of birds or any other animal for that matter. You ask if male/female and so someone who really doesn't know but has someone standing right there with cash in hand is going to take a shot in the dark and give you and answer because they don't want you walking out without the bird.

I agree.



You will look back and hopefully laugh at yourself that you bought a bird and did not stop things when the bird fell over! Then, to find out the poor little one is missing part of a wing.

Actually I don't think I would or could ever honestly laugh at myself, yes I felt bad for the poor bird when he fell, but again I wouldn't change a thing I love him too much. I don't see it as me being "had", even if she was more forthcoming about his affliction I still would have given her the total amount she originally wanted, in fact I gave her extra. So yes I don't feel gipped in that aspect, I just feel like she should have been more honest about his injuries so I could have better accommodated him early on. I hope this makes sense?


I admit, I enjoy watching People's Court and am no longer surprised when there is a case of someone buying a 20 year old car, was told by the seller that it runs great, does not have a mechanic look it over BEFORE they buy the car and then show up in court because they find out that it needs repairs and thinks the seller should take the car back. Doesn't happen. When buying anything, you have to be on your toes if it on CL, an ad in the paper or just hearing about something up for sale by word or mouth and it is up to the buyer to determine the true conditions of things.

I agree to an extent on this... I think a buyer should look things over, BUT I also think the seller should not be a liar when selling things just for profit. I am not saying the seller should have to pay a refund, but I think it would be the morally right thing to do. As for Carlos I don't need nor do I want a refund, I am absolutely happy and content with him just the way he is. So what if he has a missing arm/wing? I love him all the more. :)


I know Carlos is forever grateful to you for giving him a much better home where he did not wind up in another home that shall we just say, was not a good environment for a bird? Love him, show him that all humans are not evil he will pay you back ten fold.

I will definitely show him the love he deserves and then some.

PlaxMacaws
02-14-2016, 03:51 PM
You will look back and hopefully laugh at yourself that you bought a bird and did not stop things when the bird fell over! Then, to find out the poor little one is missing part of a wing.To me, this raises the moral question of whether or not these poor birds/pets being in dire need should outweigh our best judgment to not support the CL deception phenomenon. I personally think that we should save pets from CL whenever viably possible. One of the main reasons for my opinion in this regard -and there are several- is because we could never hope to make a dent in the pet-related deception happening on CL by opting out of any single acquisition or even through personal boycott of CL with a perpetual recommendation that others do the same. CL is simply too BIG! Period. So as I see the matter, helping a CL-advertised pet out of its personal state of hopelessness, whenever we are able to do so, should be a top priority. I have to further say that I don't find anything about Kristin's experience of meeting and adopting Carlos to be "laughable". I doubt that she ever will either. Providing the poor bird a loving and safe home was a hugely noble act! She has indicated she would have done the same thing had she been made aware of the physical impairment involved. And I'm sure that's true. However, the subject title for this thread, "Dangers Of Craigslist", which at some level seems a bit contradictory of my point and feelings herein, has been duly noted as well. I think the entire topic can be looked upon as a double-edged sword (so to speak).


I know Carlos is forever grateful to you for giving him a much better home where he did not wind up in another home that shall we just say, was not a good environment for a bird? Love him, show him that all humans are not evil he will pay you back ten fold.I fully agree here!

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 04:37 PM
To me, this raises the moral question of whether or not these poor birds/pets being in dire need should outweigh our best judgment to not support the CL deception phenomenon. I personally think that we should save pets from CL whenever viably possible. One of the main reasons for my opinion in this regard -and there are several- is because we could never hope to make a dent in the pet-related deception happening on CL by opting out of any single acquisition or even through personal boycott of CL with a perpetual recommendation that others do the same. CL is simply too BIG! Period. So as I see the matter, helping a CL-advertised pet out of its personal state of hopelessness, whenever we are able to do so, should be a top priority. I have to further say that I don't find anything about Kristin's experience of meeting and adopting Carlos to be "laughable". I doubt that she ever will either. Providing the poor bird a loving and safe home was a hugely noble act! She has indicated she would have done the same thing had she been made aware of the physical impairment involved. And I'm sure that's true. However, the subject title for this thread, "Dangers Of Craigslist", which at some level seems a bit contradictory of my point and feelings herein, has been duly noted as well. I think the entire topic can be looked upon as a double-edged sword (so to speak).

