Question about transports?

[MyLittleMutt]

I've been looking into getting a cockatiel. I found a person in Wakefield, OH that is willing give me a bird. Only problem it is little far for me to drive. I would be willing to meet someone halfway if I could find someone from that area.

I really don't know how to go about it really. Would it be worth it? Do I pay for gas for the people do the transport?

I really wanted find a bird around here. But I don't want go to a pet store. I'd much rather find a breeder.

Is there anyone from that area would be willing to meet me halfway?

Would it be stressful on the bird if it traveled for 2 hours to meet me and another 2 1/2 hours get back to my place?

I haven't gave the person my final answer yet. They have some 4 month old cockatiels now, or I can wait 3 weeks she has a bird on some eggs now.

Any info or opinions will be appreciated.

[Muddy4paws]

I'm not really posting a reply but just to let you know you may get more answers if you post in Pet General :)

About the paying for gas, I would definatly offer to pay if someone was doing the journey for you :)

[LKPike]

I've been trying to get into animal transports for months, its usually volunteer but a friend of mine who owns the local doggie pound pays her transporters if they go far out. nobodys sent me any news on transports in my area though :rolleyes:

[MyLittleMutt]

Ok, thanks to both of you. If I do find someone they would probably have to drive 2 hours or little over 2 hours meet me halfway.

If this does not work out. I guess I can always wait and see if anyone closer to where I live have any cockatiels.

I might put this in Pet General later. I need to find out for sure how far this person is first.

[catnapper]

By the time you pay for gas, you'd be better off just going to the local Petsmart and buying one for $30.

The travel would be INCREDIBLY stressful for the bird. 4 months old... is he done being hand fed? Have you ever hand fed a baby cockatiel? Talk about WORK! If you put the syringe in the "hole" in their throat and you'll kill the bird. Raising a baby from an egg is major dedication and you'll have to feed them hourly for the first few weeks.

[MyLittleMutt]

You are right I should go to Petsmart. I think there might be one close by. I haven't really checked yet.

I have had a cockatiel before, but it was my parents bird. He is still living. They never could handle him though, he always bit them. That is why I want find one has been handled alot.

[LKPike]

Petsmart wont have hand-raised birds, garunteed. If you want a friendly one, go to a breeder. The story on small pets in Petstores isnt any differnt than the dogs and cats they sell. I have yet to ever heard of or owned a healthy small animal from a petstore that also had a good personality.

[LKPike]

You do that because your a good person who loves animals and deserves a job working with them. Still doesn't make up for all the birds I see in Petsmart daily with crap stuck to their feathers, or the puppies who just reek of urine.

[MyLittleMutt]

Wow! I didn't mean for this post turn into a argument.

I'm going try Petsmart I found one that is about 1 1/2 hour way from me. I don't know how they are since I have never been. I think that will be less stressful then a 4 or 5 hour trip.

I'm still looking at breeders also. Just haven't found one yet or heard back from the people I have contacted.

[ramanth]

I know very little about birds but I do know a thing or two about transports.

I've helped transport dogs from kill shelters to rescues. I volunteer my time and am not paid to do it. Usually it's broken down so that volunteers only have to drive an hour or two. Some volunteer to house a dog overnight if it's a multiple day trek.

If you set up a transport between you and the breeder, you shouldn't have to pay gas, but if you want to give those that helped a little money or a gift, it's not out of the question.

[caseysmom]

Kim, I didn't realize you got a job with petsmart, congratulations, I remember you interviewing for it. You would be great at that job.

I use banfield in petsmart for my veterinary care and they are wonderful.

[Karen]

I am sure there are some "bad" stores in any chain, but at least you know you're in a good one! :) We don't have PetSmart around her, just Petco.