New Mom - Is this what a 6.5 week old lovebird looks like?

[Mrs Featherton]

I’ve never met this breeder but have followed her web page and read many good reviews. She posts pics of her birds, cages, set-up etc that have all looked clean, tidy and healthy looking birds. But I have no first hand knowledge. I do have her health guarantee, in writing, that says if my vet finds anything wrong with the bird, I can return for a full refund.

If I walk into her place tomorrow and it’s a stye, I’m turning around and walking out.

I’m in New Hampshire and the breeder is in Massachusettes.

 

[SandraK]

You might not have the heart to ... just a heads up.

 

[Mrs Featherton]

You might not have the heart to ... just a heads up.

Oh I know it would be hard to walk away and leave babies in filth, but if that is the case, I am not in a position to take on a potentially ill bird. I’ll be sad, but I’ll walk.

 

[SandraK]

Oh I know it would be hard to walk away and leave babies in filth, but if that is the case, I am not in a position to take on a potentially ill bird. I’ll be sad, but I’ll walk.

Keep in mind that you could have it checked and return it but I also know that that's usually a point of no return for us softies.

 

[Begone]

I’ve never met this breeder but have followed her web page and read many good reviews.

If this breeder is so good, how can she sell 6,5 weeks old babies when they are normally weened 8-12 weeks?
And the baby looks plucked, and the breeder say something different about why it's not had feathers?

 

[Mrs Featherton]

If this breeder is so good, how can she sell 6,5 weeks old babies when they are normally weened 8-12 weeks?
And the baby looks plucked, and the breeder say something different about why it's not had feathers?

I have contacted three of the people who left reviews tonight... all say the place is clean, their birds are healthy and they are very happy, so I feel a bit better.... will report back tomorrow!

 

[Lady Jane]

Have you checked out other breeders and rescues? Buyer beware on this one.

I noticed the fuzzy toy on the photo and this material if chewed by birds is not good! Many a bird has been harmed. The ends looked chewed to me.

Anyway good luck.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Hope things go well tomorrow.

 

[SandraK]

I have contacted three of the people who left reviews tonight... all say the place is clean, their birds are healthy and they are very happy, so I feel a bit better.... will report back tomorrow!

See for yourself is pretty much the only answer for you and ask questions about why they "look plucked". If it only happens with her blue lovies then maybe the parents in question should have their chicks pulled before their parents start plucking. This is a personal comment of mine and I have no medical training but I'm mentioning it. Some bird parents do pluck their chicks and the only thing a vet has been able to tell me is that I should pull the babies as soon as the plucking starts.

But that also means that, depending on the age of the babies, you (the breeder) are now facing hand feeding x times a day @ x hour intervals. If you have a daytime job, that 2-3 hour hand feeding will kill you due to lack of sleep and working an 8 hour day.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Hopefully you get a chance to observe the baby for a while before you take her home. Maybe you can see if she is eating anything on her own. Ask the breeder what her weight is.

 

[greys4u]

In addition to the papers that @SandraK, mentioned write down all the questions for the vet and the answers, also, make a question list for her too.

 

[greys4u]

Oh, one more thing, if tests are done, write them down and the results

 

[Anfsurfer]

That is not normal feathering for a bird that age. Definitely looks plucked.

I don’t handfeed my babies, I co-parent. Parent raised birds generally wean faster than hand fed babies. All my babies have been weaned by 6 weeks. However, I would never let them go before 8-9 weeks.

 

[Mrs Featherton]

Well.... you’ve all made me feel just terrible.

:sadbye:

 

[TikiMyn]

Well.... you’ve all made me feel just terrible.

:sadbye:

It is not your fault, it is this breeder. You are asking questions which is good. I agree they look plucked, my thought is plucked by parents too. This breeder doesn’t seem to give straight answers, or does she? Also just a heads up about the reviews, in the Netherlands there is a Terrible breeder, many of their sold birds have fallen ill for example. Yet if someone comments about that, the comment is deleted. They have posted false reviews, with pictures that have been taken from the internet and such. Just be carefull the people you messaged are not the breeder herself.

 

[Ankou]

Well.... you’ve all made me feel just terrible.

:sadbye:

It isn't you, not at all. Please stay.

The breeder is the issue here... so many red flags that might be missed by someone new to birds and we are just trying to inform you of what we see. And what we see are babies that are plucked who are probably too young to go to a new home being sold to you by a breeder who is either lying outright or is just uninformed themselves and doesn't realize their birds are being plucked by the parents and too young.

But it isn't you, and it isn't your fault. You asked if that is what they looked like because you wanted to learn, and you have. That isn't normal, but you aren't liable for whatever is going on and no one is insulting or placing blame on you. We just don't want to see you get hurt, a broken heart if you take in a sickly bird or one who isn't weaned and needs a lot of special help. I am sorry if you feel attacked.

 

[Lady Jane]

There is much wisdom here on AA and we do not set out to "make someone feel terrible". I hope you realize this and understand. If you want to rescue this baby and provide a loving home that would be great. This baby has had a rough start in life and this breeder should not charge you any money but I know that will not happen.

Here are a couple lovebirds in your state for adoption.
Lovebirds Adoption in New Hampshire | Adopt Lovebird Hatchlings & Birds in NH | Find a New Hampshire Lovebird for Adoption in our Classifieds at Petstew.com

 

[SandraK]

Well.... you’ve all made me feel just terrible.

:sadbye:

This isn't your fault - you asked about the baby you're supposed to pick up and we pointed out things that were red flags to US. None of us were born bird experts, we've all learned as we go. One can read everything you can lay your hands on about the bird but there's a difference once you have the live bird in you possession.

Just like the difference between reading Dr. Spock and actually having the baby.

I'm sorry if we spoiled the anticipation and excitement of picking up the baby you wanted. You should still check him/her out and see for yourself.

 

[SandraK]

You may have a chance or may be offered a different baby if you ask enough questions ...

 

[zoo mom]

Don't leave.
You have done nothing wrong. You asked questions and we here give straight answers. We don't beat around the bush.

It is your decision whether you wish to get this baby. We just want you to be informed. And if you get him/her, We will be right here to answer your questions and give you all the help we can. And when you take him/her to the vet ask them to show you how to hand feed just in case he/she regresses. It is not unusual for a baby bird to regress and need hand fed for a few days.

Good luck and may you find the birdie love of your life.