Big breeder vs. small breeder

[Atwee921]

I thought you wanted a Green Cheek Conure. I didn't see them listed at the Big Breeders site.

They have green cheeks....they really have any parrot you could think of (except gang gangs...). I have no idea why that list is there...

What kind of GCC are you looking to get? Normal or one of the mutations/
Male or Female, or does it matter?

I'd love a turquoise GCC but they are usually really expensive so Im just getting a normal. I'd prefer a male just because I dont want to have eggs.

 

[ShreddedOakAviary]

While there certainly are great reasons for gavage feeding babies, It isn't something I'd do unless it was necessary. As for the breeder friend. I wasn't saying she tube feeds, it's just that she feeds VERY FAST. Probably from raising primarily macaws for years.

 

[ShreddedOakAviary]

I am really excited for you and you soon to be avian family addition.... best of luck!

 

[Pedro]

The wait will be worth it Atwee. GCC'S are a whole bunch of fun.

 

[Amber]

If a breeder has so many birds to hand feed they have to tube feed them all I wouldn't be to amused to be honest. This is just personal opinion here, but if your going to take a chick from it's mother you should be providing the same support and care the mother would have to the chick. Baby birds BOND while feeding, just like human infants do. You know if kids are not held and fussed over and feel like they are LOVED while feeding it can actually lead to psychological problems later in life, like problems forming attachments? Alot of breeders find similar things happening in parrots. Not surprising considering their intelligence.

I'm not saying slow feeding is the only way. Just that chicks should get to actually TASTE their food (imagine being deprived of eating food, instead having it pumped straight to your stomach? Not pleasant, no?) and have that 5-10 mins of being fed and cuddled and socialized so they so not get anxious or needy or develop problems later in life. Not to mention tube fed chicks take longer to wean.

Sure, their are times when tube feeding is GREAT. When a chick wont eat, or is sick and needs an exact dose of medication, or in other scenarios. I've had to do it myself a few times. In fact it can be lifesaving and it's something anyone breeding should probably know. But as a day-to-day feeding method? I really don't like it for ethical reasons, mainly depriving the chick of actually tasting it's food, and for the psychological issues above.

Edit- http://www.avianweb.com/handfeedingmethods.html is basicly what I'm trying to say.

 

[Amber]

But back on topic (just wanted to join in the feeding convo ) Congrats! I can't wait to see your GCC when you get one!

 

[Atwee921]

Thanks guys I cant wait!!!