Carly helped first visit purchasing lovebird. At checkout, I commented on the rise in bird cost for small-talk. She said "well, birds are an expensive pet!You have to be willing to spend the money for them."
My lovebird died after 6 days. She'd fall hard to the floor, cage walls unable to perch land. Her wings were clipped, shed plummet to the floor during training. I bought 2 flat corner perches used towels to prevent falling. I splurged on water bath for extra hydration. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/cruel-practices/feather-clipping/
I called the store they said they'd need to examine her. I don't want her overnight or in my car with an upset young daughter. They suggest putting her in the freezer. I hung up. They called back-the owner'd accept emailed pictures. Sent 10 pictures from all angles/sides. The owner replied "understand your hesitation on keeping the bird overnight, but it really is best for us to physically examine the bird." But the permission was granted via phone call. The conditions of sale does not state examination of the dead.
Next day: the owner wants all info about her and my past conures death (months ago). Hard to talk about but understandable. What wasn't was that he said his other lovebirds from the same clutch haven't had any issues. He talked about gas cooking pan poisoning as if i were clueless. Wanted info on cage placement/house description. He wasn't taking ownership of the loss. Instead of saying "Id be happy to lower the price on the conure you're interested in so we can resolve" he said, "another customer was interested in the conure and would've paid the 800." He said Bird Jungle (Scarsdale, NY) isn't the same, breeders differ, no price match. He lowered to 700 (he had also lowered to 700 last week when I purchased the lovebird) which IS a match to Bird Jungle for color mutations.
Ellen showed the conure. She was SO kind, understanding of my frustrations. Brought us upstairs for quiet bonding time with the conure. Very nice! My daughter and I fell in love and I went for it.
The associates were familiar w/ this conure since she'd been there for awhile. She was finger trained and comfortable being handled. Then the owner brought Carly over (rude girl from last week): he said, "she has experience with conures and has one at home." She was blank faced, quizzed me on bringing the lovebird outside. I said they need sunlight. Did you leave her outside unattended? No, I sat next to her, talking/training. She warned of poisoning and potential predators. This could have been a chance for friendly customer relationship but it was only more accusing. She put a $20 bag of seed on the counter. I said I already have pellets, a bag of lovebird seed mix from last week. She insisted,"this bag is for conures, it helps with acclimation" I said no, its too expensive and pellet food is healthier. She stormed off!
Ellen and I figured the solution should be a smaller bag. The total price still wasn't fair as the owner, Phil, didn't take off the tax from the lovebird so I paid tax twice. I had also had to correct him on price or I'd have paid extra an extra $20.They were busy on Sat., all associates crowded the counter, overwhelmed with customers. I had to make it a point to thank Phil and Ellen as I left. By the time I was driving I realized I had a bird toy in the bag instead of the seed I was strong-armed to pay for.
Over-all: disingenuous. Asking for dead bird examination is insincere. They push purchasing seed "for the bird's adjustment." Just add it to the price of the birds cost if thats how it has to be. If they were TRULY concerned about "food adjustment" include a small bag of their seed as a thank you gift. It'd be a way of building loyalty and proving its not a guilt-trip, add-on sale. Typically, you should give your conure three tbs of pellet food each day, all else is small portion supplement. BUT Patersonbird makes their own, unlabeled, seed bags-give them credit for their $ creativity.
We all love birds, thats why we come in! Don't pretend we know less than we really do to feel better-than so we pay up and you avoid death responsibility. I would have been a loyal customer as I work close. You'd have made your money back plus some. Communication was constantly accusatory. Thank you for your time and for, at least, the business transaction.
To see conures progress: TikTok @Chelseataylor116
UPDATE: owner is harassing me through 2 emails to take Google review down. Accusing me of killing bird via forsythia branch and mentioning concern for my new conures safety because of said branch. He mentions my faith and my daughter. Crossing lines again. read more