Finch hybrids.

[cindy]

It is amazing how many people sell unweaned hookbills to people that do not have any experience...no two people feed the same and it is not good to do this unless the buyers are experienced, very experienced and even then there is a risk.

[JohnBoy]

I've noticed that most the baby parrots for sale at our bird show are babies that are not weaned. Personally I'd be scared to death to take a chance on a bird like this. I am sure there is probably no guarantee if the bird dies. The seller would blame you for not doing it right. Well, I would blame the seller for selling the bird in the first place. This should be a no no at all bird fairs.

[nixity]

Well - there are a lot of people at the marts who will "pre-sell" handfed babies before they are weaned. Meaning, give me a deposit to hold a baby and you get it once it's abundance weaned.. that's different.

Similar to not judging someone who shows a video of hybrids because you don't know their intent - I don't think we should typecast the breeder who offers unweaned babies because responsible breeders will do their best to make sure they are selling to someone who is experienced. You can't lump them all into the same category.

I respect BBF for their policy simply because unfortunately there is no guarantee, like you said, as to the health of the bird - and also, in such a short amount of time, I believe it would be extremely difficult to be able to ascertain whether someone is skilled enough or has the knowledge necessary to handfeed a bird or even has the resources available (brooder, formula, syringe, etc.) to take on such a task. I would die if I saw some random person come in and buy a 2 month old macaw on a whim.

On the other hand, I had never handfed a hookbill before but I'd handfed numbers of baby finches before I got my unweaned Lory. I spent MONTHS preparing though and personally I think the Lory was 100x easier to feed than any finch ever was, that's for dang sure! We (the breeder and myself) spoke several times before the purchase was made so that we were both comfortable with the decision especially since she was shipping him to me out of state. She was very helpful and was always there if I ever had any questions or concerns.. and he turned out perfect I am only sorry I wasn't able to keep him - but I kept in touch with the woman who took him on and he's in a terrific home with her.
Oh well That's my piece!

[JohnBoy]

Giving a deposit and picking up the bird when weaned is different than the unexperienced buyer getting instructions from the breeder on how to feed the bird and leaving right then and there with the bird. I have seen this at the last bird fair I participated in. I just could not see putting down a few hundred dollars for lets say an African Grey and taking the bird home with only the instructions I received from the breeder. I would rather wait and pay a higher price for a bird that is eating and drinking on his own.
This thread is off topic.