[Israels]

I just saw a topic around here about bird prices and it reminded me of a similar question i been meaning to ask
The store where i bought my qp is selling CAGS for $1300 but i have seen the prices of Cags in the web pages of breeders around my area at about 750 -800 dollars so i guess my question is is there any logical excuse or explanation why this store is selling them so much more expensive other than they are ripping people off? I have always liked this stored because it is one of those local birds only store that breeds their own birds and i got my qp there for $150 which i consider a fair price, but what they are asking for the CAGS just seems insane in comparison, granted i dont know much about CAGS and i am not planning on getting one in the near future. But i am getting a blue qp and this store was kind of my first choice, i would hate to get ripped off.

On an unrelated topic i am going to my first bird fair saturday, am all exited, what aare they like?

[KerrinKiwi]

Because they are a pet store thats what pet stores do. I have a friend tho who sales hers for 1200

[Carrie~Anne]

Personally, I don't think it's a rip off. They have to make money too. If pet stores sold birds for only a small percentage more then what they purchased them for, they wouldn't be in business long. Every business has to have a mark up. And that's about a 60% mark up right there. Not too bad, actually. Doesn't matter what store you buy from, you're going to have mark ups. Some stores charge 200% mark up and we don't even complain (think clothing stores, grocery stores, ect.).

Plus, the nice thing about higher prices in pet stores, is it does make people think twice about purchasing a bird. The more cost, the more someone is going to think about it before just tossing down a few thousands of dollars.

[KerrinKiwi]

Good Point Carrie

[kalipso2]

this is my opinion... i don't mind at all that specialty bird stores charge higher prices. to me they give their birds special attention. i have a problem with the petco's and petsmart's. they charge so much for a bird that isn't socialized.

[Casey's Mom]

That seems like a pretty good price for a Congo. My friend breeds them and I think she sells her's for around $1250. We also have a petstore that buys babies from a local breeder, weans them and then sells them; they do a fantastic job with them and they are very well socialized, but of course pet store prices are much higher since they have to make some profit and they are spending so much time with them when they are young. Generally speaking you will spend a lot less when you purchase a bird directly from the a breeder.

Have fun at your first bird fair! ...don't spend too much!

[berlie]

Around here I've seen African Grays going for $1200, $1,400, to $1,600.00 !
There is one in a bird store in Batavia that I feel so sorry for ... he's depressed because his long time home had to give him up because of their health issues. I've been thinking about him all day but I couldn't possibly think of buying him. I don't think I have the know-how to take care of a big, depressed bird (plus I work all day). Besides that, I'm getting to the age where the bird would probably out-live me! (that's quite a humbling thought ... )

I'm going to the bird fair in April and I can't wait, either!! I hope you have a great time! I'm going to listen to Dr Pepperberg speak. Woo Hoo. I wonder if she'll have videos of Alex?

[Xanthus]

Remember a small breeder doesn't have the overhead to run a business. I.E. store lease, electicity, water, taxes, loan payments, not to mention merchandice like toys, cages, food ect. It is very usual for a pet store to sell pets at just enough to cover the estimated costs of housing it during its stay and the price they pay for the animal. For an african grey that is usually 16 weeks of stay, so there are multiple daily feedings, cleaning cages, the price of toys they destroy ect. If a breeder charges 800 for a weaned they would usually charge in the area of 400 or 500 dollars for the baby to someone specializing the hand rearing baby birds, usually at about 4 weeks old. That leave 3 months of hand feeding and maintinence.

[Israels]

Thanks you guys for all the replies i guess is true that stores have to stay in business and by the prices you guys have said their price is not as crazy as i thought. Cant wait till tomorrow

[Koki]

Around here I see CAG for around $900. But remember, if there are a lot of local breeders it will be easier/cheaper to get one. Less local breeders, more expensive. Also, how much time was put into raising the bird. Parent raised birds are cheap cheap cheap. Hand-fed are worth more. But those that are given extra time to socialize (i.e. not just fed and put back) take more time and are worth more.

If I wanted a CAG, and saw a hand-fed for $900 and a well socialized for $1200, I think it might be worth the extra 3 bills. Main thing is you gotta compare apples and apples.

[Xanthus]

Koki makes a good point. In the warmer climates where there are more outdoor aviaries, the prices usually drop !!