I definitely wanted Carlos and it's dangerous to buy on Craigslist, but in a sense sometimes it's the best thing to do for the sake of the pet. I definitely would not have changed a thing, I kind of felt taken aback by the comment of laughing at myself.I don't know how they meant that so I was puzzled as to whether it was meant as a jab, or they thought it sounded sincere, but yea I don't think I will be laughing... If any laughter occurs it will be from joy, after all my buddy here brings me great joy and giggles. I don't feel jibbed money wise, I just wish I would have known so I could baby him earlier.

I guess it all boils down to the fact that some people prefer pets in pristine conditions, perfect plumage, no deformities, or what have ya. It is a sad thing to inadvertently take in a sick bird, it could most definitely spread and harm the other birds. Aside from sick birds, a bird that just has a missing wing like Carlos I don't see that as a threat. I have seen people post up that they have taken in birds and they don't like how the bird plucks its feathers, how the birds beak looks, all the outward things. I honestly find it sad when one judges a bird by what they have wrong outwardly, look at Carlos yes he is missing a vital wing meaning he can never fly again, but that doesn't change the nature of him. Carlos is still an amazing bird, with a broad personality full of quirks and everything cute.

PlaxMacaws
02-14-2016, 05:17 PM
I definitely wanted Carlos and it's dangerous to buy on Craigslist, but in a sense sometimes it's the best thing to do for the sake of the pet. I definitely would not have changed a thing, I kind of felt taken aback by the comment of laughing at myself.I don't know how they meant that so I was puzzled as to whether it was meant as a jab, or they thought it sounded sincere, but yea I don't think I will be laughing... If any laughter occurs it will be from joy, after all my buddy here brings me great joy and giggles. I don't feel jibbed money wise, I just wish I would have known so I could baby him earlier.

I guess it all boils down to the fact that some people prefer pets in pristine conditions, perfect plumage, no deformities, or what have ya. It is a sad thing to inadvertently take in a sick bird, it could most definitely spread and harm the other birds. Aside from sick birds, a bird that just has a missing wing like Carlos I don't see that as a threat. I have seen people post up that they have taken in birds and they don't like how the bird plucks its feathers, how the birds beak looks, all the outward things. I honestly find it sad when one judges a bird by what they have wrong outwardly, look at Carlos yes he is missing a vital wing meaning he can never fly again, but that doesn't change the nature of him. Carlos is still an amazing bird, with a broad personality full of quirks and everything cute.I concur with your views. One of the impressions I have taken on this general topic is that in recommending against acquisition of less than perfect pets from sources like CL, some folks are merely trying to contribute to the reduction of the for-profit animal exploitation that runs rampant among such sources. They somehow think that through boycott they will make a significant impact in reducing the tragedy. So I believe they mean well in most cases... unfortunately such a mission is a genuinely unrealistic one. This disturbing fact should be fairly evident when considering the epidemic proportions of the pet-deception-for-profit issue :(

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 05:43 PM
I think people think that by not buying CL animals they are helping stop the sell of animals from mills, but in reality they are more than likely doing more damage than good. I will admit it's dangerous to buy sick animals, but I won't preach against those who do for the sake of possibly saving the animals but it's also a good thing to be concerned for the animals one already owns.

I think If one has the means to provide for a bird adoption is better than buying a bird from the pet shop. So my post wasn't meant to steer people away from purchasing animals from Craigslist, it was meant as a warning to check birds over, ask questions, and get the facts. In the case of Carlos it was just an arm and a wing, but what if it had been a sick bird that brought a deadly illness or disease to my other flock that is definitely something to think about. Another thing to think about is what if you pay the full price, bring the animal home and it dies, you're stuck with the bill and unfortunately you have a dead animal on your hands. With me I get attached to my buddies quick so I would feel completely heartbroken to the point I would cry for days and days. May I add I would not cry over the money spent, but the animal lost.

The key is knowing what you're getting into before you do it and take on the task of bringing in a pet you have no real past knowledge about, all information is hearsay.

