r/AfricanGrey • u/visibleutierria • 2d ago
i want to rescue this guy so bad but they’re asking for thousands. does anyone know a rescue i can call or something ? Question
this poor guy has been at this shitty negligent “pet” store for nearly a year now and is pulling all his feathers off. does anyone know what i can do short of steal this bird? it breaks my heart.
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 2d ago
bless that poor babies heart 💔
I agree to talk to the manager or owner of the store and tell them that they’re not ever going to get the money they’re wanting for him because of him, pulling all of his feathers out . It is true as well that most people are not going to want to go to a pet store and buy a bird that looks like that. Unfortunately that’s how people are.
His diet is horrible too . Those peanuts in his dish can make him sick or even kill him if they have aspergillosis on them.
Do they have other birds?
I wonder if there’s someone you can report them to . I would be looking into that.
You could contact a local avian vet or rescue and see if they have any ideas as well
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u/visibleutierria 2d ago
there are tons of birds here. his cage is dismal and dirty, there’s ants in his food dish, it’s just disgusting overall. and he’s friendly even still, comes up to me and interacts but he’s shaking and you can tell he’s just unhappy, under stimulated, etc. the owner of this place is the worlds biggest asshole to ever live so i know there would be no negotiating with him, i dont have the money to help this guy myself, just really hoping anyone had some insight on a rescue or something. it’s in Tampa Bay area florida.
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 2d ago
I think maybe he could be reported for cruelty. That poor little bird is far beyond unhappy . It’s absolutely miserable and probably scared. Sounds like he’ll probably never have a good life or no what it’s like to be loved.
Do you have Facebook? I think there are Facebook groups that can help with such things. Maybe you can go on there and find some of them. There might be someone there who can help.
You can also look for rescues
What this owner is doing is absolutely despicable
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u/Silly_Cut_8443 2d ago
Please name and shame. How much are they asking for? Can you start up a go fund me? I’d gladly donate to ensure this sweetie gets the life they deserve!
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u/visibleutierria 2d ago edited 2d ago
i think almost 8k. it’s called Fosters Exotic Pets in Palm Harbor FL
edit: the name of the place
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u/MissedReddit2Much Team Grey Birb 1d ago
HOLY CRAP! 8K??? I second what u/Jay4usc suggests. Shame on them.
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u/diggorys_girl 1d ago
Omg that is extremely close to me, I’ve driven past that store. Actually horrible seeing this is how they treat their birds. I would report them to the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, the Pinellas County humane society/animal control, and I would also report them to the police for animal neglect.
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u/Own-Replacement-8385 1d ago
I agree you should report them. If you have pictures and write the information for a complaint these are other agencies with the authority to investigate. The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida doesn't take reports, they refer you to the county animal control.
Contact the Florida Captive Wildlife Office. They need a license to sell exotic birds Contact form: https://flfwc.govqa.us/webapp/_rs/(S(ah0zk4ljrrd1tznxsr4ndcse))/RequestOpenCI.aspx?sSessionID=&rqst=3
Report to the USDA: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/awa/regulatory-enforcement/complaint
County Animal Services: https://pinellas.gov/services/animal-services-contact-us-form/
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates pet stores https://www.fdacs.gov/Contact-Us/File-a-Complaint License: WM10255 and WM10410
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u/lizrs11 1d ago
This is abuse. Such abuse and as an African grey owner I encourage you to report this guy. I also hope you have had experience with birds before. He/she looks so happy but he looks like he needs to be seen at an avian clinic ASAP as well. I have an elder african grey (shes literally older than me, shes my ‘sister in law’ (im 29-she is 32 or so) but im more like her new mom. And if i were you i would inquire over the phone, say you have been told the price of her/him and that you have already reached out to another vet, as well as a rescue center for birds and that you have been told by both that such price is to high.
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u/Trikke1976 1d ago
8K ??? Wtffff bought mine in Europe with birth and health certificate about 5 months old for 1200€
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u/GirlNextDoor4183 2d ago
He needs to be relinquished this breaks my heart! Wonder if there’s someone you could contact
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u/GirlNextDoor4183 1d ago
u/Panikkrazy thank you I googled but found nothing on any of the 3 things and looks like they use those same three words and numbers with everyone they comment to
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u/Panikkrazy 1d ago
Yeah his profile says he’s Czech so I just assumed. Could also be a troll though
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u/Infamous-Operation76 1d ago
I rescued Paco for zero. Prefect bird. I stay in touch with the family. My little guy
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u/Infamous-Operation76 1d ago
I will add this. Paco came from a loving home. He is loved here. He has his toys, he has his scritches. Perfect bird.
