bringing home new quaker

[brook]

Finally get to go pick up our new quaker, I'm really worried though because I read you should never get a baby that's not fully weaned. The breeder said in her message that he's still on 1 feeding a day and she would show me how to do this. I've never hand fed a baby quaker in my life! What should I do? I've already paid deposit and gotten the little guy everything he could ever need. Not to mention I've been looking for him for long time. I don't want to do anything that could possibly hurt him though....

 

[JerseyWendy]

In that case tell the breeder firmly, yet gently, that you will NOT be bringing baby home until he's been completely weaned by HER. Let her know you are not comfortable taking on a task that could potentially harm (or worse) your baby.

If she has any conscience, she will understand.

 

[brook]

I think that's what I will do, I am just not comfortable hand feading. Is this normal from breeders?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Unfortunately there are way too many breeders who talk unsuspecting customers into taking an unweaned chick home. They tell them that handfeeding is super easy, there’s nothing to it, etc etc. NOT TRUE. I honestly don’t know why breeders do it. It’s wrong. It’s unethical. Too many babies have died in the hands of well meaning parronts who didn’t have the necessary experience to handfeed properly.

 

[brook]

I also asked for a copy of his daily weights and they informed me they were not weighing him because they only weigh if there is a problem with the chic. Is this normal? To my understanding they needed to be weighed daily to make sure they were healthy and thriving.

 

[Allee]

You're right, they should be weighing your chick daily and keeping records.

Have you had a chance to ask your breeder to keep your baby until the weaning process is completed? I hope your breeder will see your point and work with you.