Handrearing for the first time - HELP!! Please

[BigBird]

Hi there

Ive got two baby cockatiels roughly 2 weeks old that i have taken from the nest as 2 babies have died over the last two days. How do I get me and them started on this handrearing idea!!

Ive bought the mixture and the syringe, how do i let them know this is where the food comes from? Do I wait till they are begging for food? Yoikes this is scarey!

Any tips appreciated.

[Monica]

You need to get first hand experience, look into buying books from your local book store if you can find any on handraising parrots. So many things can go wrong if you don't know how to properly handraise to begin with, and it's hard to explain things correctly over the internet without problems arising.

The best thing would be to get some avian vet and breeder help now. Maybe even try finding some bird stores in your area that could help you out.

[Lori L]

Originally Posted by Monica

You need to get first hand experience, look into buying books from your local book store if you can find any on handraising parrots. So many things can go wrong if you don't know how to properly handraise to begin with, and it's hard to explain things correctly over the internet without problems arising.

The best thing would be to get some avian vet and breeder help now. Maybe even try finding some bird stores in your area that could help you out.

I agree 100%. I'm an experienced handfeeder but do not feel comfortable giving step by step instructions. Everything from temperature to you name it has to be exact to ensure the babies won't get sour crop, burnt crop, asperated etc.

[Lisa B]

handfeeding formula should be tested with a candy thermometer. No higher than 104 degrees. temps above that will cause fistulas(crop burn)
best serverd between 101-103...

[denmor55]

Try this link I have been breeding for years and I keep a copy of this out in the aviary at all times. This is just a aid not a hand feeding course. The best way to learn to hand feed is from a Veteran Breeder.


http://www.cockatiel.org/articles/handfeeding.html

[TooLover]

I agree with the advise to find a vet or someone to help you out! Nevaeh was my first experience with crop feeding; I was nervous and knew that if I did anything wrong I could cause this baby's death! Please go see your avian vet ASAP!

[BigBird]

Well we have had our first successful feed. I have found a friend who has done this successfully and going over there after work and she is going to give me a help setting up and show me what to look for etc.

They are so cute, I hope I dont hurt them!

[TooLover]

Oh - so glad to hear it! Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know it is scary, however, if you have a friend who can help you - that is great!

[Tiki]

I am glad you found someone. I would have been too scared to try it on my own without being taught by Joel in person who is one of our most experienced handfeeders on Birdboard. This isn't something that can be learned from a book, you really need hands on instruction.