I noticed an ad for a Pionus in the local classifieds. It didn't specify what type. Not a very common bird to find in these parts regardless.. I'm wondering if $800(Canadian) with cage and accessories is reasonable?

I swear I'm not really looking to add to the flock. Really. I keep telling myself that. Over and over and over again.

I really need to seek help.

Oh my gosh and help you need Z F.... No comment....When you get that pretty sweet tweet show us a picture you know.... MBS is striking again.....I love it when it doesn't involved me....

Pionus are a rather well-kept secret. Those who are spoiled as they deserve BLOOM. Others remain so withdrawn in captivity that they've gained a rep as perch potatoes. They can take awhile to warm up to a new person, so they don't make the good impression at point of sale that many friendlier parrots do. They're not known for their ability to speak human language, but mine greet me with an enthusiastic "Hi babe!" when I behave. Here's a profile of a properly indulged white-capped pi: http://parrotstrut.com/MeetCookie.htm

Mine are a 12yo pair who bonded before their first birddays. They raised babies years ago, but now recreational sex is a favorite activity. Many times one or the other can only be moved via hand-held perch, and other times both are on my matching shoulders, nibbling my ears, preening my hair, and pooping down my shirt.

I always recommend females because pi are exceptionally territorial birds in the wild. The female tends the eggs and chicks, while the male brings food to her and protects his family. In our climate-controlled homes, their sexual hormones can surge year-round, and humans who aren't careful can learn first-hand about the strength of their beaks and their snapping turtle habit. The females are no shrinking violets, but they are usually peaceable far more often than the males. Some insist on laying eggs tho. That can get worrisome in captivity.

Mine are dusky pi and well loved. I hope you make a good decision for yourself and the little pi in need of a new home. I have no idea about the $800 price. Too many variables.

gail

Very pretty bird.

I love Pionus! They're very well behaved. A pet store here was selling babies for $900

thank you for the pictures gail! what beautiful birds you have... such a beautiful color and much bigger than i would have thought!

Thank you very much for the insightful description Gail. You really covered all the bases. Yours are certainly beautiful parrots.

Like I said I'm not really looking for another bird. I might contact the seller just to find out about this particular birds background, and go from there.

How's this for a sign. I check the on-line classified less than two hours after I first saw it....and it was gone. Taken down apparently. I'm assuming it found a home or the owner changed his/her mind.

I guess I'm not meant to get any more parrots.

I wouldn't go that far. Ya know Greyhaven here in Vancouver has a Maxi for adoption. I've got a lovely guest room if you and Suzi want to come on down and see it

Well, maybe not THIS parrot...

Here you go.... lovely birds!

http://www.greyhaven.bc.ca/birds.htm

Until the next parrot comes along!

Thanks -- I think they're mighty pretty too. Here's a pic of Raspberry, the male, doing his "I'm BAAAAD!" puffer routine when the camera invaded their territory.



They're both 200 grams, so twice the size of most quakers. They're very solid birds.

I have the pair of Maximillian Pionus and they are WONDERFUL!!! I would be tempted to keep one of my babies someday (though Axel would have an issue...LOL). THey are so under rated as pets.

They retail in this area for $450 USD.

Wow!!! A Pi in the paper?????? You're right, you don't see that too often!

And please don't tell us that you're not really looking for a new bird. If ya weren't, you wouldn't of been tempted to call!!!

I almost got a pionus instead of a quaker. It would have been a white-capped pionus. I was amazed at how friendly and outgoing he was

Pionus are fabulous!!! Severely under rated as pets. Raise the maximillians and they are great! My breeders are nice and chat with me quite often. They're so QUIET compared to the quakers...ROFL