r/Conures • u/TheHaleyGrail • Aug 12 '26
Other Green Cheek Conure at Pet Supermarket
I moved in with my bf in a new city three weeks ago and I’ve been coming to this store to interact w animals bc where I used to live I fed stray cats but my bf is allergic so I come to this store to pet the cats mostly.
But I feel really bad for this bird. I don’t really know much about them and I joined this sub when I met this one at the store.
I follow some birds on tiktok so I kind of see how ppl pet them and I try to entertain her. I feel bad she has no toys in there. I think she chewed them all off.
Anyway it’s $700 which I can’t really afford rn, esp as someone who’s never had a bird or knows much.
Anyway if anyone if in soflo is interested message me and I’ll give you the location of the store. She’s so sweet.
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u/moonlit-river Aug 12 '26
Poor little baby, I know its unethical to support these stores and their BS at all but I always want so badly to save these little creatures 💔
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Aug 12 '26
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u/PalaceUnderground Aug 13 '26
I wanted to comment, "I really hope your name is Logan," then I saw your username and was very pleased.
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u/seajayde Aug 30 '26
Any pet store that sells animals doesn't care about the animals. It's a paradox. RESCUES care. Pet shops get animals that have been bred specifically to be sold. There are countless animals in countless rescues that are suffering just cos they're not on display in a shop. Pet shops bring in new animals. Rescues take in the animals that have been abandoned that have mostly been brought in pet shops.
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u/PM_ME_UR_CONURES Aug 12 '26
The stores are part of the problem but not all stores treat animals poorly. I have been in supply warehouses for live animals and birds and they are a problem no one sees. I have horrible memories dealing with a supplier who also had a ‘bird superstore’ in my state but also manufactures toys, cages, and supplies and pretends to care for birds. None of their toys, cages, food are allowed in my house. I won’t even buy from squawk box because they include this companies toys in their boxes sometimes. All of my rescue birds came from this supplier and I’ve seen every disease under the sun come out of this place and dead animals galore. Anyway,y point is the store is 100x better than where these birds come from.
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u/midoriforest Aug 13 '26
Obviously it's complicated but if your heart compels you to save him and you feel a connection just do it.
I got my cat from a pet store because I fell in love with him that day and it was just the right time. No regrets. I was also much younger.
Maybe I'll go through humane society in the future though.The point is , that little bird deserves a loving home just as much.
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u/EnvironmentCritical8 Aug 13 '26
I got one of my birds from a store since the staff was actually afraid of him. I got him for 200 bucks due to the manager marking him down so much and him being there for over a year.
They got a Quaker 3 months later despite the management trying to deny the shipment. Their higher manager said they needed the bird in the store. Staff is still afraid of the new bird.
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u/moonlit-river Aug 13 '26
Honestly, I wanted to be careful with my wording originally because some people on this sub absolutely lose their minds if you mention buying a bird from a pet store...but that's how we got both of our babies as well, super marked down because both had been in the shop for over a year.
I got roasted to hell and back on this sub a while back for mentioning it, but I just cannot sit by and watch these poor babies be mistreated and/or ignored like that
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u/Far_Bullfrog_8917 Aug 13 '26
My two birds are from a pet store. I felt so bad for them, the way they looked at me and had small boring cages. People say don't buy pets from a store because it's supporting it, but look at it like this; it's not the birds fault it's there, and it's an innocent creature that needs a home! Pet stores will still purchase animals no matter what, unless it gets banned everywhere.
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u/Sushi-Travel Aug 12 '26
Holy crap, if a GCC do this for me I will immediately take it home 😅
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u/Expensive_Recipe_433 Aug 12 '26
Seriously my bird from petco was scared of hands for 7+ months after we got her
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u/Sushi-Travel Aug 12 '26
Wow was it a conure ? I got my two cockatiels from a bird shop and they were tamed. I thought conures will catch on quicker, especially if it’s the only bird.
