NEVER Buy an Un-weaned Bird!!!

The Crystal Parrot - There are many breeders that will sell an unweaned bird, leading people to believe that they will have a better and closer bond with the bird. Sadly, this is not true! Birds go through 3 stages when they are young. Only the third stage-when they are weaned- are they looking for a social bond! Most often, the real reason that “breeders” sell unweaned birds is to be relieved of the round the clock care and attention that handfeeding requires. It is very labor intensive and cuts into profit margins!  Most breeders are trying their best to make their money as quick as possible!

Do you know that birds have three holes in their mouth? Do you know which one is the correct one for handfeeding?

Can you tell when the bird’s crop is empty?

Do you know the correct temperature and consistency for handfeeding formula?

What amount should you feed? And how often-depending on the birds size and species?

Do you have the correct utensils and know the proper disinfecting procedures for all of them?

Do you know what nesting materials are safe and at what environmental temperature the birds should be kept.

Can you tell when your bird may have bacteria or worse?

If you do not know the answers to these basic questions, you do not have the knowledge, experience, or ability to properly handfeed! You will be putting a bird’s health and life in jeopardy!

There are many psychological and physical issues that can arise from improper and inexperienced handfeeding. Please do not add to the growing problem that unscrupulous breeders create because they are trying to save a buck or two! If their main goal is to make as much money as possible and the birds health and welfare is second, these are not the kind of breeders that anyone should support! A responsible breeder will not release a bird until it is properly weaned and the bird has demonstrated that he is able to consistently eat on his own. This also gives the future owner the opportunity to visit the baby on a regular basis. If you are unable to visit due to distance, you may want to consider buying from a local responsible source. If you cannot visit because the breeder doesn’t allow it, you need to find another source that has an open door policy!  This is a process and it will take longer for a bird to go home with their new family, but the new family can be assured that once the bird comes home, he will be happy, and well adjusted!

If you have any questions about this topic or any others, please feel free to call us or stop by any time! We are always happy to help!