What age should i buy my IRN

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 6:31 pm

Hey all,
I wanted to know what is the best age to buy an IRN?

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:13 pm

When they're just weaned. ^_^

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 1:32 am

What age are they at when they are just weaned?????

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 1:59 am

lol, that would depend on the bird. Ask the breeder for a weaned bird.

Ours were weaned at seven to seven and a half weeks(49-53 days) of age. Some birds wean early, others wean late.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 2:06 am

Thanks heaps, Sorry if I bothered you

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 2:11 am

No problem, I understand- I like details too.

But sometimes I am ambiguous purposely.

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 2:35 am

I like them BEFORE they are weened, then again I dont work a regular job so... Melika is on the money.

You like to hand feed Melika, or no? I LOVED it, miss it so much.

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 2:39 am

Mikaela wrote:I like them BEFORE they are weened, then again I dont work a regular job so... Melika is on the money.

You like to hand feed Melika, or no? I LOVED it, miss it so much.

I like to, but I greatly respect breeders who won't sell unweaned birds to people who have never handfed before. And for the average bird owner, who probably will only ever handfeed just that once... I don't think it's worth it.

I'll be handfeeding my greenwing macaw when I get it (I figure within the next year) simply for cost, that's a few hundred buck that can go to toys and food, lol. For the average person though, I say pay up and love your weaned bird which you won't have to worry about killing, lol.

Post by **Datsun and Family** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 3:07 am

I hand raise birds as part of my job so I feel I would be confident raising my own. I am currently raising my 2 week old lovebird and am in contact with a grey breeder who will allow me to rear my own chick.

I do not do this to save money but because when I got Datsun she was not fully weaned and I did not have a clue! She has terrible barring and feather discolouration on her wings because of this, I was not well informed when we got her (partly my fault, partly the place I got her) She is a very light eater and I fear if I had not figured it out she may have starved to death.

I think that if you are in touch with a breeder who you trust to really hand RAISE (by this I mean spending time with the bird not only to feed it but to cuddle and socialise) then take your baby home when THEY feel comfortable with them leaving, eating on their own.... everyone who has ever handraised will understand that this varies dramatically between individual birds.

So many things can go wrong even if you are experienced. I have lost a lorikeet chick and although I was not at fault (bird was sick to start with) I still feel responsible and I get really over protective and paranoid (I know Mikaela gets that :wink:

)

I love the early morn and late night feedings but its not for everyone. Do whatever you feel comfortable with but remember as Melika said not many breeders will let you take their babies early. I would let them do it if you can go visit and see the facilities and ask them questions so you know your baby will be safe and heathy. Also keeping in contact with the breeder throughout the rearing process and getting photos, updates and maybe occasionally visiting can be really valuable and helps to pass the time easier.