Brand new baby Pionus owner

[Nmellett]

Hi

I am verrrry new to owning a bird as a pet. Today i bought a baby Blue Headed Pionus. Right now he/she us on my lap to bond and introductory conversations.

Not sure how old he/she is(3 feeds a day if that helps) joined this site as all internet research done is more of the same things over and over and doesnt tell me exactly everything.

Any helpful advice on my baby is hugely appreciated.

First question is: hes making very soft squeek noises is he happy or am i doing something wrong,and the "bags" on side of neck swells up every now and then---- i did make sure after he ate a while back that they were flat, before i picked him up that is he happy or am i doing something wrong.

2nd question: how do i know exactly how old he is?

Sorry for the ignorance but any help and guidance will be appreciated:01:

 

[Flboy]

Welcome! Your baby is unweaned?
You have a wonderful creature, that is a life long companion! You are taking some major risks at the moment that can easily kill your baby!

 

[Piasa]

Congratulations on your new pi! They are such loving and fun parrots. My white cap pionus is the best bird I've ever had. We do everything together.

I can't help much with handfeeding, but there is lots of info in the Breeding/Raising section that may help. Hopefully someone will be able to give you some specific answers soon.

 

[Nmellett]

He is on phase 1 "formula" 3 feeds of this a day. Not weaned yet.

 

[Nmellett]

Ah thanks for that handy info, will definately go check.

 

[Flboy]

Instead of beating on you, this site has great info

https://theparrotuniversity.com/arthandfeeding1#basics

Also, formula temperature is the most critical component! Must not be too hot or cool!! Keep it in a bath of water at the proper temp!
Do not use a tube attached to a syringe, baby will swallow it! Bent spoon best!
Monitor your baby's weight daily!

 

[Nmellett]

Thank you Flboy, he also is not that young that he needs a brooder-not sure how many weeks he is never thought to ask pet shop, just read the dangers of unweaned article as well as reading through art of feeding- pet shop made it sound like its a common thing a new owner does.

 

[CDavis]

Thank you Flboy, he also is not that young that he needs a brooder-not sure how many weeks he is never thought to ask pet shop, just read the dangers of unweaned article as well as reading through art of feeding- pet shop made it sound like its a common thing a new owner does.

I'm not sure what kind of pet shop would sell an unweaned baby i work a pet shop and we abundance wean all our baby's. But that's not really your fault but you now have this baby's life In your hands so you should really research how to hand feed and I'm guessing you don't have an avian vet yet. You should find one because if something doesn't look right you need to rush your baby to the AVIAN vet not a regular vet. Other than this I really hope you guys have an awesome life together and you should post some pics of your pionus

 

[Flboy]

I just wanted to add, you have landed in the best possible forum that there is! There are really great, and knowledgeable folks here!

 

[Flboy]

Something that caught me completely off guard, their ability to fly, so quickly! Two rescue lovebirds I was feeding, first flight? Me chasing them all over, outside!
If you have a dog or cat, they are fast, and cruel!
Your little guy is a bit larger, so flight will be most likely, more of a challenge!

 

[Nmellett]

Would you by any chance know how old he is by looking at my profile pic, cant seem to find any stages of development to know my self???

 

[Nmellett]

I stand to be corrected but other research done suggests my little boy/girl is a nestling, +- 4 weeks with the start and "budding" of pin feathers

 

[Flboy]

Some good photos here:
BabyBlueHeadUpdates

 

[Auroras_Mummy]

I stand to be corrected but other research done suggests my little boy/girl is a nestling, +- 4 weeks with the start and "budding" of pin feathers

If your baby is only just getting pin feathers then surely it still needs a brooder? I breed Green Cheek Conures and they only move out of their brooder once they are mostly covered in feathers.