There's nothing wrong with saving a pet from Craigslist just make sure that the person is upfront and honest, and make sure that you're willing to take in a sick or deformed pet. So that's really the gist of my post, again it wasn't a post about avoiding CL animals, it wasn't a post about suing individuals or even wanting my money back. The post was merely warning folks that sometimes we go in thinking one thing while purchasing an animal and we get home and realize the previous owner wasn't so forthcoming. In the end I would have done it all over again, I can't stress enough that I think the majority of animal sellers on CL don't care about the pets welfare all they care about is making a quick profit, they don't even care about the folks they're selling to.

So yea I definitely won't be laughing years down the road, but I will say that I do feel foolish for not asking if she had taken the bird to the vet prior, I should have also asked if he was hurt previously in any way. I feel foolish not for buying him, but I just wish I would have known something because since she didn't disclose that information to me I had put his perches higher up and when he did slide off he could have gotten seriously injured.

So let me repeat for everyone here, I love Carlos and I still would have purchased him. Thank you all for reading. :)

PlaxMacaws
02-14-2016, 06:40 PM
I think people think that by not buying CL animals they are helping stop the sell of animals from mills, but in reality they are more than likely doing more damage than good. I will admit it's dangerous to buy sick animals, but I won't preach against those who do for the sake of possibly saving the animals but it's also a good thing to be concerned for the animals one already owns.

I think If one has the means to provide for a bird adoption is better than buying a bird from the pet shop. So my post wasn't meant to steer people away from purchasing animals from Craigslist, it was meant as a warning to check birds over, ask questions, and get the facts. In the case of Carlos it was just an arm and a wing, but what if it had been a sick bird that brought a deadly illness or disease to my other flock that is definitely something to think about. Another thing to think about is what if you pay the full price, bring the animal home and it dies, you're stuck with the bill and unfortunately you have a dead animal on your hands. With me I get attached to my buddies quick so I would feel completely heartbroken to the point I would cry for days and days. May I add I would not cry over the money spent, but the animal lost.

The key is knowing what you're getting into before you do it and take on the task of bringing in a pet you have no real past knowledge about, all information is hearsay.

There's nothing wrong with saving a pet from Craigslist just make sure that the person is upfront and honest, and make sure that you're willing to take in a sick or deformed pet. So that's really the gist of my post, again it wasn't a post about avoiding CL animals, it wasn't a post about suing individuals or even wanting my money back. The post was merely warning folks that sometimes we go in thinking one thing while purchasing an animal and we get home and realize the previous owner wasn't so forthcoming. In the end I would have done it all over again, I can't stress enough that I think the majority of animal sellers on CL don't care about the pets welfare all they care about is making a quick profit, they don't even care about the folks they're selling to.

So yea I definitely won't be laughing years down the road, but I will say that I do feel foolish for not asking if she had taken the bird to the vet prior, I should have also asked if he was hurt previously in any way. I feel foolish not for buying him, but I just wish I would have known something because since she didn't disclose that information to me I had put his perches higher up and when he did slide off he could have gotten seriously injured.

So let me repeat for everyone here, I love Carlos and I still would have purchased him. Thank you all for reading. :)I truly understand. Again, I too am for helping pets in need whenever possible. And that's certainly never something to be regretted. Moreover, I will always feel a measure of loathful contempt for those who exploit animals for profit! Thank you for sharing your story about Carlos with us, as well as your heartfelt point of view.

BirdWhisperer
02-14-2016, 06:57 PM
I must say it really grinds my gears too when I see folks breed and exploit pets for a profit as well, it's really sad.

Ps. Not knocking on caring breeders, but mills and so forth. :)

kendrafitz
02-14-2016, 10:20 PM
Kristin - if it helps I don't think Renée meant any harm by her laughing at yourself comment. I read it as laugh at how insane the situation was. The woman trying to hide poor Carlos' handicap and acting like everything was normal. For me it's if I don't laugh about the craziness in life, I will end up crying. If that makes sense. I can't tell you how many times finding even the smallest bit of humor in a bad situation has helped me. Anyway, getting back to the point, I think the comment was without any ill intent.

Thank goodness you were the person who replied. I can see how much you love him and will do everything you can to give him a good life. Carlos is a very lucky guy/girl.

BirdWhisperer
02-15-2016, 12:35 AM
Kristin - if it helps I don't think Renée meant any harm by her laughing at yourself comment. I read it as laugh at how insane the situation was. The woman trying to hide poor Carlos' handicap and acting like everything was normal. For me it's if I don't laugh about the craziness in life, I will end up crying. If that makes sense. I can't tell you how many times finding even the smallest bit of humor in a bad situation has helped me. Anyway, getting back to the point, I think the comment was without any ill intent.

