As Arty (Broken Wing) stated and as it says on the bag of formula (I believe), there is no need to add anything to the formula. Totally unnecessary IMO and might even upset the balance of vitamins/nutrients contained there-in? I agree though that a lil flavoring might help the taste of the Kaytee or any formula (try it in your own mouth and see - not that bad - lol).

I dont breed but have had to use formula on sick birds. I've used Harrisons and Kaytee exact and truth be told I prefer the Kaytee... Harrisons thickens up before you can turn around, and its thistoxic waste green color (lol) so when feeding it gets everywhere and is a mess to clean up. Kaytee was much easier to handle all around.

LOL Emily.... That color of Harrisons truly does have a lot to be desired.

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Correct me if I am wrong, but human baby food has iron added, along with preservatives and other stuff I cant think of right now. Handfeeding formula is properly balanced with everything the growing chick needs, so adding additional supplements is unnecessary, and could prove harmful. Unless absolutely necessary, I don't add anything until the baby is quite older (like veggies and fruit). Instant Ounces is something I do use for a compromised baby.

Anyone else have thoughts on this? I am a bit fuzzy headed this morning and can't think all that clearly.

I'm not a breeder, but have used Exact, and Harrisons. My vet had suggested harrisons since something was high in Sydney, my baby grey at his well birdy visit, and it was thought to come from his handfeeding formula, and a reaction to greys...(dont quote me, its been an extremely long day here, and going on memories 4 yrs ago)
I have also used baby foods for adult birds who would not eat. Eating something is better then nothing.
there is an article in this months Bird Talk in regards to adding human baby foods to handfeeding formulas. I did not get a chance to read it yet.

I did read on the bag of Exact and it does say you can add strained baby food.
I do know my babies take to the freash stuff really easy.. and I don't know if it is because the have had those tastes already in the formula.
I am going to have to look up that bird talk article

I believe the statement on the container of Exact says that strained baby foods may be added to the "diet" (not to exceed 20% of total diet). Not super clear what exactly they mean by that statement, as it does not say it can or should be "mixed into" the formula specifically? My guess is that they mean one can use the strained baby food mixture in place of a feeding here and there - if one is so inclined? I personally see no need to do that as the formula is complete nutrition and has all the vitamins & minerals necessary (in it already). Doing so may make the human feeder feel better but doubt the baby bird could care less? .... JMO.

LOL..... True...True...

We use Zupreem Embrace at the store. I like the consistency a lot better than the Kaytee Exact which appears more "grainy" for lack of a better description. We don't add anything to the formula although the babies do get Avian Trio with their lunchtime fresh foods. We used to add organic baby food to the formula, but since there was so much controversy about it, we stopped doing that.

I thought this was interesting...

http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-maga...ing-myths.aspx