Unweaned parrots - inexperienced hand feeders

[CALVINS MOM]

I previously posted about a store that sent home an African Grey unweaned with an inexperienced hand feeder. There was also a question regarding whether the bird was a bird which was found and sold. I stated that I helped this man with temperature, etc. since he was never given any instructions on that; instead, he was told to merely check the formula with this finger.

Three days ago, a woman came in who purchased a B&G macaw from the same establishment. She mentioned that it is 6 months old and that she was sent home hand feeding the bird. She said she could visually see the breast bone, the bird was very thin and fluffy and was pooping bright yellow. I suggested she immediately seek a vet - right away. I gave her the names of two vets. She, too, was inexperienced and tested the formula with her hand. I cannot stop thinking about this poor bird and wondering if she ever took it to a vet.

Today, yet another woman came in inquiring about a grey from the SAME ESTABLISHMENT. She, too, was inexperienced. Her grey is 2 1/2 months and she had no clue that she should have any "regular food" or even water in the "humungous cage" they sold her for her grey. Same thing with the temperature - feel with your finger. I, of course, spent about 45 minutes with this woman explaining about proper temperature, diet, water, etc., etc. She was never even told about teflon pans!

I truly have half a mind to call this other establishment or even send an email of some sort. It is breaking my heart - not only for these babies, but for the poor people. If we have had 3 come in over the past month, how many others are out there who have not stopped in?

Should I mind my own business and merely do damage control when I am presented with it, or should I call them and give them a piece of my mind?

I am so worried about the B&G macaw. I keep dreaming about it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Lisa B]

ummmmmmmmm it sucks.
anything Fish Game and Wildlife can do?

Your in a tough spot.....if its who I think it is, then they might just feel your trying to start trouble.

[Dani#2]

I'd have to say something......

[CALVINS MOM]

I don't believe there is a law stating that you cannot release unweaned parrots. Lisa, I am so worried about that macaw. The woman today was going right to Kitchen Kapers to get a thermometer, as did the other guy with the Grey. But the B&G - who knows what may have happened with that bird? The bright yellow droppings concern me too. She wanted to bring the bird into our store, and I felt bad, but had to ask her not to (for obvious reasons). So here I am worried to death about a bird that, due to obvious greed, may be very ill and the people perhaps do not realize the urgency. I just have a gut feeling that the bird was never taken to a vet.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by CALVINS MOM

I don't believe there is a law stating that you cannot release unweaned parrots. .

And there should be...tho I just dont know where to start.

Kathie, thats exactly why I couldnt work in a store with living things. I would be constantly worrying....
THO BP does need to do a satalite store out by the shore. (just supplies ) lots of people come cross state to Burlington, and I'm gunna need a job
Jack asked if I had a job(maybe cuz I'm there weird hours) and you can tell him that once I move, I'll be looking for employment, and I'm gunna keep buggin him!

[jessica313]

aww. thats really heartbreaking. i would maybe try contacting someone higher up? report them to someone? although it may be hard if there is no law against releasing unweaned parrots.. its a tough situation, but if it were me, id have to do something.....or at least try

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by Dani#2

I'd have to say something......

I am not sure I can be diplomatic, so any suggestions on how to approach it would be great. You have no idea how angry I am right now. I literally cannot get that poor macaw out of my head.

[birdmom1]

Maybe this should go under the heading of animal abuse and would then be the jurisdiction of animal control in that town. Selling an un weaned baby to someone who does not know what they are doing is very dangerous to the baby. To say the least! So many baby birds have died in the hands of people who don''t know how to handfeed. The breeders that allow this should be SHOT! JMHO!

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by birdmom1

Maybe this should go under the heading of animal abuse and would then be the jurisdiction of animal control in that town. So many baby birds have died in the hands of people who don''t know how to handfeed. The breeders that allow this should be SHOT! JMHO!

Maybe you have something there... and this is not a breeder - it's an actual bird store and the owner is the one who sends them home unweaned. Greed, if you ask me. Try explaining a burnt crop to a novice. They don't have a clue.

[Doyle'sMommy]

Originally Posted by birdmom1

Maybe this should go under the heading of animal abuse and would then be the jurisdiction of animal control in that town. Selling an un weaned baby to someone who does not know what they are doing is very dangerous to the baby. To say the least! So many baby birds have died in the hands of people who don''t know how to handfeed. The breeders that allow this should be SHOT! JMHO!

I agree. Selling a parrot that was malnourished because of them not weaning it sounds like abuse to me. That is awful, I really hope that B & G is okay- poor baby.