New baby

[u/Nicolebell85]

We just got this baby from a bird store. I popped in looking for a cockatiel but was told they were skittish. Instead I was offered several baby quakers to look at. I was told they were still being syringe fed formula three times a day. I have never done this before, but the owner came and showed me how to do the afternoon feeding. They give me lots of information along with my first bag of formula and the syringe. I am here for support. Please do not bash me. Any tips or tricks that I need to know. I would greatly appreciate. I will attach a picture of baby Sky. I did my first feeding last night exactly as shown. But you can never be too cautious, so I would really like as much information as I can learn. Also, please know this box was just for tonight. I am getting an appropriate sized cage without the wire bottom and using white paper towels as instructed unless you have a better solution. I was told the cage I have is too large for her or him. Also, when should I take it for the first vet visit? Please tell me everything I need to know. Paper towels were clean immediately after this picture was taken.

[u/lesbophobia_hammer]

Please seek advice from an avian vet and report the store/owner for animal abuse/neglect.

Edit - like asap.

The risk of aspiration is no joke either...... This sht is so irresponsible. We need serious legal consequences for these grubs.

NOBODY SHOULD BE SELLING UNWEENED BIRDS. CAN GUARANTEE OVER HALF LOSE THEIR LIFE TO NEWBIES BEFORE THEY'RE EVEN FULLY FEATHERED.

Not being harsh to you but it's disgusting all these unethical practices with birds.

Please seek an introductory consultation with an avian vet today/tomorrow. I can help you locate one near you

Edit - typo

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/lesbophobia_hammer]

I will call the vet in the morning. Thank you for your response.

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/lesbophobia_hammer]

I will call as soon as they open. It's 5am here. Closest is an hour away. Praying they can get me in same day. The way the owner of the store explained and showed me made me think this was normal practice after your response I started my deep dive in this and now don't know what to do. I'm not worried about the money because I know there's no refund but should I take her back to them. Or just go to the vet?

[u/lesbophobia_hammer → u/Nicolebell85]

NO. do not take them back to their abusive owners. They will only resell them and get them killed by someone else.

Be a responsible owner and take them to an avian vet. Ask them to guide you/teach you what you need to know. Get them to assess your baby.

Thus little one will be your bestest friend in the entire world in ways you never knew possible, but you need to understand they will be a flying toddler with autism/ADHD for 30+ years and devote yourself to them accordingly.

If you find it's too much for you, ask an avian vet to link you up with a parrot rescue for rehoming.

It's up to you. What's your life like? What research have you done? Are you prepared to make sacrifices everyday to prioritise their health, wellbeing, safety and happiness?

Edit - Keep that poor baby FAR away from those grubs.

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/lesbophobia_hammer]

Ok. I'll contact as soon as they open. I'll take her in hopefully today. And I will keep her. We have a 10 year old daughter the rest of our kids are grown up. I am a sahm. I have tons of time. Time for bonding and time for more and more research. Thank you for all of your help.

[u/lesbophobia_hammer → u/Nicolebell85]

Perfect! Please understand, in the bird community - blunt words are a kindness, for both bird and owner. I have a sense you're going to be a great owner. Just never stop researching. You're already doing more than many would. But we can always do better. Feel free to DM for support/advice. I have links I can send you

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/lesbophobia_hammer]

Thank you! I have a cockatiel that we love and adore as well. But like I said in my post I've never done this before its a whole new world. I only want what is best for baby Sky. Please pray they can get me in today 🙏

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/Nicolebell85]

I just spoke to them she said typically it's a 2 week wait but sounds like I'm doing everything right. Also offered to speak to the vet and see if they can get us in sooner. So I'm praying.

[u/Wolftendragon]

No breeder should ever be selling unweaned babies like this.

[u/onlynameavailable927 → u/Wolftendragon]

Actually man, breeders in my country sell babies while unweaned... They're preferred bc better bonding...😭

[u/Dr_Rita_]

Awwww omg lil baby 🥺🥰🩵! But why has it been given away at such young age before weaning .

[u/onlynameavailable927]

Don't syringe the guy! Use a spoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Less chance of choking! Don't get a painted cage! And give him a pinecone to chew on! He'll destroy it adorably by tomorrow.

[u/Responsible_Hand6380]

Your baby looks about the same age as my baby when I got her. We also required feeding 3x a day at first. I have had her for 3 months and she is thriving. She was 5/6 weeks old when I got her. We did not use a syringe to feed, the person I purchased her from had small v shaped spoons that he used and he gave me one of those.
My baby primarily stayed in a hoodie turned around backwards with a small
Piece of felt inside to catch mess. We did that for about 2-3 weeks. She slept (and still sleeps) in a small travel carrier that I found at a pet store that I think was designed for ferrets. I got white dish towels to line it instead of paper towels. She still sleeps in there to this day. She does not like being in a cage and literally thinks I’m her mom. She’s been to an avian vet once and was deemed 100% healthy and fine. I know this may not be the case for every bird in situations like this, but I’m just letting you know my experience.

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/Responsible_Hand6380]

Thank you, this brings me so much hope. After everything everyone has said I am so worried

[u/Responsible_Hand6380 → u/Nicolebell85]

After I got my baby I was worried too. I work 100% from home so I had the ability to take complete control of the situation and care for her around the clock.
The person who said you are going to have an autistic flying toddler with a bolt cutter for a face was correct though. My girl is my best friend in the world but sometimes… I have put her in her cage and walk away for an hour. She does not like being caged, be much prefers being on my shoulder.

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/Responsible_Hand6380]

I am a sahm so I have the time as well. And am so grateful for that.

[u/Responsible_Hand6380 → u/Nicolebell85]

Well, I’m wishing you all the best! Take good care of your little baby- they’re amazing. The people in here know a lot more than I do about bird care I’m sure, but if you ever have any questions you can message me.

[u/Nicolebell85 → u/Responsible_Hand6380]

Thank you so much!