Anyone know of good handfeeding site for Parrotlets?

[Tivona]

Hello all,

I will be getting a baby Parrotlet from a breeder on the monday coming and I am going to be handfeeding it. I Used to work at two pet stores where I was handfeeding them along with many many different types of parrots. So I am not worried about the handfeeding I am just wanting some info to compair with (weights as they grow, feathering, and just general info) So please let me know!! :-) I will post pics up as soon as i get the lil one. I am guessing there is no way to sex them(pacific parrotlets) before their feathers are all in, am I right? Anyways thanks all for the help. take care.

[blueroseaviary]

Hi,

As soon as the little ones start to feather you will be able to tell the males from the females. I would caution you on handfeeding a single parrotlet. It is not uncommon for a single parrotlet to have trouble weaning when seperated from it's siblings.

I don't know of a specific website with the detailed information that you are asking for. But if there is anything that I can answer for you I will be happy to help.

Congratulations on your new little one.

[jessicaboyer89]

Congratulations on your soon-to-be parrotlet! Mine has won my heart and I know yours will too! Be sure to give us all the details when you get your baby!!!! :D

[sherrygayle]

:D Hello tivona I too just became the proud owner of a baby hand feed parrotlet. My baby is 13 days old today. I love the web site www.parrotletranch.com It has a lot of information. Good luck with your baby....sherrygayle

[Joel]

Hi Sherrygayle,

Was that baby born to you or did you purchase at that age from someone? I assume you know how to handfeed, brooder temps. etc. and all that?

Are you positive that baby in the pic is 13 days old? Looks younger to me?

[sherrygayle]

Hi Joel my baby was born August 29 yes I'm sure it's that age. No, I've never hand feed a baby bird of any kind. I have been to the local pet store and watched the owner hand feed, and my friend she owns many birds and hand feeds. I wanted a baby so badly and the breeder decided since I live so close he would sale me a baby to hand feed. If I have any problems he's very close where I can get to him. I just love this little baby so much. I am doing all the things right that I've been told to do at this age. I boil my bottled water and mix it with my baby's formula. I was told the baby will eat it at 102f. I test it on my wrist to make sure it's not to hot. The baby has the heating pad under it's little clear cage and then I have that in a box to keep it nice and warm and not to much bright light at this age. I only feed my baby until his or her little crop is well rounded. He or she has been eating every three to four hours. Am I doing everything right? Thank you, Sherrygayle

[Joel]

Sounds like ya are doing fine for now S.G. only make sure you have an air-temp. thermometer and even best to have a second one to back up the first one & to make sure each is workly properly. Ya want to have the (((air temp.))) around the baby approx. 93 degrees-F at this stage. Your baby just looks really small to me and maybe slow developing. Are the eyes opening yet?

When ya are sure the air temp. is right around the baby, watch for panting or labored breathing as this is a sign that you will need to lower the temp. a couple degrees. Also remember at night in the wee hrs. the air temp. is always cooler so therefore the air temp. in your brooder will drop too.

How are ya feeding? With a spoon, pipette or syringe from the side of the mouth, etc.? How many ccs is it eating now at each feeding?

Babies always IME seem to do better when there are two or more together in the natural parent made nest or even in your home-made brooder. I personally think the breeder/seller should not have sold to you so young. Please make sure that at the slightest sign of a problem with crop emptying, that you take right back to the breeder for immediate help before you get a systemic infection. Crop should be completely empty at least once a day.

What is the name brand of your fornula? How do you clean the feeding instrument and where do you store it? I recommend right into the freezer after cleaning and rinsing properly.

Shouldn't have any bright light right now. Dark is best and most natural. Well, I'll let you answer my questions for now and I will try to be around to help ya in the future. Feel free to ask for assistance anytime and remember we all had to learn ourselves so no reason to be embarrassed etc. about asking simple/basic questions.....Good luck to both you & your baby. :)