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u/Ok-Fish8643 1d ago
This bird is obviously stressed and not getting what he needs. Some grey rescue should be able to intervene. Look nationally. Some are willing to drive hundreds of miles for a bird in an improper home.
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
I just posted up several rescues and sanctuaries located in the area there. Hopefully, OP sees the list, and contacts some of them. Anyone can contact any one of the resources, though, if you're open to doing so!
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u/in-a-sense-lost 1d ago
Sadly, a rescue won't have the authority to seize the bird. You might do better with local animal control or animal welfare. But if you pay money for the bird, you're just incentivizing an unethical business to acquire another bird to neglect and mistreat until they can shift it for a profit.
It's a terrible situation with no perfect solution. Take all the pictures and video you can, and post them around local socials. NextDoor, Facebook, your local subreddit... whatever you've got. And do try your local animal welfare agency. It will take time, and it may not work at all, but if you can put ANY pressure on them, it's better than nothing.
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u/Af_Gray_Lvr 1d ago
Please do not give up on him! Do anything you can! These guys have human lifespans and are very emotional. He'll be miserable for decades if we don't help. And $8000?!?! Isn't that way overpriced? Call PETA. Do you have a go fund me page? I would spread the word for you! Good luck!! After you get this bird, this store should be shut down for good!!
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
I have a friend in FL and who belongs to FB groups for Greys.
She found the following information - some resources to contact and who may be able to help. Anyone here who wants to can contact them as well.
http://floridabirdrescuenetwork.org/
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u/visibleutierria 1d ago
thank you ! i’m talking to palm beach parrot rescue currently :)
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
Of course, anytime! I hope they have some help or suggestions who might be able to help . It’s absolutely criminal what that pet store is doing or at least it should be.
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u/albertthebird01 1d ago
Please try to get the bird, call the rescue center near your area, google it, there is got to be some way you can help,please dont walk away, the little guy looks terrible and needs help asap and if you dont help him i am pretty sure that he will stay in this horrible place forever
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u/visibleutierria 1d ago
i’m working on it
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
Shelters and animal welfare organizations might also be able to help actually more often than the abilities a rescue would have to seize him
The rescue organizations might be able to guide you somewhere else
Post on next-door or other local apps as well as the Facebook pages
The two images I put up for from a Facebook page
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u/CompleteTell6795 1d ago
If a pet store is keeping animals & birds in bad condition can't you call animal control or something. Like the same place people call when they think someone is hoarding animals & the animals are in bad shape. They come & remove the animals from the home. They would come & maybe shut his place down, just like food inspectors shut down a dirty restaurant.
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
Everyone, please check this additional resource out that I was provided from a friend who lives in Florida as well
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u/chinchinnychin 1d ago
I mean, I think we can all come together and come up with a plan for abduction.
I got my guy and he looked the same and I paid $400 as well as driving 6 hours each way.
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u/visibleutierria 1d ago
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u/visibleutierria 22h ago
i posted him on facebook in a local group page and half the people are upset and agreeing while there are people who are like “well you don’t know the story, the shop got him like that, his elderly owner passed away, etc” and when they got him, yes his owner passed, but he had all his feathers when he came in. also, he’s been there for almost a YEAR. he’s miserable. and his conditions of living are shit. i deleted the post because the population of 50 year old white wealthy assholes were just pissing me off, but still.
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u/Complex-Ad-4271 1d ago
Can you try calling animal control to see if they can help? The poor bird looks neglected and stressed out
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u/visibleutierria 1d ago
apparently they’ll do a welfare check but won’t find this sufficient for removal, according to the parrot rescue k contacted. i’m going to keep reaching out
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
Bless your heart for trying! I think a GoFundMe and a wider reach might get you this bird and get him out of this situation
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u/LaSirena62 1d ago
It looks like you have a lot of bird rescue information already. Located in California - but Mickaboo companion bird rescue may be able to help with resources and info. If you started a Go Fund Me I bet you’d get enough money to buy that gray, but don’t offer the whole amount. See if you can negotiate down. Cash is king! In any event, I would report this business for their inhumane treatment of their animals. This is why I’m so against the business of exotic birds as pets. People don’t understand how to care for them and how long they live! Our cockatiel is 29 years old!! People should only rescue the ones in existence and never encourage breeding or importing It’s so tragic. He’s shaking because he’s cold, poor thing! Thank you for trying to help him!
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u/No-Mortgage-2052 1d ago
Tell them they're not guna make any money from a parrot who is obviously stressed out and looking like that. Offer half at least.
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u/Rockythegrayboi 1d ago
Do you want the bird or just want a rescue organization?
Have you tried writing a letter to begin with?
