[Paula]

If it were me, and I had the resources and knowledge (and money for vet costs) I would talk to the manager and point out how sick he is. It's possible they just don't know and you might be able to persuade the supervisor/manager to let you take the bird without paying. It depends on how you spin it, but if you can convince him that the bird is so obviously sick no one will buy it, he might just say, "OK, you take the thing then." Point out to him that he's going to have a serious issue on his hands if the condition is contagious and the bird infects all the rest of his incoming "stock" if it hasn't already.

There is the possibility that if you go that route, they'll say they won't sell you the bird because he's sick, and don't want you returning him, or whatever.

I think if you're sure to talk to a manager, though, instead of just some person working the front who could probably care less about the bird in the store, you'll have a good shot of walking out of there with a "free" bird that you can care for properly.

Maybe at the least you can make sure the bird gets to a vet of the pet store's choosing? Offer to take it to your vet and pay for it (if you are willing to that is.)

If all else fails call the ASPCA and see if they can do something.

It's one thing to know about the horrible things that happens in petstores, it's another entirely to see an animal sick and in pain because of that the pet stores have created. It isn't the bird's fault he's in a crappy situation, and he deserves care and treatment one way or another.