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TIPS FOR HAND-FEEDERS

Did You Know……?

by Wanda Barras

t is important to network with other aviculturists and hobbyists. Only by exchanging information can knowledge and proficiency be attained. Sharing experiences---successes as well as failures---can be personally rewarding and will prove beneficial to aviculture in general. Begin this new year by making a resolution to share your knowledge and experiences.

I have put together a list of facts, observations, hints and suggestions that may prove helpful in your hand-feeding endeavors

With the exception of the first five days after hatch the above temperature ranges are not critical and do not have to be exact. Your baby will tell you what temperature he is comfortable.

> A brooder humidity reading of 40% to 55% is best for brooding young chicks. Humidity levels under 40% can cause dryness and flaking of the skin, late feather growth and possible dehydration. Exceedingly high levels of humidity are ideal conditions for dangerous spore growth and fungal problems. These problems are common in a hot, humid environment.

> Handfeeding formula should be heated and fed at a temperature of 103° to 110° F. Never under 100°F or over 115°F. (Notice birds body temperature below)

> Compared to mammals a bird’s body temperature is very highy. Temperature ranges vary from approximately 104°F to 113°F.

> Feeding frequency depends on age, species, formula consistency and amount consumed at each feeding. The younger the hatchling, the thinner the formula. That is, small amounts of thin formula are fed more frequently. As chick grows, feedings will become les frequent, formula is thickened and the amount or food consumed increases. Do follow label instructions and recommendations.

> Although not absolutely necessary, weight data is helpful to monitor the chicks progress. A healthy chick should gain weight every single day until he approaches weaning. That is 15% each day for the first 10 to 14+ days, then at least 10% daily. To determine percentage weight gained, weigh the chick, with an empty crop, and record his weight. On the next day at approximately the same time and on an empty crop weigh him again. Take the difference and divide by the previous days weight in order to get a percentage. For example: if the chick weighs 20 grams on a given day and is weighed the next morning gains 3 grams weighing 23 grams. Divide the 3 by 20 which will total .15 or 15%.

> Monitoring the body weight of babies being handfed is important. A loss of weight or failure to gain can be an indication of health or management problems. Purchase a accurate gram scale and keep records. It is important to compare weight data with a comparable weight chart. These useful charts are readily available in several hand-feeding books, avian publications, on the internet and sometimes from avian organizations or bird clubs.

> In order to accurately estimate the amount to feed a chick divide the 24 hour weight gain (morning weight before feeding) by the day before weight and multiply by 100. That is, if baby weighs 100 grams in the morning and yesterday morning it weighed 90 grams you would feed 11% of the body weight.

> Use caution when adding ingredients (vitamins, cereals, oils or peanut butter) to commercial formulas. Unwittingly adding supplements to a commercial formula may seriously effect its nutritional balance. Formulas are nutritionally complete as manufactured. A great deal of money and research has gone into the development and manufacture of commercial hand-feeding formulas. Commercial hand feeding diets have been developed along strict guidelines. Find a formula which is compatible with your hand-feeding style and the species your hand-feed. Be cautious about tampering with an already complete formula.

> Your wrist should not be used to test formula temperature. Temperature should always be checked with a reliable thermometer. When feeding with a syringe, temperature can be double-checked by placing a heated formula filled syringe against your sensitive upper lip area or on your eyelid. Never use your wrist.

> Heating small amounts of formula or electrolytes to the correct temperature for hand-feeding can be difficult. Simply run hot tap water (approximately 110° F) into an insulated container, then place a stem thermometer into the hot /warm water to monitor temperature. Drop a formula filled syringe into the cup with water. Let sit for a couple of minutes or so. Monitor thermometer closely. When thermometer registers 103° to 110°F, formula should be heated. To test hold syringe on eyelid.

> On approaching weaning, a young bird’s body will begin to slim down in preparation for flight. As much as 13% to 20% of body weight may be lost at this stressful time. This weight loss should be a normal and healthy occurrence. The body should slim don, not become emaciated. Droppings should be firm and normal. Watch closely for any sighs of illness or severe stress.

