CAGE'N BIRD

Day one neonates need special treatment. First, as a precaution, a small amount of Betadine antiseptic should be swabbed on the navel. This helps prevent bacteria from entering the body and dries up the umbilical cord. Second, let the chick dry off and rest. If the hatchling seems restless and has a feeding response after the rest period, administer a few drops of warmed Lactated Ringers solution. This can give the chick an extra boost, especially appreciated after a strenuous hatch. It is unnecessary to feed the chick any type of formula immediately after hatching. He has just gone through a stressful time. The hatchling is still feeding off of his yolk sack, which was just pulled into his stomach before hatching. The absorbed yolk often can be seen just under the skin in the navel area. If yolk is visible, a yellowish blotch under the skin, wait until it is fully absorbed before administering first feeding.

The hatchlings regular feeding schedule can safely begin from six to ten hours preceding hatch. When you do elect to feed the chick for the first time, remember--- Newly hatched chicks have very small crop capacity. They require tiny amounts of a dilute hand-feeding formula, given frequently. For example: Day one Macaw and large Cockatoo babies are only able to take from 0.2cc to 0.5cc for their first feeding; tiny Lovebird babies, only a drop, barely 0.1cc. Tiny pipettes or 1cc syringes are ideal for fragile neonates. Using the proper size tool and caution makes it less likely to accidentally aspirate (cause to inhale food into lungs) a chick.

I have successfully started many day-one babies on the easy formula below. The first day-one formula feeding should consist of the following:

RECOMMENDED DAY-ONE FORMULA

· one measure Gerber or Heinz rice cereal with applesauce
· one measure Gerber or Heinz Garden Vegetable or Spinach
· one measure electrolyte solution ( Lactated Ringers, Ornalyte, Pedialyte.etc.) 

NOTE: Use 1cc syringe as measure. Use jar baby food found in any food store. Two measures of Chicken Noodle Dinner may be used as a substitute for the first two ingredients.

Make up very small quantities of this formula. Unused portions should be discarded.

Lactobacillus

This is also a good time to add an avian strain lactobacillus (probiotic) to the baby’s diet. A probiotic is a live microbial dietary supplement, which beneficially affect the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Antibiotics and other related compounds are not included in this definition. There are many probiotics on the market, some in gel or powdered form. These can be added directly to formula. Bird Bene-Bac Gel by Pet Ag is a probiotic I use here. I prefer the gel, as a measured amount can easily be put into the babies’ beak. Whatever commercial probiotic you choose be sure to read and follow directions. Lactobacillus replaces the bacteria normally manufactured in the gut of the parent bird supplied to the baby through regurgitation. Probiotics aid digestion and encourages healthy micro-flora. In years past yogurt, a natural mammalian lactobacillus was often recommended as a probiotic (I do not recommend using milk products for birds). Because yogurt is a mammalian bacterium and non-species specific to birds, it will not flourish and thrive in the avian gut. An avian specific lactobacillus will effectively encourage healthy flora in the chick’s system and promote health. Non-species specific lactobacillus will not thrive, is of no benefit and proves to be a waste of time and money.

First Feeding

Several hours after hatch (after yolk sack has been absorbed), when chick is restless and seems hungry, prepare a small amount of Day-One formula. I prefer using a tiny 1cc syringe for the first days of feeding. It is easy to control and simple to warm and disinfect. Pipettes, spoons or even a small artist’s paintbrush may be used to dribble the warm formula into the baby. Remember---choose the instrument you are most comfortable with and choose one that is proportional to the size of the baby. After feeding, wash all syringes, etc., in soapy water and rinse well or use a dish washer.

For proper disinfection, feeding instruments can be soaked in a solution of Wavicide-01 and water when not in use (about 1 part water to 4 parts Wavicide). Thoroughly rinse utensils before each feeding. (If left in a bath of pure Wavicide-01 overnight instruments will be cold sterilized.) Nolvasan, a chlorhexidine, is not recommended as a soak. It is ineffective against a wide variety of pathogens.  

In a closed aviary situation, in cases where infection and illness is uncommon in the nursery, a simple soap and water wash (dishwasher OK) followed by a vinegar and water rinse can prove satisfactory. This natural sanitation procedure has proved effective in our own nursery. NOTE: Always let utensils thoroughly air dry, in an upright position, before use.

