Am I handfeeding/Raising correctly??

[whiteline]

i Im a new member, and new too this hand feeding caper. Im learning a lot from all of this, and was hoping to throw in a question if i may?
I have a two 4 week old baby blue indian ringnecks ( 4 weeks and 2 days old) that I have been hand feeding(with help from the missus). Both birds are really dry and thin. Im feeding them between 5-8 mls per feed, 4 times a day. (consistency of pancake batter). I have rad elsewhere they should be moist and fat! but they arent. They wont eat anymore than this as well. Thay are also getting pin feathers now.
Does all this sound ok, or am i making a mistake somewhere.
Hope you can help,
Whiteline..

[greyburd]

Are you making a mistake somewhere? IMHO (and I'm sure others will agree), you should not be taking on this handfeeding. Especially, if this is the first time you've done it. Where did you get the birds from? And why did they let you take them before they were weaned?

Handfeeding can be very stressful (on you and the bird) and sometimes can lead to death if not done properly. Are you monitoring their weight at all? At this age, they should be gaining weight daily. I really think you should get them to a vet or someone with experience in handfeeding.

Again, this is my opinion on the issue. Best of luck.

[bgmacaw]

I will second what greybird posted. I might add in hopes of relieving some stress for the birds until you get someone qualified to look at them. They may need a thinner formula to allow them to get more liquids in them.

[Joel]

Originally Posted by whiteline

i Im a new member, and new too this hand feeding caper. Im learning a lot from all of this, and was hoping to throw in a question if i may?
I have a two 4 week old baby blue indian ringnecks ( 4 weeks and 2 days old) that I have been hand feeding(with help from the missus). Both birds are really dry and thin. Im feeding them between 5-8 mls per feed, 4 times a day. (consistency of pancake batter). I have rad elsewhere they should be moist and fat! but they arent. They wont eat anymore than this as well. Thay are also getting pin feathers now.
Does all this sound ok, or am i making a mistake somewhere.
Hope you can help,
Whiteline..

Hello Whiteline and welcome to the Board.........IMO & IME, the thin and dry problem you are experiencing is because the birds were not properly hydrated from the start. Can you correct that now? Maybe yes, maybe no. Sometimes in the case I mentioned, they wind up somewhat stunted - hopefully yours will recover. I would definitely loosen up that formula immediately (what name brand are ya using btw) and if ya can, I would take to an A.V. for his/her evaluation. They might benefit from injections of electrolytes? I personally would also (after the formula is mixed up with water), add some pedialyte (freshly opened, electrolytes not kept for longer than a couple days) to the formula twice a day for awhile or even just every other day 2x. Seems to help IME.

Been awhile since I handfed IRN babies but I have fed many all the way up and some from the first day. From what I remember, about 8cc or ml should be about right at each feeding at 4 weeks old. The general rule on amount is usually to refill as soon as the crop is empty or very near empty, allowing it to fully empty once a day at least (usually when you are sleeping at night for 6-8 hrs.)... I strongly suggest you purchase a book (asap) called "Handfeeding & Nursery Management". Ya can buy on-line from www.avianpublications.com or elesewhere. About $45 but well worth it.

Where might ya be located btw?

Give a holler if/when ya need some more advice. We have a pm (personal message) feature on this board also if ya are more comfy using that but we prefer to post bird info. openly in order to share info. for everyone's benefit.

Good luck.

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

Welcome to BB. Best of luck. Keep us posted. Post photo's if you can. Crystal

[Valo's Moirana]

I agree with all the posts - Joel, of couse, has experience and always gives great advice. However, as being totally new to handfeeding, I would try to get the babies to a vet or an experienced breeder ASAP.
I personally would not feel comfortable taking on handfeeding on my own or guided by a book without professional/experienced help!
Best of luck!

[Joel]

Originally Posted by Valo's Moirana

"........However, as being totally new to handfeeding, I would try to get the babies to a vet or an experienced breeder ASAP.
I personally would not feel comfortable taking on handfeeding on my own or guided by a book without professional/experienced help!
Best of luck!

Agreed.....

[whiteline]

Just to clear something up, I didnt buy these babies. I have 5 ringnecks and three cockateils. My 2 blue IRN's laid 5 eggs, and the male ate 3 eggs. I was advised to remove mother and breeding box, which I had done and about 1 week after 2 eggs hatched the mother abandoned them. They were inside in a quite part of house.I think it was around 2 days of neglect before I got to them. I have spoken to a few people and they all said to handfeed and it was their only choice. Im using Avione handraising formula.
I will get onto a breeder here thru the local pet shop to find out about an avian vet. Im in Swan Hill Victoria, Australia BTW.
Thanks and Ill try and get some pics on here.

[Winged_Victory]

Joel is your best bet to save these birds. Send him a PM and listen to what he says. He has years of experience that you can draw from. If you can get him to post on the open forum that is great to.

Good luck!!

[Valo's Moirana]

I agree with Gary, that you should definitely get Joel to help you.

However, I again would like to stress the importance of experience here... you have 2 little babies, and they need your help to survive in this world right now. Long distance advice can be very helpful, but not close as effective as a good look by a professional - that could help solve your problems a lot quicker! I think you're doing the right thing by seeking out an experienced breeder and/or avian vet!

I wish you and your babies all the best of luck!