> Water is an important nutrient to the growing chick. In order to avoid dehydration, the formulation of a diet for parrot chicks must take the ratio of solids to liquids in a formula into consideration. A basic rule of thumb is that chicks need about 160-200 ml of water per kilogram of body weight to provide basic maintenance functions. The water requirements of a healthy chick are about 0.16 to 0.2ml per gram of body weight. Thus, a 75-gram chick would require approximately 13.5 ml, (2.5 teaspoons) per day. During illness, if a bird is hot, is regurgitating or has diarrhea, water requirements maybe 3 to 5 times the usual amount. The feeder must make formulation adjustments according to the hydration status of the chick.

> Fluid therapy is important when dealing with sick birds, whether babies or adults, Providing additional fluids (such as L. Ringers or other electrolyte solution) orally or subcutaneous (injected under the skin—L. Ringers only) in more serious cases, can help save weak, dehydrated chicks. When electrolytes are administered orally, the rule is, “small amounts often” of warmed solution, until chick is rehydrated.

> When traveling, premixed formula can be pre-filled into appropriately sized syringes, chilled or frozen, then packed in an ice chest. If trip is extended, I freeze several formula-filled syringes to be fed later into the day or evening. I pre-fill a separate syringe for each feeding and for each chick. For instance: If the baby is being fed 4 times a day, I would chill tow formula-filled syringes and freeze two that would thaw later in the day to be fed last.

> Formula prepared as described above can be heated when traveling using hot water from a thermos, an insulated cup, and stem thermometer. Pour hot water into insulated cup, drop in formula filled syringe and stem thermometer to monitor temperature. Smaller formula filled syringes will take less time to heat up then the larger syringes. Monitor temperature closely. Always double check formula temperature on eye lid or upper lip before feeding.

> A convenient and safe way to feed babies when on a short trip or visit is to use jar baby (human) food. During short day trips, while on the road, I open a fresh jar of baby food (chicken Noodle Dinner, Turkey and Rice, Chicken with Egg Noodle, or any of the beef or veal dinners) fill an appropriately sized syringe with the baby food and heat in hot water as previously described. Remember to place opened jar of baby food on ice. Baby food is bland, nourishing and easy to digest. This procedure works especially well with younger babies who must be fed often. Read the contents of the Baby food label. Some dinners are better than others. I do not recommend using human baby food exclusively, only as a temporary substitute when traveling or in cases of digestive upset when a bland diet can be beneficial. Commercial hand-feeding formula is the diet of choice for hand-feeding. However, substituting jar baby food dinners temporarily has proved safe and beneficial. Baby food is nutritious, easy to use, sanitary and safe when used judicially as an alternate formula when traveling.

> Babies experiencing digestive problems, particularly those who can’t seem to tolerate their formula, may benefit from a transitional diet of human baby food. Use one of the dinners recommended above. The dinners are easily digested and can soothe a baby’s distressed digestive system. If this food is successfully digested, feed exclusively tow or three feedings then slowly incorporate the original hand-feeding diet into the baby food until you are feeding only the hand-feeding formula

Fungal and/or bacterial infection which may be caused by one or a combination of the above. In order to successfully treat and prevent the condition it is important to identify the cause.

> Light bulbs used as a heat source in brooders should be colored---preferably red or amber colored. Colored bulbs are less harsh and more soothing to developing chicks. I have found that red bulbs used in brooders and/or weaning cages (such as our BHW’s) seem to encourage early weaning.

> The digestive process is normally slowed down when a brooder is darkened and the baby is at rest. This is natural yet interesting function. For example: a healthy active chick brooded in normal light ( remember harsh lighting can stress chicks and cause health problems---subdued light is best for young un-feathered chicks.) will digest his food faster than he will at rest, in a darkened brooder. Since night feedings are usually eliminated, it is recommended that brooders be darkened or illuminated with a red light, especially at night to encourage rest and normal digestion.

> Hand-feeding is an adventure. It can be enjoyable and rewarding if practiced with insight and generosity. A successful hand-feeding technique and positive experiences gained by years of practice and hard work is not easily accomplished. Yet, this knowledge must be shared. Avian pediatrics is a science, a vocation and a mission. Aviculturists are in a position to share their insights and experiences.

1) Due to the esophagus’ ability to stretch, always choose the larger feeding tube over the smaller. There is less chance of entering the Trachea (windpipe) when using a larger tube. Tube size should increase with age..