THE FEEDING TECHNIQUE

The feeding technique is uncomplicated. Draw a small amount of formula into a clean 1cc syringe. A simple and safe way to warm the formula filled syringe is by placing it in a mug of hot (103-105 degrees F) tap water. Formula temperature is very important when hand-feeding any age chick, especially very young ones. Always use an accurate formula thermometer to measure formula temperature. The ideal formula temperature for most species is 103°F (same as most birds’ body temperature). Some species such as Macaws may prefer a little warmer formula (105° to 108°F). Formula temperature should never be under 100° or over 110° or complications such as crop stasis and/or crop burn may result.

Formula temperature should never be under 100° or over 110°F for most species 103°F-105°F OK

To administer the warmed formula, gently place your thumb and index finger on either side of the baby’s head. Move your fingers so that they touch the corners of the beak (the commissures). This technique usually stimulates a feeding response. As the baby’s head pumps, slowly, dribble tiny amounts of formula into his beak, from the side. Fill the crop, but not so full that it is rising up his neck. He won't take much, take your time. The chick's crop should be nicely rounded. The rule is; firm but not tight. Feeding a thin formula for the first few days is recommended because it helps the chick to re-hydrate after hatching and also to get all organs and systems functioning correctly.

My Technique

In the middle of the first week I convert from syringe feeding to tube feeding. I use small gauge latex tubing. This method, if performed properly, is the most efficient and makes accidental aspiration less likely. If you are more comfortable using a syringe or pipette continue to do so—this is your personal choice. Do not overfeed, as this may result in crop overfill, regurgitation and possible aspiration which can cause medical problems or even death. Adjust feeding utensils and methods accordingly. The size of the feeding implement should change as formula thickens and the chick grows--- feeding implement should be proportional to the size and age of the chick. 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.

First Week Feeding Schedule

---For the first day you will be feeding about every hour. Very small species may require feedings every half hour. The smaller the species the higher their metabolism. Some experts recommend feeding around the clock. I believe you should make an effort to feed around the clock for the first two to three days but missing one or two feedings in the middle of the night usually won't prove harmful. Like a human infant, he will cry when he is hungry or uncomfortable--- act accordingly.

Place the brooder near your bedroom, as it is possible to hear even the smallest hatchling crying for his nightly feedings. If he cries and is empty feed him, but if he cries constantly and is full, check the brooder temperature, etc., and adjust environment as needed. It is important to frequently monitor baby and brooder temperature when feeding a chick this age—it is crucial that he not get chilled or excessively overheated. Chilling and for that matter overheating can and will cause crop stasis. Some hand-feeders elect to feed the chick while he is in the brooder or over a covered heating pad at a counter or table. Examine and feed the hatchling, then immediately put him back into the brooder.

MORE FOOD, THICKER FOOD  Longer Digestion Time

Each day, try to increase the amount fed to the chick. As the chick grows the crop capacity will increase. By the second day the baby is usually demanding food every two hours so it is time to begin changing over from the weak Day-One formula to a richer ‘prepared’ (commercial) formula. This procedure should take five to six days. Begin by adding a small amount of the prepared commercial hand-feeding formula to the day one formula (If using Kaytee Exact Hand-Feeding Formula as your commercial formula measure approximately 2-1/2 to 3 parts Ringers or sterile water to 1 part Exact. Follow directions for older baby on package. This prepared formula would be added, by measure, to the original Day One Formula you have been feeding the baby.) Use 1/4 to 1/2 of a measure (1cc syringe) of your prepared commercial formula of choice (Kaytee, Pretty Bird, Tropican, etc.) added to the Day-One Formula.This added amount of commercial formula should be enough for the first change over.

Slowly add the commercial formula mixture to the Day-One Formula a little more each day for the first week until the new baby is entirely on the commercial formula.(From day 5 –7 to weaning, the recommended proportion is 1 part Kaytee Exact formula to 1-1/2 to 2 parts water). No need to include the Day-one formula in the baby’s diet and use caution when changing over to the thicker more nutritious formula. Formula will be a nice pudding like consistency. Adding a little raw apple cider vinegar to the formula water can prove beneficial (a ratio of about 1 oz. per gallon of water or a drop or two per cup of formula). The crop should empty in a reasonable amount of time about every 4 hours or so.

