The majority of companion bird species are “altricial,” meaning that chicks that have just hatched lack feathers, have closed eyes, and have restricted mobility. The survival of these infants depends on parental care, unlike that of the “precocial” species, which become independent after birth or hatching.
Baby birds should, whenever feasible, be raised by their parents throughout their first two to three weeks of life when they need up to hourly feedings, a diet rich in healthy bacteria, and socialisation. When a chick has been abandoned, rejected, ignored, or harmed by a sibling or parent, hand-rearing is necessary.
These tips are designed to help people raise companion parrots and passerines by hand. Please take note that only trained and certified wildlife caretakers should hand-raise wildlife.
The skill of Hand Rearing birds
The majority of bird owners find hand feeding a rewarding and quite an intimate activity. Gaining the trust of your pet bird, and instilling the value of patience, dedication and discipline are the key elements to forming a meaningful relationship with your bird. With trust and dedication, comes a myriad of benefits such as a close bond that allows for hand feeding.
Many breeders raise chicks by hand from the moment they hatch, however it is generally advised that first-time bird owners let the parents care for the young bird for two to three weeks before taking over. Their eyes would just be beginning to open around three weeks, and some feathers should start to show. From this point on, owners and their young birds can start to develop their unique bond through caring and care.
Four tips to consider when hand-feeding birds:
- Heat: Make sure that the bird food you are providing matches the required temperature of your chick. When a young chick is born the internal temperature of the chick is between 33 to 37 degrees and matching the food according to that would be ideal. When they leave their early gestation period, the beaks and feathers keep them warm and hot food is not ideal.
- Diet: It is crucial to provide your chicks with an apt formula. The food that has been provided to the chick has to be full of nutrients and vital vitamins so that it can aid in the sustenance of the bird. We highly recommend Vetafarm Neo care for its right absorption and optimal health and growth in your chicks. Key features of Veta farm are Extrusion cooked for safety and increased digestibility. Contains Probiotic to promote healthy gut flora. Contains Pre-digestives to increase gut efficiency and ensure maximum absorption of nutrients. Scientifically balanced to ensure precise nutrition in baby birds. Contains all necessary vitamins, minerals, calcium and amino acids for growing bones, organ function and strong feather development.
- Technique: There is a certain way to get the most out of your hand-feeding formula. Make sure to never force your bird to consume food. Do not clump your palm and make sure it’s easier for the bird to find food from your hands.
- Hygiene: It is crucial to keep everything clean and hygienic so that we can curb germs and bacteria and lead to unwanted diseases, weigh-gain, vomiting etc. It is always a great idea to keep the veterinarian away.
Head on over to Dave’s Pet and Garden Supplies to get the best food for your little birds.