Handfeeding Baby Instructions

These are basic instructions, not every baby is the same. If you need assistance or have any issues- CALL the store 561-278-5394

Due to the level of experience required and the risks involved, we standardly do NOT sell babies still being handfed. 

Brenda’s Birds, Inc.

14428 S. Military Trail   Delray Beach, FL 33484

561-278-5394

Handfeeding Babies:                             

Date :______________Bird: ______________Age: ___________

This baby is on _____FEEDINGS A DAY

Feed at:  _____AM ____PM ____PM _____

This baby takes ______ ML/CC’s Per feeding

Mix ____tablespoons about 50/50 with very warm water- NOT HOT!!

NOT TOO COLD BECAUSE THE BABY WON’T EAT IT.

NOT TOO HOT BECAUSE YOU WILL BURN THE CROP.

Make it thick like a milkshake or baby food.  Test the temperature on your wrist to ensure that is not too hot. 

Put the syringe to the left side of the mouth and aim into the right side. Don’t shoot it in there, allow the baby to taste it and swallow the food.

Once the baby starts to pick (eat) at seeds/pellets you can cut ____ feeding out.  When the baby is really eating the food better (usually a few more weeks)  you may cut ____ feeding out. Once the baby is pretty much eating as a normal bird (usually a few more weeks)  you would will be able to cut the final feeding out.

MAKE SURE THE BABY IS EATING!! VERY IMPORTANT!  WHEN YOU FILL THAT FOOD BOWL UP IN THE MORNING – BY THE END OF THE DAY THE PELLETS ARE TO BE GONE OR THE SEED ARE TO BE CRAKCED OPEN. (NOT JUST FLUNG INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE CAGE.)  YOU CANNOT WEAN A BABY UNTI IT IS EATING PROPERLY OR IT WILL STARVE!  IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR THE BABY IS NOT TAKING HANDFEEDING – CALL US IMMEDIATELY!!

  • Never reuse formula- never reheat in the microwave.  Make fresh.
  • You may have to experiment with the temperature of the formula, but do NOT MAKE IT TOO HOT.  No more than 105 degrees,
  • When weaning your baby, you need to have seed/ pellets/ water available at all times.  You may also try putting a little leftover formula in a small bowl and sprinkle some seeds on top of it. (Only for about an hour then discard- as it will sour.)
  • Any people food should be discarded after 2 hours as it will spoil.
  • Never put your bird in a draft! (A/C vents, open window, or fans blowing.) Babies can be more susceptible to catching colds. If you notice the baby ever sneezing or acting lethargic call immediately or refer to an avian vet.
  • Always clean your syringe with warm soapy water and rinse well.
  • Also remember if you are carrying your baby around in your arms all day it will not have the chance to learn how to properly eat food.  Allow the baby to spend adequate time with its food and cage as well as your arms.
  • Good housing temp is 79 degrees.
  • Food ideas –in small amounts: fresh fruits (no pits or seeded fruits remove those first- no avocado)   veggies, pasta, scrambled eggs.  NO CHOCOLATE, sweets or junk food.

 

NEW BABY CHECKLIST:

 

HANDEFEEDING FORMULA: __________

O RING SYRING 5/10/20 CC/ML   ______

BEDDING FOR CONTAINER    __________

CRITTER KEEPERS PLASTIC TUB OR RUBBERMAID APPROPRIATE SIZE

2 SMALL SHALLOW DISHES ___________

SEED / PELLETS ____________________

MILLET ___________________________

FRESH FROZEN MIXED VEGGIES _______

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