OK, a $5 chicken is one thing,
a $2000 bird is another.
Blood is blood---I'd go for cheap. If she had bought the bird last week, I might could see it (personally, a chicken would have been cheaper and supper afterwards).
What Tia and I are saying is that these birds are not only expensive, but very, very smart and affectionate. To the point of being clingy in their need to be around you.
A dog wanders off, a cat is independent, but these big fids are just that--feathered kids. I shudder to think how I would react if I came home and found one of mine like that.
I love birds.
But, in this case, It seems to me that Darla is trying to get sympathizers.
The mentality of a Pagan is to do what ever is needed to get what you want.