“Get a weaned parrot! Never get an unweaned chick!” These are words we always hear from experienced parrot owners.

These are good words of advice, because unweaned baby parrots are extremely delicate creature. Without ample knowledge and experience, any err in the hand-feeding procedure can lead to death of the chicks!

Although I do agree with the statement above, but it seems that I had never heed to it. Kiki, Kermit and now Kacy were unweaned babies when I got them. I hand-fed them and raised the 3 of them myself. I do know the risk of getting unweaned babies, but looking on the brighter side I get to witness them growing up, fledging and finally learned how to fly!

Raising Kacy was an incredible experience, simply indescribable. In fact, I felt very rewarding seeing her turning into a healthy beautiful queen! Seriously, I had never regret bringing her home unweaned!

Whenever I flipped through these pictures and viewing videos collections of her, it reminds me of the sweet memories and the hard-work I had undergone hand-raising Kacy. P.S. I do get quite emotional whenever I flipped through the album.

The Growing Path of Baby Kacy:

Baby Kacy at 4 weeks old, fragile and featherless…

Baby Kacy at 5 weeks old, feathering with lots of pin feathers, but still bald…

Baby Kacy at 6 weeks old, fully feathered and fledging…

Baby Kacy at 7 weeks old, finally a qualified flyer…

In my opinion, if you are well equipped with the required knowledge, skills and done your homework, hand-raising a baby parrot isn’t really risky!

I still clearly remembered before bringing my lovebird, Kiki and my senegal parrot, Kermit back home, I went for the extra miles:

• I gathered relevant information (about hand-feeding, hand-raising, parrot species profiles) from books and internet,
• I acquired the required knowledge and skills from experienced breeders and shop owners,
• I got them to show me the hand-feeding procedures,
• I reassured that my schedule allows me to hand-raise a baby parrot,
• Getting the right tools (i.e. Brooder, Hand-feeding tools, formula).

I am certain I had to carry out these preparatory tasks. I had the responsibility to do so as it’s a matter of life and death of a baby parrot!

With the acquired knowledge, hand-ons and guidance from experienced breeders, I successfully raised Kiki and Kermit. With the prior experience, I now successfully raised Kacy with no problem!

Finally I wanted to say, hand-feeding and hand-raising a baby parrot although can be tiring, but it can be really fun and the returns are boundless. If you had acquired relevant knowledge, undergone hand-ons and confident to take on the challenge, why not?