What should I look for when I go to buy my first baby parrotlet? How do I tell if its healthy?

Answer 1

When you select your baby parrotlet, look for these important physical traits:

1). Clear, unswollen nares (area around nostril) free of discharge

2). Full, healthy feathers, that don't appear scruffy, plucked or dirty

3). Look at the bird's feet and check that it has all of its claws. Sometimes a bird's parents will 'groom' off its claws, and sometimes the brooder humidity is too low, and a band of dry skin constricts the toe, until it's lost. Whatever the reason, a bird missing toes will have trouble climbing and perching, and will probably use its beak to compensate. This means that it will probably bite a lot -- not to be mean; but it will hurt.

Birds missing toes deserve love, too, and make wonderful pets, but they're hard work.

4). If the baby bird has a head that appears too large for its body, or its breastbone sticks out as prominently as an adult's does, be cautious. These are signs of malnourishment, and may mean that the bird either has a disease, or isn't really fully weaned. Sometimes pet stores and breeders try to force a bird to wean before it's ready, and when they pass that bird onto an owner, the owner inherits a bird who is weak and hungry all the time, and may have health problems forever as a result.

5). Ask what it's fed, observe its droppings; it should be eating a pelleted diet, or at least be pecking at an offered dish of mixed veggies with its diet. It's droppings shouldn't contain too much white uric acid, or be too watery. Dark, dark green droppings are a sign of liver dysfunction.

It's already been stated that breeders' birds are usually better. This has been true in my experience, because pet stores expose new birds to eachother all the time, and that means that new diseases are probably coming in from outside ... However:

Small pet stores and some large chains buy from only a couple of breeders who run "closed" aviaries, where new birds are never introduced; so look for the bird that you want, that you love, and that seems to get along with you best, and take it for a veterinary exam no matter what. Check it over thoroughly for signs of illness. You should ask what guarantee you have on the bird in case of illness, and take it to a vet once it comes home.

You'll love having your parrotlet.

Answer 2

Always use a breeder. Pet stores don't know a thing about that baby because they did not raise them. See that the area is clean and sanitary. The bird should be very alert and curious. It's feathers should be shiny and clean. Any banding on feathers shows that that bird has suffered a stressful situation at some point. Much like the rings of trees tell a story, so do feathers. The eye should be dark in color, much darker then an Adult eye. It should be bright and clear. Nares,, or the little holes of the nose, should be clean and free of crusty funky stuff. It should be friendly and interested in you. ALWAYS choose a hand fed bird, and make sure you pay close attention to the breeder and ask about that particular breeds needs. EACH have different needs. DO purchase a book on that species, do not expect the breeder to tell you everything about the bird. You will not retain that much information at one sitting. If you READ the information yourself you will gain much in training and care of the precious pet you have purchased, and in understanding that breed better, you will understand how you should handle that bird.

Answer 3

As a side note, please educate yourself of psitticosis/chlamydiosis, also called "parrot fever" in older texts. I agree that you should go to a reputable breeder, but make sure that they test their flocks for this disease, since it is possible for humans to contract it, and may be dangerous is immunocompromised persons. Also, check out the bird's surroundings...the cages and such. If they are gross, the water is nasty, etc. then I would look elsewhere. You want a healthy animal :)

Answer 4

Go to a breeder. Parrots should be hand raised as babies to get them very used to people and you want to get one very young. Pet store birds tend to be older, not to say a good bird can't come from a pet store but it's certainly easier to get a younger baby to bond to you. Plus a breeder's chick is less likely to have picked up any illnesses. good luck

Answer 5

Look at its butt area first thing, if its clean its healthy, but if its dirty the bird is sick. Also a CLEAN bird will be happy and singing jumping around the cage or eating. Wish I could simply afford a pair of those!

Answer 6

make sure that it is eating and make sure that it isn't itching constantly or crawling with bugs and of course it can't be missing a huge amount of feathers

Answer 7

give it a physical