Crop Slow to Empty?

There should be a gradual increase in crop emptying time between feedings. For example, if a three-day-old chick is taking over three hours to digest, and there is a noticeable difference from the previous crop digestion time. The baby may have a little indigestion or the formula may have been a little too thick. Carefully administering to a drop or two of warm Lactated Ringers every 15 to 30 minutes will often return digestion to normal. When the crop is empty, return to feeding a little thinner version of the original formula. The formula may be thinned slightly (you do not want the formula too watery) with a little papaya juice or a slurry of Lactated Ringers and powdered papaya. Papaya is a natural enzyme that when administered properly will help break down food particles and aid digestion. Remember, it is best to NEVER feed formula to a chick whose crop has not emptied or is slow to empty. A solution of papaya and Lactated Ringers will usually turn around persistant cases. Ringers helps in preventing or alleviating dehydration and supplies needed nutrition. This remedy may be used to treat slow crop at any age. Use this procedure as soon as condition is identified. Small amounts of the warmed solution, provided frequently, is the rule. Do not let the condition linger and remain untreated! Complications will develop and treatment will prove more difficult. This remedy will work if condition is not secondary to a bacterial or yeast infections. If that is the case you are only treating the symptoms not the cause. The condition will reoccur if the infection is left untreated.

The Formula

My hand-feeding formula of choice is Kaytee Exact. I find it easy to use and is accepted by most species from hatch through weaning. (Extra fat may be needed for some of the larger species. Add one tsp. of peanut, safflower, or sunflower cooking oil per cup of dry formula to supply the needed fat---for larger species only). I especially recommend Exact for those hand-feeding cockatiels, lovebirds and quaker parrots. I DO NOT recommend using homemade formulas or peanut butter additives. The potential for bacterial contamination in homemade formulas is considerably higher then in commercial formulas. Commercial, ready-to-use formulas are much safer to use then homemade varieties. Most ready-made, commercial formulas used properly will produce healthy chicks. The extrusion process used in preparing commercial hand-feeding diets kills harmful bacteria. Of course, it is essential that you read and follow the instructions provided with ready-made commercial formulas. Understanding and properly following the directions can mean the difference between success and failure in a hand-feeding endeaver. Always discard unused formula. Never use a microwave to heat formula and always use a thermometer to check temperature. It is best to use sterile water, hot filtered tap water or hot bottled water.

Weighing Baby

Although not absolutely necessary, weight data is helpful to monitor a chicks progress--- especially important if you are a novice. A healthy chick should gain weight every single day until he approaches weaning. To accurately check a chick’s weight he should be weighed using a high quality gram scale accurate to approximately ± 1 gram (0.1 is even better). Weigh at the same time every morning, on an empty crop. Keep accurate records of weights and observations. This data may be helpful in future studies. Of course, growth and development can be assessed visually but, if you are an inexperienced hand-feeder, this can be tricky. Eventually you will develop an "eye" and the ability to sense if something is just not right with a baby. Until you acquire this 'gift' won through knowledge and years of experience, it is better to purchase a good gram scale and compare data to established weight charts there by playing it safe. Monitoring weight gain and loss is the best way to identify a problem before it becomes visually obvious.

TROUBLESHOOTING POOR WEIGHT GAIN
---if problems are noted, consider:

· Formula too thin and contains too much liquid

· Formula is cut with additives such as baby foods, cereals, or juices---never add more then 20 %. (additions may mess up the formula’s nutritional balance).

· Improper or erratic feeding schedule

· Insufficient amount fed at each feeding

· Improper brooding or formula temperature

· Digestive or medical disorder that could be disease related

After the First Week…

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.) (See Maximum Crop Capacity of Selected Species in Implements; Method & Technique)It is best to allow the crop to become completely empty between feedings, but not absolutely necessary. Emptying of the crop prevents old formula from remaining in the crop for extended periods. This could breed bacteria and/or may cause fungus-based medical problems.

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

For Information on "Artificial Brooding" click here: Artificial Brooding...

Copyright © 2001 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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