hand rearing cockatiels

[smoggy7]

hi can you tell me how hot is the water added to the formula for hand rearing is as i am interested in hand feeding is it like a babies bottle temp just as thew kettle gets just to warm for my finger?

[Dayna]

Oh my, I really really think that if you have not been shown how to hand feed cockatiels that you should not do it.

Temps have to be EXACT, like measured with a thermometer. Water to formula has to be EXACT, follow instructions on the bag. Amounts that you feed the chicks has to be EXACT down to the drop. Babies that are only a couple days old can only take a couple drops where as a larger older chick can take up to 15 cc's in one sitting. If you put to much into a crop, you can over stretch the crop and cause the crop to shut down. Underfill it and your chick starves.

Do you have anyone near you that can show you how? If the formula is too hot, it will burn the crop, even though the temperature does not feel that hot on your wrist. If it is too cold, the crop won't digest and will shut down.

Holy moly, not to mention that if you don't hold the syringe just right and have extra careful hands you can kill the chick by putting food down the windpipe (located at the same spot as the place were the food goes).

More people kill chicks by being inexperienced handfeeders than I can even imagine. Even people who mean well, but just don't know how to do it right.

PLEASE, call up a local breeder and ask for help.

[smoggy7]

hi dayna, on the bags ive seen in the shops it says 1 part formula to 3 parts water? what does that mean and how much is it thats all it says on the bags thanks smoggy

[smoggy7]

hi also can you post a picture of a suitable thermometre that is used for the formula thanks smoggy

[Dayna]

Do you have someone to help you learn how to handfeed?

What formula are you using? You mix different parts water and formula for different ages.

[basketbagley]

Smoggy,

Do you have babies now? or are you just trying to learn how when they come? I've noticed you've posted lots of threads pertaining to breeding mutations.

[smoggy7]

i have been to see the babies being hand reared today and it was fasinating to see so much to learn but will try it out when i feel ready she showed me everything i need to know and learn so will keep you posted on my experience when and if i feel confident to try it looked easy but as you say can be demanding thanks smoggy7

[Samm]

Yes, PLEASE learn how to do it with someone experienced to show you, before you try it on your own!

Tritak's advice is excellent, she certainly knows what she's talking about, so please take the time to get the technique perfected and you'll be fine!


Tritak: Twelve mouths to feed?!?! I know that keeps you busy!!