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New baby budgie was given to us for free from a pet store chain.

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273 views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  T&BLove  
#1 ·
Hi everyone my boyfriend just got me this new baby parakeet from PetSmart a couple days ago. I've always adopted my birds never ever bought one from a chain store like this for obvious reasons. Well I was having surgery and while I was out having the procedure my boyfriend went looking around the pet store. A few months ago while I was at work he accidentally left the door open and the bird got out and never returned, so he felt terrible and I just told him when I was ready is start looking for another. Well while he was there he saw this tiny little baby parakeet dna'd female. She was completely alone in her aviary and the store associate said they had been working with her. That she couldn't fly yet and was quiet and underweight. They said she was totally weaned and vet approved for adoption. That's when they told my boyfriend that because no one has shown interest in the bird and because she didn't fly and wasn't very social that her adoption would be free. So he took her and I woke up from surgery to him handing my a small box with the baby bird. Now my only issue is I had questions about her so I called pet smart and they blatantly lied to me saying they hadn't even had parakeets in weeks. It makes me very suspicious. She can also definitely fly but she is very young and just not good at it yet. She has formula stuff to her face and tail so I know they were feeding it to her recently, but luckily she is doing ok on the seed n pellets and salads I make her. I just want to ask if anyone else ever got a free pet like this and if it's at all suspicious. I'm making her a vet appt for an all around exam just to be sure too. She is beautiful though and any name suggestions would be great!
 

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#3 ·
I'm thrilled to hear your bringing her to the vet for a well birdy check up! The lines that run horizontally across the forehead appear to be faded so she's probably gone through her first molt which takes place around 4 months. These lines are often referred to as baby bars. With each molt they fade a little more, rereading in a pattern somewhat similar to male pattern baldness lol. I'd guess she's around 4ish months old. Once those baby bars have faded it can be quite difficult to estimate age.
Again, I can't tell you how happy it makes those of us who help with or run budgie groups when owners provide their little feathered friends with vetrinary care.
 
#4 ·
Thank you so much! PetSmart said they get their birds between 8 and 10 weeks old and that they had had her since May so let's add another 5 weeks for good measure and that right around 4 months just like you said! She got examined by the vet and they said she looks great, although it was PetSmart's vet so just to be safe I'm trying to get her into a local avian here in Phoenix. I've had mostly cockatiels it a few years ago I got a pair of budgies that got handed down to my sister when I moved. I forgot how absolutely tiny and adorable they are! Shes not what I would consider hand tame, but she steps up and accepts head scratches when she's in the mood which is more than my cockatiel ever let me do. He was more of a look at me and sing to me but don't touch me kind of guy lol. I have yet to name her but I have a couple ideas like Journey (like the band because she was a "free bird") or Viola because I think her face looks like a yellow one. But journey cracks me up, I know not everyone will get it but the free bird thing has me laughing my butt off it's almost like how could I not name her that 😂
 
#5 · (Edited)
Thank you for rescuing this budgie! She is so cute. Great information from everyone. Yes thank you so so much for taking her to an avian veterinarian, it is appreciated more than you know! Some resources hopefully they help:

All the best to your budgie and you! :D
 
#8 ·
She finally got a name and a clean bill of health from the doctor. I decided to name her Petrie after the small timid flyer dino in the land before time movie. I know he's a male in the movie but I love it lol doc said she looked good, she is a bit small and he did approve some vitamin supplement drops for her but he said her feathers looked good,her eyes were good, feet and nails are good, but shes extremely quiet. And I've been taking it slow with her but she only ever makes noise if she's alarmed or scared like when she flys and gets stuck somewhere. I also noticed she was allowing me to handle her but that she didn't really like it and I believe it's because PetSmart was force feeding her formula at 4 months old to try and get her weight up before I adopted her. I can't imagine that was a fun experience. And she has let me let scratch her head but it's almost like she's just too scared to move not that she actually enjoys it. So I've been just spending time hanging out in her room, just trying to be around her. The toughest part is she has absolutely zero interest in millet spray or any other treat for that matter so it's really hard to entice her to do anything. And she absolutely doesn't know how to play with toys, she has 2 perches that are her favorite that she hops between but other than that she's just a little statue all day. I've been thinking about getting another budgie for her, I just really want her to have the best quality of life. Whatever will break her out of her little shell and make her happy. Even if she never wants to be handled I'm ok with that but she's got a learn to play and be a budgie. So IDK what are your guys thoughts on getting another one for her or just continuing to work with her right now? Here's some more pics of the Petrie because she's an absolute doll. She does still have formula cemented tonger feathers around her beak, I managed to get it off from the rest of her body but having trouble in that area. She gets a spritz shower daily in the meantime hoping to soften it so I don't have to damage the feathers in that area.💜
 

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#9 ·
It is so great to hear that Petrie is doing well and has been assessed and confirmed healthy by her avian vet!! Awesome name; she is so adorable!! :D

It is extremely sad to hear about the issues with the store and their practices with regards to Petrie. Did you express concerns with a store manager(s) or other applicable staff and/or individual(s)?

Kindest regards to Petrie and you! :D
 
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