People often buy unweaned lovebirds or cockatiels intending to hand-rear them from 18–25 days of age so they will bond more closely with their carers. Although this article focuses on these common small species, the same problem affects unweaned African greys, macaws, Amazons, cockatoos and other birds.
They are usually bought from pet shops, now less commonly, or directly from private breeders or ‘distributors’ who buy large numbers from breeding facilities in other cities or countries and sell them locally online. In the latter case, chicks aged 18–21 days travel in boxes through ordinary transport companies, sometimes as ‘goods’ rather than animals, making the experience even more traumatic. After a journey of perhaps 12 hours, they arrive stressed, dehydrated and immunocompromised, ready to be distributed as unweaned chicks.
Most are sold over the following few days, looking well and begging for food. You choose your favourite and take it home, and that is where problems begin.
The buyer may not realise what the journey means for a neonate, or the impact of repeated diet changes: removal from the parents, initial formula before travel, another formula on arrival and yet another at home, often different brands within barely 48 hours. Added to the loss of immune protection supplied through parental feeding, this can lead to deterioration and secondary bacterial, fungal or protozoal infections. The chicks lose weight and may not show obvious illness until several days later.
This gradual decline makes recovery difficult. During the first days of treatment they may appear unchanged, without obvious improvement, and some may die. They need early specialist attention, ideally before problems develop.
Even chicks bought directly from a nearby breeder can become ill. They may be sold immediately after removal from the nest, which is stressful, and most buyers lack hand-rearing experience and may keep them at unsuitable temperatures. Otherwise healthy chicks may initially reject formula because they do not yet trust us, although they adapt quickly. If you want a pet bird, the recommended option is a fully weaned bird raised by experienced people and guided by adults of its own species, so that it can be tame while learning normal bird behaviour and recognising itself as a bird rather than a person. These birds cost more because their rearing has required more time and resources, but they are more likely to be healthy and behaviourally balanced.
If you nevertheless decide to buy an unweaned chick, at least provide a companion to grow up with and make sure you are properly informed. Take newly acquired chicks to an avian vet to check for early disease, and weigh them every day. They cannot afford to lose weight for more than two days in a row.
