Should I buy unweaned baby

[shyness]

So I have been on the hunt for a double yellow head amazon baby.. I went on the bird breeders website and saw some are up for sale.. Called this lady and she told me she had magna babies for 1000.00 but she is wanted to ship it to me halfed weaned.. She said that this was better because the bird would bond with me. I don't know how I feel about this. I have never had to feed a baby bird before and I hear there are a lot of problems.. Any advice guys.. Should I go for it or keep shopping around???

 

[getwozzy]

If you're not comfortable with buying an unweaned baby, don't do it. I certainly don't have the experience to hand feed a baby bird, and wouldn't want to take the risk...there are so many details with hand feeding, if I [personally] could afford the higher price of a weaned bird- i'd wait.

 

[henpecked]

If you haven't handfeed babies before then it's NOT a good idea.

 

[Grinder]

henpecked is right - also I question a breeder willing to ship an unweaned baby to someone who has never handfed a baby bird. I'd move on to the next breeder.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I agree whole heartedly agree with the other posters.

Handfeeding must be learned. It doesn't happen over night either. It requires a good amount of skills along with confidence and the right tools, and even THEN things can go wrong if you are not super careful and know which alarm signs to look out for.

Please do not buy an unweaned Amazon parrot. Amazon parrots usually wean around 12-15 weeks, so you'll still be getting a baby at that age.

 

[mtdoramike]

DON'T DO IT! Even if you have hand feeding experience. Why take on that responsibility if you don't have too. Also there usually are no warranties given for unweaned birds.

 

[shyness]

Thank you guys for all the quick responses. I am going to keep shopping around for another breeder.. my ideal would be getting a baby right around the end of august... I am going to keep looking

 

[JerseyWendy]

If you are looking for a true Magna DYH, have you checked out TD Aviary in Texas? They have 2 magnificent pairs of Magnas, and they NEVER sell unweaned birds.

Maybe you can be put on their waiting list?

Have a look: AMAZONS

 

[shyness]

Thank you for the link.. Honestly I don't care if it is a magna or not.. I just want my double yellow head.. I have been dreaming of an amazon for over year and a half.. I am getting my baby this year.. HOOK NOOK OR CROOK!!!!!! lol.... I have the play stand on the way.. the cage on the way.. my husband wants to go away for the summer but if I get a baby before august he will have to travel alone.. I just refuse to wait another year for my "Apple"

 

[JerseyWendy]

WHAT a cute name!!!!! I LOVE it!!! Apple

Look on birdbreeders because the season is NOW. You should be able to find one. May I ask where you are located? Would you mind having one shipped to you?

 

[shyness]

I am in ca right outside of san francisco and that is the only way I am going to get one is to get it shipped there are none close to me... For some reason I saw more on bird breeders last year around july.. and how do you know if you are dealing with a good breeder....

 

[MikeyTN]

Handfeeding on your own does NOT guarantee the bird will bond with you! So I have to disagree with that breeder. Have you thought about adopting an adult?

 

[shyness]

I have thought about an older bird but I think for me I would like to start with a baby this time.. I had a cockatoo for quite a few years and she finally passed so I want to start fresh with a lil Apple of my own

 

[crimson]

STAY FAR AWAY FROM ANY BREEDER WHO IS WILLING TO SELL AN UN-WEANED CHICK.
first and foremost, it's bad enough to sell an un-weaned bird, never mind to ship it....I can tell you first and foremost that chick would probably not survive the stress....and you would be out your money.
good for you for asking, only reputable breeders sell chicks that are FULLY weaned.
most breeders will let you come and visit the chicks on a regular basis, so you can pick them.
bonding is NOT better if you feed the bird, but it does have it's advantages, and only if you have prior experience.
good luck with finding your healthy weaned baby

 

[MikeyTN]

Good luck with your search, keep us updated when you do bring your little apple home!

 

[shyness]

Thank you crimson.. I just didn't feel right about it.. I just wanted to check

 

[JerseyWendy]

Check on birdbreeders now...there are quite a few of them.

BestBirdsAviary is a GREAT place in Florida. My GF got both her Galah's from him, and she had nothing but good things to say about him.

Here is his website:
Home

I truly hope you find your Apple soon.

 

[crimson]

Thank you crimson.. I just didn't feel right about it.. I just wanted to check

You are welcome!....I am a breeder and it really burns my &^% when other breeders make the good ones look bad....
I am so relieved you asked on here, you sensed something wasn't right and you were spot on!!.....sounds to me like she was wanting to sell you the bird, and get your money.

 

[crimson]

I am in ca right outside of san francisco and that is the only way I am going to get one is to get it shipped there are none close to me... For some reason I saw more on bird breeders last year around july.. and how do you know if you are dealing with a good breeder....

you seem to have good instincts....go with your gut feeling. most breeders abundance wean, meaning they wean them all together at the chicks own pace.
some wean earlier, some later.
a good breeder will be very upfront with you, allow you to see and handle the chicks, answer ANY questions you have.
it is a learning experience, but most good ones will have a web site of some sort....(even though I don't) ha ha.
I have had customers sit on my bedroom carpet for over two hours, trying to decide what bird to pick.
I've had lots of referrals from those customers.
there are plenty of members on here who live in California, maybe they can recommend a breeder.

 

[shyness]

Yeah I am just going to take some time and do research on where I buy my bird from.