In a pet store near me, they have a pair of Bourkes Parakeets. They have been there for at least 2 years now. They really dont deal with anything but finches and parakeets. I was there today and my heart just sank. These poor bourkes keets are in a tiny cage with no toys, and they look skinny and gross. They apear to be a boy and girl and the owner seemed anoyed that they werent breeding. Theres no box in the cage and he feeds them finch seed.

anyways, I asked him to get me all of the information like age if he could find out (aparantley a hobiest breeder sold them to them as a breeding pair.) They want $150 for them with the cage. I told him I wouldnt spend that, and explained to him about how hes never going to sell them like that and their going to end up dieing, so I'd take them from him in the best interest of the birds. He did seem to understand and told me he'd think about it. He knows me well and realizes I'm right.

If, and thats a big if, I take these birds, I dont plan on keeping them. My interest is to get them out of the store, on a proper diet and into a good home, or even a breeding program. They are happy together, but the minute u go near the cage, they flip out. At this point its not a real consideration, but a thought. I have no where to keep them, but I do know a few people in rescues who might help me with this.

I'm not looking to add to my flock, I just dont want these poor birds to die in that store. I started putting out calls to people I know and hopefully, I will be able to find them a new home. They deserve someone who knows how to take care of them.

Does anyone have any opinions on the matter? and does anyone have any experience with Bourkes?

Josh thanks for trying to help these two. Is it possible to educate the pet store owner as to how to better care for them?

I wouldn't tell him about a nest box, sounds like it will be much better for them if they don't breed. But maybe some advice about a better diet, cage and some activity toys.

well, hes not stupid. Years ago, when they werent a hole in the wall dirty pet store, they had birds. He knows, but doesnt care. Hes the first to admit he cant take care of them properly and at the same wants to make money off of them. He really doesnt seem to care about taking care of them. He really just wants them out of the store. He also claims that finch seed should be fine for them (I know its not and I dont believe hes feeding them every day, there was nothing but hulls in the dish). He also tells me he doesnt think the envirment, meaning cage and suroundings matters to them.

basically, I tel him the right things, he agrees with me, but doesnt do anything. He just yeses me to death. I've watched these beautiful birds deteriorate in that store and its heartbreaking. I know I cant be superman, there will always be birds, or any animals that will need saving, but..... I dont know

Work harder Josh at getting these birds, Phone, go there, whatever it takes.
Your words say you have a fair relationship with this person, I see you have already been up-front with him, this is good..
I understand you don't want to add to your family right now, these birds need help, this is all these eyes see right now, the sooner the better Josh....
They need tender loving care and they need it fast.
Do me a favor Josh.....could you please be a little more persistent in getting your point accross to this person.
You say he has had them for 2 years, took them in for breeding purposes, and there's no proper diet, no Nesting box, no Toys, shabby cage...IMO this person isn't the brightest star in the sky Josh, 2 little lifes are waisting away and for what????
Someone that doesn't know what the H.LL he is doing....
Please forgive my aggression but this just sickens me...
If needed, Offer him $50.00 Josh and I will send you a check...bottom line....
Just help these birds to your best level.....Let me know where this issue is going....
I appreciate your kindness, Your very up front and polite when being so....If I can help....I WILL....
BW

I do know of someone with a Bourkes currently, but she is unfortunately on the other side of the country from you...

Josh if you get these birds are you anywhere near Rochester NY? My mom lives up there and if someone closer down to NJ or wherever within 300 miles wants these birds I am willing to drive up and get them from you and ferry them where they need to go after I go camping labor day weekend with my mom. I have business up there anyway and it wouldn't be hard for me to get them. But adding 300 miles to my original trip is my limit... and it is a little flexible. Gas prices these days are harsh so if it's anywhere near 300 miles for a detour I'd be hoping whoever has their forever home could help with the gas if that's not too much to ask.

Arty and tina, thank you. Arty, you are right. I need to do everything I can to get these birds out of there. He takes fine care of his finches, but the sight of these two birds is so heart-breaking. I remember when he got them 2 years ago, and I've probably been in there mabe a handfull of times since. I go in out of convienece if I need rabbit food because they are close to my house, but they dont have much in the way of anything else.

I dont really have the room or the money to take these birds into my family, at least not long term I dont think, but I am going to do everything in my power to get them out of there. I do think he understands what I'm talking about and agrees with me, I just need to get him past the feeling of loosing money. I will be persistent as politely as possible. Thanks again

you could always point out the ASPCA could fine him for neglect if they saw the shape those birds are in and giving them to somewhere else where it's not costing him money or effort to feed would look better.

Your doing a fine job Josh, I admire your ability to get the point accross politely but firmly, this will prevail, I can help you with the foster care Josh, thats not a serious issue, I can support those 2 little ones from here, and as soon as you are sure they are stable, you can begin to seek an adoptor.
All you would need to do is PM me your address, I will get a check out to you.
All I am saying is someone needs to help these birds, it is apparent they are not being cared for properly.
They will perish under these conditions.
Josh if you say they are not being cared for properly, I BELIEVE YOU.
Do all you can Josh, Work your ways my friend, and if this doesn't prevail, then tell him you have a friend that is offering $50.00, this is all I can efford at this time....
If this doesn't work, then we need to get an official into the place of buisness to look at these birds...and or the conditions.
You can only do so much to help Josh, and I respect your intentions a great deal.
Good luck.

well, I went in again yesturday to speak to the owner. He found his paperwork and tracked down the breeder. It turns out the birds are about 1 1/2 years old. He is firm on 150 dollars for the pair. They are a brother and sister pair, which I assume is bad for breeding, but thats what hes advertising them as (breeding pair).

I talked with him in depth about the care of them and he insists that since he feeds and waters them every day, they are being taken care of. He says he'll stop feeding them finch seed, but I dont believe him. I even offered to clean his bird room for cheap...

mabe I'm over-reacting? It just sickens me to see birds in a cage where the poop is piled above the cage grate. The canaries are like that too. and then he tells me the heat killed a canary the other day (Ibet it wasnt the heat). The bourkes look skinny and dusty. I told him nobody was going to buy them there, its just nnot his clientel, and he agrees, but because they are relativley young, he refuses to part with them. He said the best he could do was look up the "wholesale" price and give them to me for them.

My next step right now is to look up laws on banding, or find some official to come in and take a look. I dont think hes cleaned those cages in 20 years other than changing the trays every other century. Next time I'm in there, I'll take some pics with my cell phone.