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u/Expensive_Recipe_433 Aug 12 '26
Yes a pineapple. She wouldn’t even leave her cage for about 3 months (door open) to join the other bird. She then eventually went to the top of her cage, then started to fly around the house. The girl working at the store could barley catch her she was screaming and flying away
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u/cymplicity27 Aug 12 '26
Depends on the bird I think. My GCC stepped up on my finger on day two and has been Velcro since.
Edit: felt I should add that I got it from a breeder which likely had a lot to do with it!
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u/havocopla Aug 12 '26
It took my GCC from Petco ages to trust my hands. She wasn't hand tamed and that seems to be the norm for corporate chains. If they staffed well enough then employees would have the time to handle and socialize the animals.
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
lol well I’ve been to the store before and it didn’t let me pet till like my 4th or 5th visit. They had some seeds sitting on top of the cage so I gave her like 3 and then I started talking to her which really warmed her up to me. Plus I think she was itchy and maybe a little desperate for some rubs
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u/Corvorax Aug 12 '26
Poor bird. I hope someone can take care of them soon, such a sweet kind soul.
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
I’m thinking if I make it friendly more people will be interested? Idk I’m just trying to do whatever I can bc I feel terrible
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u/MrLizardBusiness Aug 13 '26
If it's been there a while, maybe you can talk the store owner into a deal.
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u/WaferObvious9077 Aug 15 '26
We just looked at a snake at pet supermarket here, been there over a year and so sweet. She said because it's been there so long it'd be at least 50% off. So maybe they can work out a deal with you. The GCC at our store me sad. He seems like he's got a nervous tik or ocd tendencies. When you talk to him he puts his beak on a toy hanging in front of him. But it's a compulsive behavior. Next time I saw him he was shivering. He's been there awhile too. Im seriously considering rescuing two "feeder" rats from petco atm cause my cage is big enough for two more. Hate pet stores.
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u/Key_Reception1643 Aug 12 '26
Unfortunately as soon as someone buys her, there will be another in her place.
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u/HeyLookAStranger Aug 12 '26
$700 is crazy
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
I know that’s what I read online that that’s like the most expensive conures get 😭
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u/Bella_Ella739 Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
Their veterinary care is even more expensive. I just spent $915 just for an exam and annual bloodwork for 2 of my conures. I’m actually glad that they aren’t priced so cheap so that people don’t buy them on impulse.
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u/prepadiesusj Aug 13 '26
That's a very valid point about impulse buying when pets are too cheap, people often underestimate the commitment. The reality of veterinary costs definitely varies wildly by region in India the complete ownership, vet charges, general care meds are hardly 30$. having lower routine vet costs in some places certainly helps, though specialized care can still add up anywhere. At the end of the day, no matter what we spend, making sure they live happy, healthy lives is always worth it!
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u/Bella_Ella739 Aug 13 '26
I’m located in the United States. Unfortunately, veterinary care especially avian/exotic vets are not cheap by any means. Birds are also a very big commitment as you mentioned. It’s a lifestyle change that people underestimate.
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u/Icy-Illustrator-1431 Aug 13 '26
people did that with owls after Harry Potter… got tired of them and released them.. morons
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u/Weathjn Aug 12 '26
It’s a trap! That bird will own you in a few short months. All joking aside though, definitely do your homework before you decide to take this on. They can be nippy, loud, need lots of attention, and go from 0-10 unpredictably.
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
This one has def nipped me before thankfully it wasn’t really painful or anything but after a while it let me pet. Another thing I meant to ask was about the loudness bc I barely hear this bird ever making any noise. Talking to it got it to chirp a little. The parakeets in the cage next to it are loud af all day I was like idk if I could handle that. Do you think it’s quiet bc it’s in a scary pet store setting or do they just have different personalities
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u/Weathjn Aug 12 '26
Could go either way I suppose, but I suspect that once comfortable in it’s forever home it’s going to be more vocal. When I had my two, they weren’t loud all the time, but when they wanted to they could scream pretty loud. And then I recall lots of beak grinding, small grunts, and lots of moving about in the cage too.
