Hand Feeding Timeline

[TreeGirl]

Hi Everyone,
I'm waiting for my breeder to have a parrotlet ready for me and was wondering what age that's usually at. Is 4 weeks the norm? Would it be stupid of me to get a baby at, say, 3 weeks and finish the hand feeding myself?

[Niko]

There really isn't any need to get a baby and hand raise it yourself. It's to risky and can be traumatic for the baby. They will be just as sweet if you wait till its weaned. Plus if you leave it with the hand feeder they can continue monitoring its growth, and health, and wean it properly.

[Craftqueen]

Parrotlets wean around 5 weeks old. It is easier to keep a group of babies warm, rather than a single bird.

As a breeder, I do worry about seperation issues for any baby that is suddenly not with the clutch anymore. Sometimes they go through a pouting session, not all birds, but some do. I would also recommend waiting until the bird is weaned to get it from your breeder, unless you are an experienced breeder/hand feeder. I also worried about the parrotlets bonding to their new owners just after weaning because they are very independant and flighty, but I have had very good reports for those I have sold not long after weaning. I have not been breeding them long enough to give you a yay or nay as to whether males or females are better, but I would lean toward Male if you want a very tame one that will bond with you. Hens of most species of birds, not including tiels, tend to be more mean and defensive when they near maturity due to their hand feeding and their lack of fear of hands. Crazy hormones at maturity and during the breeding season are natural even for tame hand fed birds, they can not help their natural instincts when they become paternal or maternal and we just have to give them some space during these times.

[chapala]

I would let the breeder finish the hand feeding, and pick up the bird after it's weaned and eating well. That way you can avoid any problems that might come up if you're not experienced in hand feeding. Hopefully, your breeder also socializes the young birds so they are accustomed to being handled and friendly with people.

[TreeGirl]

okie dokie, thanks guys. I'll hope the next 5 weeks pass quickly! :)

[PocketPerfectParrotlet]

okie dokie, thanks guys. I'll hope the next 5 weeks pass quickly! :)

Use the next 5 weeks as a time to research and prepare.

I agree with the others that the breeder should finish out the hand feeding and weaning.