Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 4/14/2006

Question
Hi!
I have raised two 3 1/2 week old pearl tiels to young adulthood successfully. The woman i receieved them from had a bird she didnt know what to do with as she was moving..i agreed to take the bird. She is about 7 weeks old, and was eating pretty much on her own the 1st few days with just a couple sips of formula. now she refuses to eat hardly anything but the formula. Her weight is maintained with two feedings a day at about 8cc's each. She is a special needs as in one foot is turned slightly inward, and she has no primary flights on her left side. the woman had left the bird in someone elses care temp and doesnt know what happened...she gets around quite well, but my main concern is the begging and static as if shes starving, and not eating her other foods is she did the 1st couple days. I am thinking it could be regressed weaning, i have no problem re weaning her, but dont know much about it as in how long is it supposed to last, what goes beyond normal regressed weaning...
thanks so much for your time
Amanda

Answer
Hi, Amanda.  Thanks for posting.

Yes, this does sound like some regression to me.  This happens sometimes to a young bird when they are moved (or other major disruption occurs in their lives).  Parrots should be weaned at the speed of the bird, not the desire of the human.  Therefore, it is perfectly OK to continue to handfeed this youngster until s/he is ready to wean completely.  There is no "set" age that weaning must occur.  In fact, parent birds will usually feed their babies longer than 8 weeks, meaning natural weaning usually occurs later than when I find it's necessary.  I think Mother Nature tries to tie weaning to fledging (start eating on their own at about the same time they learn to fly).  Therefore, the answer to your question is there is no set age for weaning...it can last as long as necessary depending on individual situations/individual birds (however, I like to wean handfed parrots as soon as they are able to be weaned).  I've seen parrots regress when they have been several months old, so at 7 weeks, I don't find this abnormal at all, especially since the baby has changed hands already.

Come back if you need to.  Thanks.

Chrys