My new baby is ahead of schedule

[Strawfrawg]

My breeder has been calling me weekly to update me on my Senegal chick, born 24 January, at my request, and he's quite the little guy. She says he's really taken to eating pellets and veggies already, and has been less interested in formula. She says he is down to only two formula feedings per day, of his own will. She offers, but he's more interested in other foods. I've already paid for him in full and she has shown herself to be a very caring breeder with genuine concern for her birds (I had a visit to her place a couple of weeks ago and very very impressed), so I don't think she's rushing him for any reason she isn't telling me. He was a very hardy and active little guy when I saw him at four weeks of age, and she said at the time he's unusually sturdy for being so young. She has given me the option of picking him up at 8 weeks of age because she says he's so far ahead of schedule. Should I consider this? If he's eating pellets and fresh foods very well, is there another reason not to take him home so early? I don't want to do anything that won't be good for him.

[marie83]

I wouldn't for two reasons

1. babies can regress in a new environment
and
2. if the birds being raised with the rest of the clutch s/he is gaining much needed lessons in socialisation and hopefully learning s/he is a bird (at least stands more of a chance of doing so)

I'm sure there are other reasons why its better to leave him there a bit longer though, just cant think right now.

[friend2parrots]

I wouldn't for two reasons

1. babies can regress in a new environmentand

2. if the birds being raised with the rest of the clutch s/he is gaining much needed lessons in socialisation and hopefully learning s/he is a bird (at least stands more of a chance of doing so)

+1

[Strawfrawg]

Good points. I definitely want my birdie to learn to be a bird. The breeder left it up to me, so I'll tell her I'll wait two more weeks. Ten weeks should be good. That's the age when I got my cockatiel and he was a well-balanced little guy.