new baby quaker after a loss

[crystalynnbearr]

Hi. I bought a baby Quaker yesterday. The breeder (SMALL bird shop) said he was a very young baby and sold me formula but, although I'm sure he's very young, he's not eating formula. I've made it for him a few times and he just doesn't want it. But, he's eating his bird mix, seeds, pellets, etc, though he does seen new to the whole self feeding thing. He's dropping whatever it is he has in his claw, it takes a while to open a big seed. He catches himself falling over while balancing on one foot while feeding and he's standing right in the middle of the food bowl.
I'm so worried, and I'm hoping I'm just paranoid. See, last week I bought the sweetest baby yellow tiel from a different breeder, I handfed my Sunshine and in the 4 days I had her, I bonded like I couldn't believe. I guess cause she was sick (which I mistook for her being young), she spent every waking moment with me. The 4th day I got her outta her cage, she was lethargic. I took her to the vet and Sunshine died at home with the vet. HEARTBREAKING! She'd had a yeast infection, had it long before I had her.
So, I guess I'm looking for a little reassurance. If I see him yawning, sleeping without his head tucked, he's still not sleeping on one foot... I'm worried about EVERYTHING! I'm so scared I'm gonna get close to him and lose him, too.
yes, I can take him to the vet and I plan on it. Soon as possible. See, I'm a little tapped right now after buying both birds and Sunshines vet bill. So, I'd like to wait a week or so. If I see anything is really wrong, I'll take him, anyways. I already love the little guy, who I think I'm naming Ozzy.
Anyways, thanks for reading. So many people just don't get our love for birds. I posted my grief for Sunshine on my FB and not one person even acknowledged it. What gets me is, if Sunshine were a Puppy, everyone would've offered condolences! But, it's just a bird, right?
God Bless.

 

[aliray]

My suggestion would be to take him back to where you bought him and have them finish weaning him unless you are an experienced hand feeder. Their are too many things that can go wrong. Hopefully some experienced parrot raisers will chime in with some better suggestions or what to do at the moment. Quakers are smart little birds. Do you know the hatch date of your baby?

 

[BEWolf]

There is no valid reason for a breeder to sell an unweaned bird, ever! Someone needs to take him out behind the wood shed and explain things to him. I'll shut up now, before I say something that I shouldn't.

 

[Sterling1113]

I'm sorry you're having such a stressful time. I was following your other thread, and having lost a cockatiel myself (my first bird) I had a hard time forming a response. But I do empathize with you and wish you the best of luck with your new friend.

That being said, I agree with that which is stated above, that unless you're an experienced hand feeder(and even still everyone makes mistakes) I think he should be brought back until he is eating on his own 100%. And even still I'm sure you can do comfort feedings should he regress.

Though I will never agree or understand the selling of unweaned babies, I wish you a stress-free time with your baby, and will offer help in any way ican. (Though I have NO experience with babies.)

 

[RavensGryf]

I hate how people sell such young babies. They really need to take responsibility and finish hand feeding these exotic animals! Not just let the customer finish! Unless someone is very experienced at it, they shouldn't have to be expected to take the baby and just feed it (as if it's something basic and simple which it isn't). After your recent unfortunate experience, you certainly don't need another bad thing to happen! Like Aliray said, I'd take the baby back and tell them your concerns. He can't even perch yet. Sorry, but he's way too young to have been sold

 

[crystalynnbearr]

no, he is totally weaned. No begging, and eats all the feed I can give him. I don't know why the breeder told me he wasn't, maybe he just wanted to sell the formula or he thinks that the younger they are the faster they'll sell? Who knows. I do have experience hand feeding but, although it's not my fault, losing my last baby I'm scared to do something wrong. I've offered to feed ozzy, he wants nothing to do with the formula.
I do not know the hatch date, the man didn't have it or acted like he didn't. For whatever reason. Is it just my town who has so many shady breeders? Also, does anyone have an opinion of flight suits? I'm thinking of ordering one for ozzy, but they don't look too comfortable.

 

[Sterling1113]

Some birds prefer suits , some hate them. If the bird is properly trained and conditioned it's a nice thing. I wish I could get any of mine to wear something with a diaper on it.

 

[RavensGryf]

is it just my town who has so many shady breeders?

Shady or unknowledgable breeders are EVERYWHERE. We as consumers have to hold back buying a cute baby, unless the place checks out as being more on the reputable side. Besides what first meets the eye, not only is it clean and do babies look good, but are they PAST weaning? The breeder or store (owner) knows the hatch date and should know if they're truly ready to go, if not that's pathetic. OR if it's past weaning like you say, does the baby SEEM not ready to be sold for whatever other reason? Does the place offer a health guarantee?

I'm sorry, I really don't want to seem harsh, but it makes me sick that people out there selling animals don't have a clue, and are looking at the money, and prey on people not experienced with birds that only see a 'cute' baby. If you are not sure if a breeder or store is "good", check reviews for a store, check references on a breeder. Once you get more experience you will know what isn't right or when babies don't look right. Good luck with your baby!

 

[teagal]

I just got my 7 week old baby 2 days ago and I am hand feeding him. I started the weaning process today. He accepted the foods I gave him readily.
From 3 times a day feeding down to 2.
As far as this poster said, his little one was picking up food with his toes. Dexter doesn't do that yet so this baby had to be older than the seller realized.

 

[Kalidasa]

On another note, sleeping without tucking is not abnormal, my birds nap all the time without tucking, and my conure never tucks. So that in and of itself is probably nothing

 

[teagal]

Dexter tucks sometimes and other times he doesn't. I guest we just don't know what to expect sometimes.