Thank goodness you were the person who replied. I can see how much you love him and will do everything you can to give him a good life. Carlos is a very lucky guy/girl.

I am sorry if I may have taken what they said wrong, I do that a lot... I am quite socially awkward I have tourrettes so sometimes I do take things the wrong way. :P I truly do love him. Love him so much I tried to express it through art, I am no artist but every time I see it I think of my love for my buddy.

3671

kendrafitz
02-15-2016, 12:43 AM
Don't apologize. I just didn't want you to think Renee was giving you a hard time. :) Most people here are super nice and since you seem nice I want you to stick around.

You are an artist. That is beautiful!!

BirdWhisperer
02-15-2016, 12:50 AM
Don't apologize. I just didn't want you to think Renee was giving you a hard time. :) Most people here are super nice and since you seem nice I want you to stick around.

You are an artist. That is beautiful!!

Thank you :)

spiritbird
02-15-2016, 01:34 AM
The drawing. Is really good. Do you do the adult coloring books?

BirdWhisperer
02-15-2016, 02:17 AM
The drawing. Is really good. Do you do the adult coloring books?

What is adult coloring books? I have a collection of coloring books I colored with my mom when she was alive, I saved them for my daughter but I do still color from time to time. :P I know it's kind of childish after all I am 25, but I am such a big kid at heart. :P

spiritbird
02-15-2016, 01:06 PM
Adult coloring books can be found on Amazon and in most craft stores. If you have a Michaels you will find several there. Its a wonderful way to relax and be creative at the same time. I do some in books and in an app on Kindle. [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

Here is an example of one done on Kindle:

3674

BirdWhisperer
02-15-2016, 01:48 PM
Adult coloring books can be found on Amazon and in most craft stores. If you have a Michaels you will find several there. Its a wonderful way to relax and be creative at the same time. I do some in books and in an app on Kindle. [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

Here is an example of one done on Kindle:

3674

That's so pretty! I have seen those before in Barnes and Nobles and Books A Million. :) I need to get some of those. :P

Macaw Lover
02-16-2016, 04:22 AM
Kristin - if it helps I don't think Renée meant any harm by her laughing at yourself comment. I read it as laugh at how insane the situation was. The woman trying to hide poor Carlos' handicap and acting like everything was normal. For me it's if I don't laugh about the craziness in life, I will end up crying. If that makes sense. I can't tell you how many times finding even the smallest bit of humor in a bad situation has helped me. Anyway, getting back to the point, I think the comment was without any ill intent.

Thank goodness you were the person who replied. I can see how much you love him and will do everything you can to give him a good life. Carlos is a very lucky guy/girl.
Thank you Kendra, you got it at least.

Let me try say it this way:

One day, many years in the future, you will be talking to a friend or maybe your hubby, talking about crazy things you have done, or maybe just realizing just how much you have learned in the past 10-20-30 years and you will remember the day you got Carlos, the dark corner he was in, how he fell over and it wasn't until several days later that you noticed that the wings were not even, to find out part of one was missing.

The lesson here is that you have to be your own advocate, and when buying anything, you don't hand over any money until you check things out to make sure of the condition something is in whether it be a desk, a computer or a bird. Believe me when I say you will laugh at yourself in years to come and will be much more vigilant when buying anything used the next time. Oops, in the case of birds, the term would be rehome.

BirdWhisperer
02-16-2016, 05:41 AM
Thank you Kendra, you got it at least.

Let me try say it this way:

One day, many years in the future, you will be talking to a friend or maybe your hubby, talking about crazy things you have done, or maybe just realizing just how much you have learned in the past 10-20-30 years and you will remember the day you got Carlos, the dark corner he was in, how he fell over and it wasn't until several days later that you noticed that the wings were not even, to find out part of one was missing.

The lesson here is that you have to be your own advocate, and when buying anything, you don't hand over any money until you check things out to make sure of the condition something is in whether it be a desk, a computer or a bird. Believe me when I say you will laugh at yourself in years to come and will be much more vigilant when buying anything used the next time. Oops, in the case of birds, the term would be rehome.

I agree to an extent, I should have checked him over better, but I'm just happy he's here.