Oh NO, I have to opportunity to get a

[jetanlori]

Queen of Bavaria Conure. I know this is a lovebird site but I didn't know where else to post. I have wanted one of these birds forever but always thought I couldn't afford one. There is a baby for sale from a breeder and it's $1,200. It's still alot of money but not the $2,500-$5,000 I thought. Does anyone here know what I'm talking about. Does anyone have one? They are legal in Massachusetts adn are on the endangered species list. They are supposed to be the most affectionate, quiet, lovig conure. I'm so tempted

[jetanlori]

Anyone know of a good conure site to post this on?

[mjm8321]

Lori,
They are gorgeous! I have never seen one in person, but did a bunch of research on conures before we got our pest errrrrr, conure I mean. ;)
Promise me if you get one, you give it a Portuguese name? They originate from Brazil after all.
Personally, I'd not be able to resist if it was offered to me. Are you looking for more information on them? I might be able to help you find the info or someone that can answer your questions better.

p.s. I don't think there is anything such as a "quiet" conure...LOL

[Paulette]

Lori......there are a ton of bird chats at birdnways.com
and there are even a couple for conures. :D

http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/forums.htm

there is also a section at birdsnways.com where you can look up species specific information too. Scroll down to (Information) and click on (Species Information).

www.birdsnways.com

[jetanlori]

I alrady saw the conure site at BNW and I find it hard to follow that particular format. I was hoping or a site like this. What will help me to make my decision is $$$$$$$$$$. I really don't have $1,200 plus all the toy money and cage and food and vet etc. So it's ok to say no isn't it? I mean at some point one must say, no I can't afford that, or I already have the number of birds I already want. Not to mention how it will change the dynamic with my 2 lovies who are still very new to me and getting to know them

[linda040899]

There is a baby for sale from a breeder and it's $1,200. It's still alot of money but not the $2,500-$5,000 I thought.
Lori,
The only thing I will say is "buyer beware." If the deal seems too good to be true, that just might be the case. I've seen Queen of Bavaria (Golden Conures) before and, yes, they are gorgeous! They are also pricey because they are difficult to breed. When I got my first pair of Abyssinians, I paid $150.00 for the pair. The breeder wanted to sell the rest of his Abbys and he gave them to me for $100.00/proven pair. Trust me! I found out why much later. Good deal??? No!

[jknezek]

OK. I'm going to be the cold bucket of water and I apologize in advance. However, if you don't have the money or if it's going to be real tight for money, then this probably isn't the best idea. All birds are ungodly expensive to keep as pets. The larger the bird, the more unbelievable it gets. Since we all strive to give the best possible care to our birds, having an affordable number is a huge part of that.

OK, wet blanket aside. They are beautiful and if you can afford it and have always wanted one, then do it. However, before you buy a Queen of Bavaria you should know that they are no longer classified as Aratinga (conures), they are actually Guaruba guarouba and considered more closely related to the mini-macaws. See Bird Talk November 05 (for really good articles about conures, including a beautiful picture of a Queen of Bavaria mislabeled as a conure, see Sept 05).

[jetanlori]

Lori,
The only thing I will say is "buyer beware."

Interesting Linda, yes, this particular breeder is..."selling out". BUT, I happen to know of a very reputable exotic bird store that has 2 of her Queenies as pets in the store so I'm not THAT worried but cautious. I still think $1,200 is alot, it's just not $2,500. She claims she has 8 or more for sale and is selling the recently weaned babies for the same price as the 10 month old. I've pretty much decided I'm not doing it, especially after I had Mango and Papaya on my shoulder after I posted this and we are starting to bond.

[Z28Taxman]

Wow, I've never heard of those but they're stunning.

I guess I have another bird to add to my list.

[BarbieH]

Jeremy, cold water can be very refreshing -- and in this case, very wise. :) Good advice!

[Janie]

I agree with Jeremy's advice 100%. The initial cost of the bird, even one this expensive, is only the beginning. I really would have a house full of birds IF I could afford the care involved.

[butterfly1061]

I agree with Jeremy too. I have 3 lovies and would love to have a Caique someday, but knowing the cost, care & time I have not given into my wanting. I know how different a Caique is from a LB, so the time involved is very much a factor. Larger birds are very time consuming & costly. My brother has a Blue & Gold Macaw and I would never take on a parrot near his size. He's gorgeous, but... I also look at the expeirence I have with my birds and I'll wait until I'm more comfortable that I can handle/care for a larger one. :2cents:

[LauraO]

I think you are making a good decision in waiting. I agree with what everyone here has said. Birds a very expensive and the bigger the bird the more destruction they can cause. There is a reason the bird is so cheap and it's likely not a reason that would make you want to buy a bird.

I think it's even better that you, mango and papaya are bonding and lovies make great pets and focusing all your time on them will allow them to be the best friends they can be to you :D .