Hand-rearing parrots entails raising young birds from the moment they hatch until they attain independence. This practice involves offering the birds food, water, and a suitable habitat, as well as handling and socializing them regularly. Hand-rearing parrots can be a fulfilling experience as it enables you to form a close connection with your birds, making them more manageable to train and socialize.
It is crucial to be mindful of the time and effort that hand-rearing parrots necessitates and to possess knowledge on the appropriate care and handling of these birds. This includes offering a suitable diet, regulating the temperature in their brooder, and providing necessary medical attention. With appropriate care and attention, hand-reared parrots can flourish and grow into friendly, social, and affectionate pets.
Here is a set of general guidelines for feeding young birds:
- Follow a feeding schedule. Baby birds should be fed every 2-4 hours, depending on their age and size.
- Use a suitable feeding formula. There are a variety of commercial formulas available specifically designed for baby parrots. It is important to choose a high-quality formula and to follow the recommended mixing and feeding instructions.
- Use a suitable feeding tool. A small spoon or eyedropper can be used to feed baby parrots. Some people also use a syringe without the needle to feed their babies.
- Monitor weight gain. Weigh your baby birds at the beginning of each daily feed. This will allow you to identify if the bird is gaining a healthy amount of weight.
- Create a fresh supply of food each feed. It is very important to create a fresh supply of feeding formula for every feed and as per the manufacturers instructions. This ensures that harmful bacteria doesn’t build up in old food.
- Monitor food intake. Keep track of how much food the baby parrot is eating and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is receiving enough nutrition.
- Be careful not to overfeed. It is important to avoid overfeeding baby parrots, as this can lead to digestive problems and obesity.
- Gradually transition to solid foods. As the baby parrot grows and becomes more independent, it can be gradually introduced to solid foods, such as chopped fruits and vegetables and a small amount of seeds (millet or soak seeds).
- Provide a constant supply of fresh water. Baby birds should have access to clean, fresh water at all times during the weaning stage.
It is also important to consult with a veterinarian or an experienced avian breeder for specific feeding recommendations, as the nutritional needs of baby parrots can vary depending on the species and individual circumstances.
Brooder Temperature
The ideal temperature for a baby parrot’s brooder varies based on the species of the bird being raised. As a general rule, the temperature of the brooder should be maintained at approximately 35-40 degrees Celsius during the first week and then gradually decrease by 2 degrees each week until reaching a range of 24-27 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitoring the temperature closely and making necessary adjustments is crucial to ensure the comfort and well-being of the baby birds, avoiding conditions that are too hot or too cold. Additionally, having an adjustable heat source such as a heat lamp or ceramic heater can help maintain the appropriate temperature.
Here is a useful guide to maintain the optimal temperature:
| Age (Days) |
Temperature |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | 36°C (97°F) |
| 6-10 | 33°C (91°F) |
| 11-15 | 29.5°C (85°F) |
| 16-25 | 27°C (80°F) |
Feeding Schedule
Baby birds have a small stomach and a high metabolism, which requires them to eat frequently in small portions to receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Establishing a feeding schedule is crucial to ensure that the baby birds receive a consistent supply of food, preventing the issues of over or underfeeding.
Moreover, having a feeding schedule not only provides regular sustenance but also creates a routine for the young parrots and makes it easier for their caregivers to provide proper care.
Here is a recommended starting point for a feeding schedule:
| Age (Days) | Feeding Times | Feeding Amounts |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Every 2 Hours |
1 - 2 mL |
| 5-7 | Every 3 Hours | 2 - 3 mL |
| 8-14 | 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 11:00 PM | 4 - 6 mL |
| 15-24 | 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM | 7 - 10 mL |
| 25-34 | 7:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM | 11 - 15 mL |
| 35-44 |
7:00 AM, 7:00 PM. (12 Hourly) | 11 - 15 mL |
| 45 - Weaning | 7:00 PM. (24 Hourly) | 11 - 15 mL |
Feeding Chart
Monitoring the progression of the baby bird is essential. One useful tool to do this is a feeding chart, which enables you to record the date, weight, quantity of food consumed, and any relevant comments. The feeding chart will provide you with a visual representation of the feeding history, allowing you to evaluate the bird’s growth and identify any potential problems or irregularities.
To obtain accurate and consistent results, it’s advisable to weigh the baby bird at the same time every day, for instance, before the first feeding.
You can download our recommended feeding chart PDF below.
