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Cindy,
Thank you for your reply. Cosmo is pretty active during the day. He does take one nap during the day, but keeps going strong other than that.
The breeder did give me instructions on the formula temp and feeding, what to feed, how...etc. I just know I don't have as much experience. I have been feeding exact formula (1 part formula to 1 1/2 or 2 parts water) at 103 degrees (I made sure of the temp because I feared burning his crop. I followed the vet manual on the temp.) She also gave me the name of the pellets she used, I just bought a variety of things to try new things. She also called me later tonight to check up on him. I do think I would feel more comfortable with him being back in her hands. I don't think he was ready to go, as eager as I was to get him.
I did ask what his previous weight was, but she said she never weighed him. I don't know how old he was when she got him, but he wasn't hatched there.
The past two days, he seems eager for his formula. He bobs initially, but after about 20cc's, he just wants to climb on me. I did switch back to the original syringe this evening, which is when I got him to eat 40cc's. I think the flow on the bigger syringe was more than he was used to having. My question is this - at four months, should he be eating more on his own, or does that vary with the bird?
He has water in a bowl, and I have seen him drink when he's on his play perch. (This is because when I am home, he's on the play perch). Tonight I took him out of his cage (it is a 32" cage and seems just huge for him) and put him in a large, plastic tub. He has shredded newspaper in there, a bowl of mixed food offerings (seed and pellets), and a bowl of water. I hope it is nothing big... I am really terrified that he might die. We just lost a parakeet a few weeks ago, and you would have thought it was the end of everything. I cried for two days. (He was a really awesome little bird. We have another parakeet, who is doing fine).
The beak grinding does seem to be when he is falling asleep. This is later in the evening (after dark) and during his one naptime. Other than that, he is an active little bird. He is really testing his nipping boundaries over the past two days too!
I really appreciate all the help. Any advice is welcome!
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