What do you look for when buying a baby?

[arando]

Good day everyone

What do you look for when you buy a baby macaw? how do you know if they are healthy and strong?

 

[antoinette]

Hi there Arando
Found a great link pertaining to buying a baby bird, what to look out for etc
Hope this is helpful

Choosing a Healthy Baby Bird - Signs of a Healthy Bird - Buying a Healthy Bird

 

[arando]

thank you antoinette the link is perfect, and it seems the babies i saw today are in good health, but i will still do some homework because i can only get the baby in two weeks time

 

[goalerjones]

Usually that the police and parents aren't looking...I kid, I kid...

 

[arando]

The breeder said i can get the baby when its 5 weeks old - then they are strong enough. Is that a good age to get a baby?

 

[MikeyTN]

That's if you have the knowledge on handfeeding and weaning process! It can take a macaw a long time to wean!!!

I know most people seem to think as long as you get them young they'll be better bonded with you. That's not always true! The baby may see you as their parent and once older, they decide to bond with someone else other then you!

 

[Hochimama]

It's always advisable to get a wean bird if you dont have the skills and experienced required. You need to spend more time with them than adult birds sensitive towards any environment changes..

 

[antoinette]

The breeder said i can get the baby when its 5 weeks old - then they are strong enough. Is that a good age to get a baby?

Arando

Taking a bird at 5 weeks old, without the experience of hand feeding and weaning, is not wise at all. It is a big responsibility. Remember the little ones life, is in your hands. One small error or misjudgement, could end in tragedy.

If I were you, rather let the experts wean the bird first.

I got Mishka at 6 weeks old, had no experience at all about hand rearing and weaning a bird. There were many scary moments, I would not like to live through those ever again. Many a night, I did not sleep, wondering if I had done things the correct way.

 

[arando]

i have experience with african greys and ringnecks - raising them from about 3 weeks old - will that help?

 

[antoinette]

i have experience with african greys and ringnecks - raising them from about 3 weeks old - will that help?

I think your best would be to approach the breeder, chat to him, telling him what your concerns are. Ask if you were to take the bird at such a young age, would he be there 24/7 if any emergency arose with the bird.

Perhaps spending time with breeder and the bird now, would assist you in making such an important decision.

 

[arando]

Good day everyone

ok after weeks and weeks of research and advice the new adition to the family is here. Still deciding on a name , but so far had him/her for nearly a week and all is going well.

I was lucky to get him from breeders who care and with me is on standby 24/7 if i should have a problem i can just phone.

Also thank you to all the member with your patients and advise - always willing to help

 

[Hochimama]

Cute ~~ lovely ~~ ^^

 

[Tammy]

Usually that the police and parents aren't looking...I kid, I kid...

HaHaHa! I needed a good laugh. On that note it's off to bed. Trying to get Mr. Precious to sleep early.

 

[arando]

at what age do they start eating on their own?

 

[Safira]

Each Macaw baby can be a little different. My Blue and Gold Macaw started nibbling pellets when she was 3 months, and was about fully weaned when she was 4 months old. I've known some that can take 6 months or more.

 

[cockatielfan17]

yes sometake forever!! to wean and i mean it when i say it some act like actual babies and dont even try to eat anything except there baby food

 

[triordan]

congrats, what kind of macaw is it?

 

[triordan]

oops never mind, just saw it was a b&g

 

[arando]

Baby is now 7 weeks old and i put him in the cage for short periods of time and he enjoys it and is very inquisitive. can i put some food for him to play with or do i keep to baby formula for now?

 

[Hochimama]

7weeks is still too young .. still need formula .. usually big parrots takes quite long to wean ..