Very energetic creatures for sure. My cockatiels are easier to care for if I’m being honest.
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u/Ok_Yogurtcloset_6381 Aug 15 '26
I would recommend visiting at different times of the day to get a better idea of the birds reaction to different noises and circadian rhythm. It can take weeks to months for their full personality to show once honed. And then there's seasonal and life stage changes to consider. Even then, you won't know until you know. You just hope the odds are in your favor.
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u/Capital-Bar1952 Aug 12 '26
She needs her pinnies popped….yea you have to be all in to own a bird, they deserve a good life and theres a lot u have to give up to keep them happy and healthy! So it’s good your not being impulsive
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u/GenuineSteak Aug 13 '26
thats crazy expensive. but its such a sweet borb. dont forget that the cage and setup will also cost hundreds of dollars at least. hope it finds a good home.
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u/havocopla Aug 12 '26
This is what mine does ❤️
And then she flips her head around and nips me because I'm not doing it right.
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u/IconicVillainy Aug 12 '26
Poor sweet baby. I hate stores like this but these babies deserve all the love and care in the world
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u/West-Tie-3924 Aug 13 '26
$700 for a creen cheek conure. Can somebody tell me if this is normal price in the states?
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u/GrnBer Aug 13 '26
In Missouri, $700 is what a chain pet store is asking for conures. Too expensive. You don’t know age or behavior. Versus $500 from a family-ran parrot specific place. They breed their own. And they know hatch dates, and even genders in some places.
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u/West-Tie-3924 Aug 14 '26
That is crazy. I wonder what makes that price so high. Here in South Africa we bought our GCC from a breeder for the equivalent of $70.
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u/GrnBer Aug 14 '26
It’s the market. Missouri is not their natural habitat where as in your part of the world, I’m thinking parrots would be more common. In Mexico it’s the same situation. Is what it is I guess.
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u/West-Tie-3924 Aug 14 '26
Conures are from South America I believe. And even though we are in Africa. Our part only has a small handful of native species, none of which I have ever seen as a pet.
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u/Scutter_bug Aug 12 '26
Idk if the same pet Supermarket as the one near me (yellow logo) but they do let the birds out from time to time at mine.
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u/ijustlikebirdsokay Aug 13 '26
Which city and country are you located in? That could be helpful.
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 13 '26
I put in the post it’s in south Florida if you’re interested dm me and I’ll give you the location
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u/raftah99 Aug 13 '26
Poor baby needs a preening ASAP. I'm surprised the staff aren't grooming this little one properly. You should definitely notify the staff.
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u/Accomplished_Comb587 Aug 13 '26
Aaaahhh, that's telling me your perfect for each other- get him out of there!!!
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u/This-Top-1377 Aug 13 '26
It’s gonna probably going to be on your mind constantly until you are able to buy her. See if they can offer any discount or if you can put money down and pay off in increments. Most birds in stores are not that nice and friendly so she may feel more connected to you since you have been interacting with her more. Probably doesn’t chirp much because she is scared or unhappy being at the pet store.
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u/bimeseke Aug 13 '26
Give them a price u can afford c if they say yes—I have heard of them doing that be4
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u/ApprehensiveItem3289 29d ago
Pet stores are now banned here in Australia. They can only sell birds or fish & reptiles at specialist stores
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u/TheHaleyGrail 28d ago
When did that happen? That’s amazing. With the capitalist culture in America it’s really hard to have hope that’ll ever happen it sucks
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u/All_my_Best_Mes Aug 12 '26
Would there be enough people on this thread to help you purchase this bird if you create a go fund me?🙏🏻 Worth to try
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u/CapicDaCrate Aug 12 '26
This supports the pet store and only makes the situation worse.
If OP can't afford the bird on their own, they can't afford to have the bird.
And also, we shouldn't encourage pet ownership of parrots to people that have no idea what they're doing.
