*smacks forehead* HELP!

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Tue May 15, 2007 8:29 pm

I agree, I would have told them that it's your store policy and that if they have a problem to go to head office, you're just a lowly store worker ;) We know you can't change policies, we're just trying to make suggestions, I can honestly say that I'm not trying to attack or criticize you and I can bet that no one else is either

C A · Post by **C A** » Tue May 15, 2007 9:08 pm

I've bought(adopted) quite a few pets of all sorts from the larger pet stores over the years, and they normally have some kind of pamphlet that the store employee gives you along w/ your new pet. I've gotten them with fish, hermit crabs, and even our cat, but for some reason one wasn't offered with my birds. Maybe this was just a fluke, but it seems to me that seeing how birds(especially finches) have the more complex diet and special needs, the pamphlet would be mandatory. Especially for new bird owners. Just my opinion;)

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Tue May 15, 2007 10:09 pm

The last time I bought a bird at a large pet shop I felt like I had to sign my life away before I could take the bird. I think it was all a guarantee or warranty on the bird or something of the sort. I can imagine that the large chain pet shops are under a lot of pressure from animal rights groups such as PETA. I have a strong disliking for that group. I have been to both good and bad pet shops I think it just depends on the person running the place.

Post by **Hilary** » Tue May 15, 2007 10:29 pm

My PetSmart actually does have pamphlets on for several of the different birds.

meg_has_zebras · Post by **meg_has_zebras** » Wed May 16, 2007 5:04 am

Thanks guys... I know you're not trying to harp on me....it's just difficult sometimes. The reason why we had to do what we did was that if those ladies decided to contact the big wigs (which they absolutely can) and make those same claims...we probably would have had several of them come down for an investigation on our care (which is fine because we have nothing to hide) but we would also have to 'make it up' to the upset customer with gift cards or free services.

*sigh* Anywho....I went down to work today (I figured I'd do some shopping since it was my day off) and put Cricket (that's what I named him since he chirps like one when he's hungry...it's so cute!

) and I came back a few hours later....he's back on the floor of the cage..mouth open WIDE for anybody that passes by but no one was paying any attention. His crop was empty.

So little Cricket is back home with me and seeming to do well. He has really taken to the bird formula.

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Wed May 16, 2007 8:16 am

Good luck with the little one, then. Looks like you're stuck. Thank goodness you're willing to take him in.

Post by **Sally** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:24 pm

Good for you, Meg! Cricket has a really good chance of making it, since he is so far along already. Just be really careful of the temp of the formula, as that is how I burned my baby's crop, and that is 100% fatal. The hardest part of handfeeding finches is when they are newborns, since they are so tiny.

Once he has reached the fledgling stage, if he hasn't already, you can start putting some real food in his cage, just to see if he will accept it. You could start with a little millet, a small piece of spray millet, some mashed-up hard-boiled egg. From what I understand, he will wean himself. The Societies I have raised weaned pretty quickly, unlike some other species which depend on their parents longer.

Isn't it just the greatest feeling when you feed little Cricket? I certainly don't recommend handfeeding except as a last resort, but when you have to do it, the rewards are tremendous.

meg_has_zebras · Post by **meg_has_zebras** » Wed May 16, 2007 3:09 pm

Cricket is doing SO well! He's really become demanding with his food. He use to have little unsure chirps but when he's hundry he really wails. lol He also just sounds so cute...his chirping...compared to my zebras "MEEP MEEP MEEP" lol They remind me of the seagulls off of "Finding Nemo". "Mine?!? Mine?!? Mine?!?"

I'll post some pictures of little cricket. I should have pictures of the zebras too on my digital....if I can find it....

.....I think I lost my camera....

rowaradragon · Post by **rowaradragon** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:09 pm

Oh dear, i sure hope you haven't lost your camera!

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Wed May 16, 2007 7:46 pm

I hope you find your camera too...I wanna see Cricket!

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Wed May 16, 2007 8:09 pm

Aw, I like the name Cricket for a society!

FINCHforum

smacks forehead HELP!

=)

=^-^=