Feeding baby birds is not as easy as it might first appear. In order to raise a happy, healthy chick a great deal of information is required as well as some basic equipment along with time & dedication. If you would like to learn how to feed baby birds or if you find yourself in a situation where you must learn to save a chick, it is always best to seek the assistance of an experienced breeder/hand-feeder or Avian Veterinarian.
I think most anyone who is dedicated can learn and it is a very rewarding experience. However, a young chick has certain requirements that if not met, the chick will suffer and possibly die. The temperature of the brooder and formula must be carefully monitored and maintained. The consistency and amount of formula must be accurate and the chicks must be fed at correct intervals. Almost anyone can learn to feed baby birds but due to the many special needs I highly recommend learning from an experienced hand-feeder and many will be happy to share their knowledge and expertise for little or no cost.
It is almost always best to leave the babies with the parent birds whenever possible for the first 2 - 3 weeks (this will vary depending on the species and situation). A chick raised by it's parents for the first while will be much healthier and stronger although often circumstances force us to take a chick sooner. Sometimes a parent bird becomes ill or dies, parents have been known to harm the eggs or chicks....and many other reasons why we might find ourselves looking after day-old birds who require 'round the clock feedings and an extraordinary amount of love and care. "When" you feed them will depend on species and circumstances.... but basically a neonate (newly hatched) baby will be fed every 2 hours even through the night up till a week old ...
Below is a 'rough' guide for small/medium parrots such as cockatiels and conures. Larger species will take longer to wean and the times must be adjusted accordingly.
5 days - 8 days Feed every 3 hours (even at night)
9 days - 14 days Feed every 4 hours (you can sleep 11pm - 6am)
2 wks - 4 wks Feed 4 times per day (7am - 1pm - 6pm - 11pm)
4 wks - 6 wks Feed 3 times per day (7am - 3pm - 11pm)
*At about 5 wks you should offer soft healthy foods starting with cooked vegetables and fruit.
6wks - 8wks Feed morning and night - offer soft foods midday.
8wks - weaning Feed once before bedtime but watch very closely
*** if babies are crying for formula be sure to feed them. You will not be 'spoiling' the chick - they will learn to eat on their own when they are ready. Offer plenty of soft weaning foods and an extra helping of love and patience; this is a critical stage for babies.
There are numerous hand feeding formulas available and your local, reputable Pet Store will most likely have several for you to choose from. You should read the directions carefully with whichever brand you choose. I use Lafeber's Nutri-Start Handfeeding Formula for my babies and in my opinion it is superior to all other formulas available. It has given excellent results with day-old chicks and also far surpassed other formulas for healthy chick weight. It mixes easily, thoroughly, without lumps and stays mixed longer than other formulas.
CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED HAND-FEEDING FORMULA COMPARISON CHART
**Note - I have based my opinions on actual trials with real birds in a controlled environment and explicitly prefer Lafeber's Hand Feeding Formula above all others.
Whichever formula you choose please check the manufacture date on the product to be sure it is safe and fresh. Always mix new/fresh formula for each feeding - never re-use mixed formula. Store dry formula in a cool dry location or in the freezer in airtight packages/containers.
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Five Stars for Lafeber's!
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There are many different ways to feed baby birds and each Hand-feeder has a method with which they are most comfortable. Methods also change to suit the age and species of the bird you are feeding. You may start out using an eye dropper or pipette for a very small newly hatched bird and work up to a syringe or small spoon. Many people will take a small metal spoon and bend the sides up slightly to make feeding easier for both chick and feeder. I used small plastic measuring spoons in my early days and they worked well for a small number of chicks. Nowadays I use an eye dropper or tiny syringe for neonates and an larger syringe (10cc - 30cc) for most small/medium parrots. Larger parrots require larger instruments. Whatever instruments you use they should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water after each feeding and sterilized.
The formula must be mixed with the utmost accuracy - not too thin - not too thick - and must be kept at a perfect temperature of 102 - 107 degrees Fahrenheit. If the food is hotter it will burn and if it is too cool it will cause crop problems which can be fatal. I never use the microwave and instead always heat the formula by placing it inside a small ceramic cup and place that inside a small pot of hot water.
Chicks have a natural 'feeding response' whereas when you gently touch the syringe to the left side of their beak they will start to 'bob' their heads in a jerky motion. It's not always easy for inexperienced feeders to get the food inside the chick instead of all over the poor fella. Practice makes perfect and soon you can feed with minimal mess. Always be sure to carefully clean each chick before placing them back in the brooder. Keeping them clean is extremely important.
The amount of food given to the chick also changes with age and species as well as the energy level and individual birds. A basic rule of thumb however is to feed 10% of body weight or enough to gently fill the crop but never over-filling it. It should not be too full or hard. You must always give a close inspection of each crop to be certain everything is working before you add more food and the crop should be allowed to empty each night to avoid problems such as 'sour crop'.
This has just been a very basic 'first lesson' in hand feeding baby birds. Please, if you want to learn how or need to feed a chick but lack experience, seek the assistance of someone who can help you. The chick's life may depend on it.
I strongly believe Chicks should never be sold before they are fully-weaned (except to experienced persons) - If you are buying a baby bird please be certain it is fully-weaned. Most reputable breeders will never sell unweaned babies to inexperienced persons.
Books ~ Internet ~ Videos ~ DVD's ~ Breeders ~ Hand-feeders ~ Avian Veterinarian......
There are many sources available and you will find many conflicting opinions since everyone seems to think their method is best. You may even find it a little confusing or frustrating trying to find simple answers to your questions. Don't let this discourage you - just be sure to take advice from someone who has proven to be successful in raising chicks. Their methods may vary from someone else but if it's successful and works then it is a good place to learn. You may follow their advice and after time you may improve on their methods - it is a growing and changing experience that never ends. We will always be searching for ways to better improve the lives of our feathered companions.
~ AFRICAN GREY PARROTS ~ GOFFIN'S COCKATOOS ~ UMBRELLA COCKATOOS ~
~ BLUE & GOLD MACAWS ~
