A birdie question

01-21-2007, 01:33 PM

Hey all I have a quick birdie question for you...
I brought home a new little plet yesterday. He is 3 1/2 months old. Scared senseless, being in a new home environement at all. Yesterday I didnt see him drink or eat anything- the ride home was 3 hours- so I offered him some Harrisons handfeeding formula and he took around 4 ccs.

According to the person I got him from, he has been weaned for at least 2 months. Since around 6 weeks of age. Would it be OK to keep offering him some handfeeding formula as a bonding/comfort thing, or would that cause him to regress? I have heard that some babies get so stressed they will regress back to handfeeding once in their new home.
This is my first baby, so I just want to make sure I am doing everything OK.

01-21-2007, 01:40 PM

I don't have an answer to your question, but I'm someone will give you one.......But I'd love to see some pics...I love those little pieces of bird....oh and congrats!

01-21-2007, 02:03 PM

He is just a scrap of a bird, LOL. I can't wait until he gets his adult plummage!

01-21-2007, 02:07 PM

I don't think a bit of handfeeding formula will hurt at all. I've done it many times with babies I get at the store. I think sometimes they stress out and just need a little extra comfort.

01-21-2007, 02:13 PM

How long and often do you think I should offer it? I offered it this morning and he took about 2 CC's, and I was going to offer him a bit tonight..
should I just offer until he rejects it? All I am doing is putting the syringe by his beak and dribbling the formula slowly and he laps it right up.

01-21-2007, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie's Mom

I don't think a bit of handfeeding formula will hurt at all. I've done it many times with babies I get at the store. I think sometimes they stress out and just need a little extra comfort.

I agree with the comfort feeding for a few days to get the little guy used to his surroundings. Make sure you are using fresh formula and do not over heat. A microwave will leave hots spots in the formula, you don't want that.

Gary

01-21-2007, 02:22 PM

Do you notice if he is eating any of his food after the handfeeding? Sometimes a little handfeeding formula in the morning kind of "jump starts" their appetite and gets them eating on their own. I would keep offering a small amount in the morning (2cc sounds fine) and if he's not eating during the day, I would offer some at night before bedtime. Don't want the little one going to bed hungry.

01-21-2007, 02:23 PM

Thanks Gary. I am using Harrisons handfeeding formula, stored in the fridge. He gets a fresh batch each time, and I use hot water, and test with a digital thermometer.

01-21-2007, 02:23 PM

I noticed about 2 bites of millet today, thats it. No hulls in his main food dish, and very little in the tray. Last night when he got his formula he got very sleepy LOL

01-21-2007, 03:23 PM

Keep giving him the formula for as long as he likes. My Belle (CAG) took comfort feedings up until she was 18 months old. I still give her a handfeeding once in awhile. This way if I ever have to give her meds I can put it in the formula and she will snarf it down

There are some nights now and then where she just does not want to settle down. So, we do a couple of syringes of warm formula and Miss Thing settles right down for the night. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!