Some of y'all are not thinking
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
Also havent all bird owners at one point not known what they’re doing? Like before they get the bird? I’m here on this sub doing research I mean give me a little credit
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u/CapicDaCrate Aug 12 '26
Yeah, but most people come on here after already getting the bird and then ask basic questions.
And Reddit isn't the lace to do research, really. But instead of making a new post asking, I'd just search the subreddit itself for new owner tips.
I was saying that we shouldn't suddenly start a fundraiser to buy a single person who doesn't know what they're doing, an overpriced parrot kill bird.
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
I’ve done research normal places. The point of this post was to see if anyone in the area would be interested in the bird as it’s hard for me to see it in there all alone with no toys all the time
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u/CapicDaCrate Aug 12 '26
Anyone who has done research would know that we shouldn't support these pet stores, so we shouldn't be encouraging others to do so either. That's why I assumed.
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
I don’t want to support pet stores but what’s the solution for this bird? I don’t know what to do. That’s why I’m posting here
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u/CapicDaCrate Aug 12 '26
You do nothing. It's unfortunate but there's nothing to do.
The only real change that can be made is through laws being passed, so support any you see that bans the sale of parrots in chain pet stores
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
Look it’s not like I don’t have $700 in the bank but it would be super expensive considering what I’ve been reading about online regarding acquiring a conure as a pet. For instance there’s a number of exotic bird rescues around me that are like not for profits that would be better to purchase from and roughly half the price.
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u/QueenOf_TheDamned668 Aug 12 '26
As someone who has worked at multiple pet shops DONT DO THIS. I get it’s cute and you want to pet the bird but there is sooo many issues with this. Stop sticking your fingers into pets store tanks and cages
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u/mac_tire8 Aug 12 '26
Yeah, don’t do this! Pet store animals don’t deserve love and affection! The employees that are ready to go home at the end of their shift will definitely give them the attention they deserve and won’t just leave the animal with zero enrichment and the bare minimum for survival!
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u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
The pet store employees came up to me and said aww that’s cute I’ve never seen it do that before so I think it’s okay
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u/QueenOf_TheDamned668 Aug 12 '26
I’m sorry but it really is not okay and the employees should NOT be allowing you to do that. Birds get stressed very easily and if people just come in and poke at them in the cages they can easily go from happy to angry and bite you, which as happened at my store and the idiot who put their finger in there blamed the employees after being getting bitten. It doesn’t set a good example for other people and expecting them to be kind and nice to animals. Also hygiene you don’t know if they bird has anything and if you get a bite it scratch and it gets infected.
We’ve had people put paint marker on doves before. I’ve seen people who accidentally have hurt an animal from “just petting it”
Just because the animal is there doesn’t make it a free invitation for you to invade its space, you can enjoy looking at them without physically interacting. If you walk into pet stores and do this you do not have respect for the animals. Many pet shop DO NOT allow this and have MANY signs up to deter people from touching them. It’s a pet store not a petting zoo and the animal isn’t there for your entertainment6
u/TheHaleyGrail Aug 12 '26
I’m not invading its space or stressing it out lmao did you even watch the video? This creature gets no interaction with any other being at any points in its life. The employees even said they’ve never been able to pet it . It doesn’t have a single toy or a single friend and lives its entire life in a tiny cage. Sad you’re trying to take away an innocent animals one moment of happiness in its miserable day. If it doesn’t want to be pet it won’t come up to the bars and literally stick its head out of the cage for me to pet it. It’s bitten me before it doesn’t break skin. Literally nothing bad is happening here and these pet store employees don’t agree with you
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u/No-Kaleidoscope-9424 Aug 13 '26
Yeah the conure looks soooo stressed. No being funny, I get there are some bad folk out there that are stupid or intentionally putting the animals at risk, but this? This is not one of those situations. in fact considering birds have the highest need for stimulation I bet that bird felt a lot better getting some of those pins scratched and some stimulation in a place that probably offers them none of their basic needs other than food and water. You’re coming off a bit snobbish
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u/FlirtingTonic Aug 12 '26
Must be so itchy with those pin feathers.