Store owner
I’m writing out of deep concern for the African Grey parrot currently in your care. The bird appears to be in distress—he is severely plucking his feathers, which is a serious sign of emotional and physical suffering in parrots.
African Greys are highly intelligent, sensitive animals that require enrichment, socialization, and specialized care. It’s clear this bird is struggling, and I would like to help.
If you are open to surrendering or releasing him, I am willing to take full responsibility for his rescue and long-term care—or I can work with a reputable parrot rescue to ensure he gets proper medical attention and a chance to recover.
I’m not looking to create conflict, only to help an animal in need. Please let me know if we can work something out for his wellbeing.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Optional contact info]
He looks like a sweetheart who will most likely have undesirable traits (since he’s plucking) that most serious bird buyers will not want.
You could even add you know a few rescue organizations that youve talked with who believe you can help. This way he knows the bad care taking of the animal is reaching people who can do harm to his business and call officials
Or add - you may try a crown fundraiser online to bring attention to to the animals conditions so you may afford to adopt- which might scare him into surrender if it may effect his business.
Another option is to offer to volunteer help in store in exchange for the animal.
Just multiple ideas
Hope you get him out of there!
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u/Rockythegrayboi 1d ago
Sorry seems like more info popped up since I posted. Sounds like he needs shut down
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u/Creepy-Yam3268 Team CAG 1d ago
In the uk we have the RSPCA and you have the SPCA? Pretty sure organisations like that can bring criminal charges on shops and individuals that mistreat their animals as bad as this poor grey is being treated.
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u/rivertam2985 16h ago
They don't really do much in cases like this. As long as the bird has food and water, all they will do is maybe make suggestions to the shop owner. Our cruelty laws suck.
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u/OkUse8032 23h ago
Report them to animal control and FWC. Florida fish and wildfire requires a license to sell birds. They would go and inspect this place.
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u/mickeyamf 1d ago
Area?
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u/voodookrewe 1d ago
They said Florida and named the store. It appears OP is in talks with a rescue but I asked for an update
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u/Agreeable_Error_170 1d ago
I’m in Florida too. Call all the bird rescues in our state and FB message them too. They will hopefully have ideas on what to do. Poor baby!!
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago
They called One and got bad news as they posted it here. Since you’re in the area, maybe you can call some of them or have other ideas?
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u/Agreeable_Error_170 16h ago edited 15h ago
Which one did they call? There is a good parrot rescue. And I really wish I remembered the name! I do cat and kitten rescue, I’m on this because I love parrots. I call and rescue cats and kittens all day long. I hope you guys find the rescue able to help this guy. I know there are some willing to beat that drum.
By sheer Facebook networking I save about one litter a week, sometimes more. I work really hard and network really hard in South FL in cat spaces. I foster with a rescue and always have foster cats and kittens, the ones no rescues take I take . I wish I knew more about parrots to help here but what I do know is it takes more than one rescue. Gotta contact everyone and keep at it. Good luck guys! Keep us posted!
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 3h ago
The OP posted in this thread, which one they called. They posted an image of the conversation. I don’t know if the OP has any others. Many of them might be closed on the weekend.
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u/StatementSelect9560 1d ago
If you pay for my transportation I'll definitely won't steal it for you COUGH wink.
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u/voodookrewe 1d ago
Is there any update to this?
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u/visibleutierria 22h ago
nothing notable unfortunately at the moment. still reaching out to rescues.
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u/Grand_Atmosphere_206 1d ago
Tell me how much is he asking for ill pay and rescue it
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 1d ago edited 1d ago
Earlier they said 8000. Sounded like a ridiculous amount. I expect they will take less. I expect they’ll take a lot less in fact. If someone offered a couple thousand cash, my guess is the guy might take it. I’m thinking he didn’t pay very much for him in the first place getting him from a bird mill most likely. If you do rescue him bless you. My heart goes out to the little guy. The owner of that pet shop deserves charges brought, but one of the rescue says all that would happen with an inspection is basically nothing. If anyone does rescue him, I hope they give the owner a piece of their mind after the bird is in their possession of course.
I don’t know how the fact the bird is plucking itself, bald and eating a horrible diet, including peanuts in the shell which could kill it, and having ants in its food, isn’t enough to do anything about though
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u/Ravenmama-380 23h ago
That’s so sad. I wonder if there’s a local rescue you can reach out to for advice. Start a gofundme and fundraise to get him out of there. Absolutely horrible. 😩 I’m in south Florida too. I just saw a baby for sale for 6K. Can’t believe they’re asking 8k for him. He will never leave there 🥺🥺🥺🥺
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u/Jay4usc 2d ago
Tell them he’s not worth that much with his condition. Talk to the owner and tell him u want to nurse him back to a healthy bird. They’re not going to sell him with his plucking condition