Hand raising 3 week old sun conure

Hi I'm new to the forums. I have always wanted a sun conure and the chance to hand raise. This chance has finally come where I can but since I have never done this with a bird before I would like someone to talk to about this. Also If there is someone who I can 'call' on for some questions I might have along the way. I love birds (well all animals) but I'd appreciate any help, advice and or experience about this. Thank you and I look forward to your replies =)

Hi, I'm a newbie to this forum as well. I have a baby sun conure that is 29 days today. I have experience with birds and was a vet tech for many years. BUT raising a baby bird is HARD!! Your entire day and night has to be planned around the feeding and care of your baby.

The biggest risk is with the hand feeding. There are several important factors:
1. Temperature- needs to be 104-106 degrees. If too hot you can cause severe crop burn and too cold can cause a slow digestion or the baby won't eat.
2. Method- aspiration is a HUGE risk if you don't know what your doing. The only way to learn to avoid this, is in person, with a knowledgable hand feeder.
3. Amount- too much can cause strain on the crop. The crop needs to empty properly at least every 24 hours, some say between every feeding. But you don't want it empty for too long or the baby can start to lose weight and nutrients.
4. Type of forumla and consistancy- a high quality bird hand feeding formula and it need to be prepared properly and the thickness should be dictated on the birds age. Again too thick it could set up in the crop and not drain properly and too thin, the baby doesn't get the nutrients they need.

Of course a 3 week old baby can't maintain their body heat, so you have to provide the heat for them. Experienced breeders use brooders, some use heat pad or light bulbs. At 3 weeks they need to be at 81-85 degrees.

I know I haven't touched on everything. There is so much I have learned over the years and I still feel like I am not an "experienced" hand raiser. So my advice is to allow the breeder to raise this baby and you adopt when the baby is completely weaned and ready to start a wonderful life with you!

By hand raising your own baby does not mean they will be your baby for life! I've been raising birds for years and I've had babies that leaves me the moment they see someone they prefer to be with. Like this past Monday, the new family came in and my baby was on me but he went to the lady and will not step up for me or come to me. He wanted back to her if I take him. I raised him and trained him myself.

Other important stuffs have been mentioned above about the importance of temperature and all so I won't rehash that part. Think twice before you dive in!!!