Should I Buy 3 Months Old Chick?

[kevinsteve]

Hi

I am planning to buy a 3 months old green ring neck chick who have just started self feeding and is almost covered.

The only concern I am having whether at this age the parrot will be easier to train, tame and bond or should I buy one month old and raise on hand feed?

I have some experience in raising chicks and hand feeding but because of my other commitments I would prefer to buy a parrot who is on self feed but if it does not serve the purpose, I will surely manage and go for younger.

Looking forward for suggestion.

 

[itzjbean]

We have seen many horror stories from people taking home chicks before they are weaned and eating entirely on their own...please don't do it.

Let the breeder continue to wean the baby ringneck for you until it is eating all food on its own. It will still be very trainable, tame (assuming breeder handles and socializes) and will be much easier on your stress levels and will be healthier for the bird this way to come home to you later.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Three months is fine for taming or training. 4 or 5 months or older is fine too. Go for the older chick, it will be easier and healthier. Keep in mind the stress of a move may make him go back to wanting some hand feeding too. To be extra sure you won't have to hand feed, you could even wait until the 3 month old chick is a little older.

 

[Rival_of_the_Rickeybird]

Unless all conditions are optimal (you're very experienced, you have plenty of time, you have friends/family/backup in case of need, the breeder is well known and reputable, etcetcetc.) I'd advise against handfeeding aspirations........................... not because I know much about it, but because I have read so many heartbreaking stories here. Good luck to you.

 

[SailBoat]

Very Bad Idea!!! Behavior problems are on the rise and the majority can be linked with not allowing the chick to be fully weaned and be on solid food /self feeding! The driver is the fear within the chick of starvation, which results in behavior problems.

IMHO, you will find that a healthy, fully weaned Parrot will in fact be easier to interact with than a younger Parrot. Long ago, when the Breeders (large 'B') fully weaned and fledged their chicks before making them available, they where truly healthy and sweet chicks, which interacted quickly with new Humans. Today's breeders (small 'b') are more interested in dumping unweaned chicks to increase their profit regardless of whether the chick is ready or not! It all about the money.

Your choice says much about you! Is it about the money or the health of the chick?