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Hand-Feeding
There is nothing more special then watching a baby bird hatch. Then in a few weeks it will feather out. Soon to look like it's parent. It to me is more special when I am the one who is rearing the new baby.
People who hand raise birds each have their own system of doing it. But knowing the correct ways is very important.
You will learn from your mistakes, but it is best to have an experience breeder teach you. I have taught people one on one, and I have done large groups.
Borrowed Rainbow's Hand-Feeding Steps
Step 1. Wash your hands.(Before and after you feed the baby)
Step 2. Spread down a clean towel. Have your formula, spoon, cup, thermometer, and syringe ready.
Step 3. Mix the hand-feeding formula as instructed on the package. Make sure that the temputure of the food is between 105-107 degrees. If the food is not warm enough it may not digest correctly and could be fatal. If the food is too hot then it could burn the crop.
Step 4. Feed the baby from the left side of the beak to the right. There are two tubes in a bird's throat. One on the right goes to the crop. The one on the left goes to the air sacks. Get food in the air sack and the baby will choke to death.
Step 5. As you are feeding the baby, don't force the food. Let it take it as it wants it. Babies do chew and swallow, and they need to taste what they are being fed.
Step 6. After the baby's crop is full clean the excess food off its face and any where else it wore it. You don't want it picking at stale food on it's feathers, that could make it sick too. Never store unused formula, always make it fresh.
Please feel free to E-mail me if you have any questions or comments.
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Copyright Borrowed Rainbow 1997
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Last updated: September 13, 2004.