Dr. Sam's Thoughts

A Note on Handfeeding and Selling Unweaned Baby Birds
By the staff of BirdHobbyist.com

There are few subjects that generate as much controversy as the issue of selling unweaned baby birds. Some believe that it produces a more intense bond between the bird and the owner, while others believe just the opposite, holding that it needlessly traumatizes the young bird, and birds who are weaned by their knowledgeable breeders are more emotionally healthy and will therefore bond better with their new human family. In addition, inexperienced or incorrect handfeeding can harm a young bird, physically as well as emotionally, and can lead to lifelong health and behavior problems.

The average pet bird buyer should only consider purchasing a bird who is already fully weaned. If the breeder has done his or her job correctly, both in raising the bird and in educating and screening you as a prospective bird buyer, your bird should bond fully with you. If the breeder does not do a good job raising their birds and educating and screening their buyers, you should look for a breeder with better practices.

BirdHobbyist.com believes that handfeeding and weaning are best done by people who are very knowledgeable about what they are doing, whether they are experienced bird owners or breeders. If a breeder sells a bird who is being handfed, we recommend that they have the future owner visit their aviary several times for instruction and supervision in handfeeding their new bird. Breeders should not release the baby to the person until they are comfortable with the ability of the person to hand feed, and should remain available by telephone to answer questions.