To Wean or Not to Wean?

by Dr. Greg Burkett Board Certified Avian Veterinarian

The Risks of Selling Unweaned Baby Parrots

This is a topic that I have very strong feelings about. I have come to feel very strongly about the ethics involved in selling unweaned baby parrots. Much of the needless suffering, psychological damage, financial loss, and even death can be avoided when breeders and pet owners understand the reality involved in raising baby birds. The two most vulnerable times in a baby’s life are at hatching and at weaning.

Every day we receive calls from inexperienced bird owners asking how to hand-feed their new baby parrot. This type of question cannot be properly answered in a few minutes or short messages. Proper hand feeding and weaning involve detailed knowledge and practical experience.

Many baby birds are incorrectly fed, housed, and weaned, making them the unfortunate victims of these situations. New owners are often given little to no guidance, sometimes only verbal instructions without demonstrations or written support.

This often leads to serious health problems. Inexperienced feeders fail to recognize early warning signs, and birds may suffer from infections, crop issues, or even starvation due to incorrect feeding schedules.

Imprinting, Bonding, and Breeder Responsibility

These problems do not only come from new owners but also from breeders who may not provide proper guidance. Some prioritize convenience or profit over the well-being of the birds. New owners are sometimes misled into believing that hand feeding is necessary for bonding, which is not accurate.

Bird development includes imprinting and bonding. Imprinting happens when a bird first opens its eyes and recognizes its environment. Bonding develops later through care and interaction, not feeding methods.

A safer approach is allowing new owners to visit their baby birds during the hand-feeding stage. This builds trust and comfort without risking improper feeding. By the time the bird goes home, it is already socialized and ready for a healthy transition.

Proper Nutrition and Hand Feeding Responsibility

Proper nutrition after weaning is very important. A balanced diet like organic bird food helps support healthy growth and development during this stage.

Hand feeding may look simple, but it requires experience and skill. Anyone attempting it must have proper training, written instructions, and veterinary support. Daily weight monitoring and regular checkups are essential for safety.

Good nutrition continues to play an important role in long-term health. Along with proper care, quality diets such as harrison's bird foods support stable growth and strong immunity after weaning.

Putting the Bird’s Well Being First

Hand feeding can be rewarding, but it should always be done responsibly. The priority must be the bird’s health, safety, and long-term well-being. Proper care and informed decisions help ensure baby birds grow into healthy, well-adjusted companions.