2) The wall of the esophagus and crop is extremely thin and subject to puncture. never force a feeding tube or feeding needle. The apparatus should slide easily into the crop.

3) The curve in the bend of the neck is easily punctured. Gently tilt baby’s head up while rotating soft tubing down the esophagus. never force! Crops should be gently filled to a plump, but not tight stage. It is better to feed a little less than too much. This applies to any method of feeding.

> Spoon feeding is the method most chosen by beginners because it is user-friendly. Almost anyone can get the hang of spoon feeding. Spoon feeding is very slow, but is more personal. This is a good choice for someone feeding one or just a few babies. This method is slower and less efficient, especially if feeding numerous chicks. The normal procedure is to use a spoon with edges bent inward to hold formula. Initiate a feeding response and feed the formula one spoonful at a time, until the baby is satisfied. The baby’s feeding movements will pump the spoon and keep food moving toward the tip. This technique can prove to be messy, but it does seem to simulate the natural feeding of parent birds.

> Through my 20 years of hand feeding, trying different methods and observing other hand-feeders, I have not noticed any behavioral differences associated with hand-feeding method or technique. Gavage babies are just as gentle and wean just as quickly as spoon fed. What makes the difference is the time spent socializing and touching babies. Remember, a feeding instrument is only a tool to be used to get nutrition into a chick. A baby’s emotional, physical and psychological needs must also be met. No tool or technique is the absolute best. What suits one person or one species may not be the best for another. Different species may require different feeding methods or utensils. Be flexible and open-minded, but do not change a successful feeding routine for the sake of experimentation. If you must experiment, do so wisely and judiciously.

> To determine the percentage of solids to liquid in your formula you must weigh the dry and liquid formula. First, place a container on a gram scale. Use the tare function to get a zero reading. Second, place your usual amount of dry formula in the container and make note of this weight. Third, Add water and mix as usual. Fourth, weigh the finished mixture. Fifth, divide the total weight of food plus water, into the weight of the dry food. This will give you a decimal number. This is the percentage of solid food matter in your formula. The percentage of solids recommended for a 7 day to 2-to 2 ½ week old chick is between .26 and .30 which would be 26% and 30%. Percentage of solids for older chicks should be higher.

. Do not overfeed, as this may result in crop overfill, regurgitation and possible aspiration, which can cause medical problems or death. Adjust feeding utensils and methods accordingly. Ideally, a separate syringe or feeding utensil should be used for each chick or for each clutch. This precaution can possibly prevent the spread of disease.

> After the first critical week the baby’s crop will be able to hold enough food to sustain him for several hours. At two weeks he should be fed about four to five times a day. At Three weeks, three to four times a day. (These are approximates, amount may vary with different species.) Allowing the crop to become completely empty between feedings is recommended, but not absolutely necessary. This prevents old formula from remaining in the crop for extended periods which could breed bacteria and fungus-based medical problems.

> Following are the approximate crop capacity ranges for some popular species. These numbers are not to be interpreted as the rule. Remember all babies are individuals and proper adjustments should be made. These figures are valid for babies over two weeks old.

MAXIMUM CROP CAPACITIES

There is a great deal of individuality among birds—even between clutch mates. Consequently, what works for one breeder may not be successful for another. The ultimate success in hand-rearing lies in following these basic hand-feeding practices with determination, dedication and a willingness to learn. Experience comes with time and hard work.

> Never use wood chips, corncob, recycled paper byproducts (which look like chewed up wads of paper) or foodstuffs as bedding. All these are potentially dangerous, can harbor excessive amounts of bacteria, and may cause health problems that require veterinary assistance. It is safe to use disposable baby diapers, paper towels, cloth towels or our own "Baby Bedding". It is wise to change all bedding frequently and to keep brooders clean. Hygiene is very important when hand-feeding

Copyright © 2000 Wanda Barras. All Rights reserved. WWW users are granted the right to download a single copy of this catalog and Mrs. Barras' articles for archival on electronic media and/or conversion into a single printed copy for personal use. All commercial or educational use or reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited. It may not otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of Wanda Barras

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MAXIMUM CROP CAPACITIES

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