Too young

[Chunky]

Before i start, can i clarify that i am not posting this to upset or belittle anybody, its just that this has been playing on my mind after reading some recent posts. I am not new to owning birds. I have had them on and off for 30yrs, so do have experience, just not with conures.
I explained when i first joined, the emergency situation that led to me taking on two 10week old babies. I finished the weaning process in just over a week.

I honestly feel that taking babies away from its parents, or surrogate hand feeders too soon is not good practice. Am i wrong or misguided? Here in UK, it is illegal to sell unweaned birds. It seems to cause lots of problems not just for new owners, but, more importantly, the birds.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I couldn't agree with you more, Chunky!! I truly wish the US would adapt and not allow anyone to sell unweaned birds. Too many of them find an untimely death due to inexperienced hand-feeders.

We often link to this sticky, when asked about bringing home an unweaned chick, but unfortunately too many folks feel they 'can' do it anyways.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/19049-hazards-buying-unweaned-baby.html

Chunky, I feel you've raised an important issue, and will move your thread into the "Questions & Answers" section, as this applies to ALL parrot species.

 

[Chunky]

Thanks Wendy, im happy for you to move it.

Along with the physical dangers for the bird, i also think about the emotional effects on bird and owner. The owner obviously wants a tame and friendly bird in their life but, ironically, taking it away too soon is asking for problems. The often inexperienced bird owner doesnt understand, or know how to deal with behavioural issues that arise. This then leads to frustration from the owner because they have a bird personality they dont want.
Just like human or mammal babies, they are all the same when it comes to growing up in the right environment. When they have that right environment to grow at their own pace, feeling safe and secure, then, and only then, do you get the pet everyone wants.

 

[thekarens]

I let my linnies parent raise their chicks, but we handle them every day from the time they are 2 weeks on. They are just as sweet as a hand fed and they actually wean faster.

I'm not opposed to hand feeding, but I am opposed to selling unweaned chicks unless it's someone you know is extremely experienced.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Personally I've noticed a HUGE difference in behavior when chicks are growing up / being raised WITH other chicks / birds. IMO they learn to be a bird rather than be solely imprinted by humans. I think those chicks are more confident and less dependent, and will perhaps have less behavioral issues later on. Of course the latter is only a theory on my part.

 

[Mekaisto]

People often think: "Oh, if a bird is raised by me, it will think it's a human, and it'll love me more!"

Sure, the bird now thinks it's a human, but it thinks YOU'RE its mother! You know what baby birds do when they grow up? Leave their parents! A lot of the adolescent aggression you see in parrots is due to the fact that the bird is at an age where it would usually be distancing itself from mum and dad.

Not to mention imprinting and lack of independence lead to a bird that needs constant human attention.

Depending on the species, we pull anywhere from 7 days to 4 weeks, if at all.

 

[4dugnlee]

I agree. It should be illegal to sell unweaned chicks anywhere. When I raised cockatiels and budgies a decade ago, I did not hand feed. I let the parents do it and, like thekarens, handled the chicks daily. There were all just as sweet as could be.