I can't address the cost because I don't know the answer. As luvparrots said, costs vary from state to state. I can say that 6 is not too old to develop a bond, I rehomed Timber at 5 last year (he is 6 now) and it has worked well for us. As was also pointed out, there are never any guarantees but that applies to a baby too. These birds have a lot of personality is the best way I can say it. Even among the forum members, you can see as you read that each bird is different. Different attitudes, different likes and dislikes, different in how much or how little they want to be handled etc. Good luck and happy hunting