Hey guys....(rejected baby bird)

[Jessica from Alaska]

I posted once here awhile ago but lost the website, I just found it again. My birds have recently started a new clutch. They kicked one baby out for some un-known reason so I am handfeeding him/her. I really hope s/he survives, s/he is so small. Ill be leaving for 3 weeks tommorow to work at a gold mine, so my sister will be taking over the handfeeding. She has helped me before, so she knows what she is doing.

[LivingFiction]

Good luck to her. Have her get membership here so she can come ask if she has any problems. Welcome back!

[Jessica from Alaska]

Thanks! I told her to come here if she does have any questions. She will probably just use it under my name though.

[Tiki]

Jessica, the exact same thing happened to me in Jan 2004. My pet tiels who had a clutch rejected one baby. Joel, from Florida did his best to talk me through trying to save him but it was too late and I didn't have a brooder or even know I needed one at the time. I'm not sure what time zone Alaska falls into but when Joel sees this, I am sure he will offer advice, also Dayna breeds cockatiels in Alaska. What sort of birds do you have? Also, since I know a few of the questions Joel would ask, what is the exact temperature are you keeping the birds at? What are you using to handfeed? If you put as much detail as possible, the experts will be able to give you good advice much quicker. Pics would help too.

I've moved this to Ask the Experts to attract more specialized responses.

[Jessica from Alaska]

Hello,

Im not sure of the exact temp the baby is in, but I have a heating pad on low covered with a layer of bedding and then a feather dister for the baby to hide under and so it feels like it has a parent bird to sit under. I am using Kaytee Exact formula and feeding it 3-4 times a day at a temp of 105-108 degrees. I do not have pics right now, and I wont be back for 3 weeks come tommorow, but I will take pics once I get back. Thanks for the help.

[Dayna]

You really did not provide much information, but unless the chick is close to weaning 3 times per day is not nearly enough feeding. And brooder temps need to be a bit more exact than that. If it is too hot, the chick will dehydrate, if it is to cool the crop will slow and possibly stop.

[Joel]

Hello Jessica.......I'll try to assist ya but like Dayna said we need more info. & need you or sis to get out and buy some stuff to help ensure the baby makes it.....How old is the baby? Any feathers yet? Does it have a good feeding response? What instrument are you using to feed with? How experienced is your sis in feeding a baby that young? Has she done it before from that age to weaning with success? Other questions later but for now answering those will help a little.

You need to put the baby in a small container that has good footing so it doesn't get splayed legs. You need to also have a larger container which is able to hold the ambient air temperature at the proper degrees for it's age, so an empty small aquarium or similar would be good..... Inside that you should place the smaller container which holds the baby. Most important is that temperature - so ya need to get a good thermometer (an extra one for backup would be nice but at least the one). I use one from Radio Shack with a probe at the end of a wire. I stick the probe thru a safety sheet of 1/4 inch spaced wire (which keeps out insects/lizards/mice etc. that may sneak into the house) on top of my brooder tank and have it dangle in the air right next to but not touching the container the baby is in. If you don't have a R.S. then see if ya can find a similar place that sells stuff like that asap. That feather duster thing isn't necessary btw, make sure it isn't too heavy for the lil one if you insist on using. Y'all need to fill the crop to the proper amount for it's age and then see how long it takes to completely empty and then start with that as your feeding schedule, around the clock for proper development for now. Of course the formula needs to be fresh, the right temp. and consistency. I'll send this for now & see if I can be of further assistance after you respond. I'll check in as much as possible as I don't have to go anywhere today except for a run to my pellet supplier for a new bag in about 2 hrs. from now but would be back shortly after that. Let's try our best now to make sure the baby makes it which means getting that thermometer or some way to get & keep the temp. at the proper degrees. You don't live anywhere near Dayna do ya as I'm sure she would/could help ya.....Another thing to consider, if ya like, is to check with the local bird only pet shops and maybe the owner will take the baby from ya and handfeed as many of them in my area have a brooder room already set up and are feeding their own babies. You could either give them the baby free AFTER you see they know what they are doing or you could pay them to feed for you. Just a suggestion, the important thing here is to make sure the baby lives even if you have to give it up.......Good luck to you both...Check with ya or sis asap.....

Originally Posted by Jessica from Alaska

Hello,

Im not sure of the exact temp the baby is in, but I have a heating pad on low covered with a layer of bedding and then a feather dister for the baby to hide under and so it feels like it has a parent bird to sit under. I am using Kaytee Exact formula and feeding it 3-4 times a day at a temp of 105-108 degrees. I do not have pics right now, and I wont be back for 3 weeks come tommorow, but I will take pics once I get back. Thanks for the help.