Which hand-feeding formula / pelleted diet for my blue-fronted Amazon chick?

I am putting together my nursery and a major decision is which hand-feeding formula. I used Pretty Bird twenty years ago, but I'm sure things have changed. I've seen good things written about Harrison's, Roudybush and Zupreem.

Input most welcome.

I use exact hand feeding formula by Kaytee. The reason is simple; it's available locally. I actually PREFER Tropican but when something goes wrong and I have to throw out a batch, it's really helpful to know I can trot on down to my local pet store and pick up a small container of the same stuff my babies have been on.

For pellets I use Roudybush lifetime and I order it on 20lb bags.


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I also used Kaytee Exact Hand feeding formula for my cockatiel chicks last May, worked great! And it's nice because it's readily available.

SilverSage said:

I use exact hand feeding formula by Kaytee. The reason is simple; it's available locally. I actually PREFER Tropican but when something goes wrong and I have to throw out a batch, it's really helpful to know I can trot on down to my local pet store and pick up a small container of the same stuff my babies have been on.

For pellets I use Roudybush lifetime and I order it on 20lb bags.


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I thought of this when I was in PetSmart the other day; however, I've read bad things about the product. Since I only have one baby, perhaps I should load up on my preferred product just in case. Also, I plan to ask the little one's breeder which brand he uses. I might be able to get some from him in a pinch.

Having enough formula is doubly important for me because I live in a rural area. Just to give you an idea of how sparsely populated this area is: The mother of the young man who waited on me bought a baby CAG from me about over 20 years ago. I still remembered the kid because he has an unusual name. Everywhere I go I see someone I know in one way or another.

I will take your suggestion under advisement. In a real pinch, someone could make a trip to a city in the valley or we could let the chick's crop empty and use the Kaytee Exact. Yes, this is not recommended, but it's better than not feeding at all. If I get another brand, I will have at least one extra bag on hand at all times, preferably two.

Thanks for your input.

I was thinking of trying more than one brand of pellet and one of them will be Roudybush based on suggestions. That way the chick can choose with brand(s) to try.

The effect our birds have on our lives is profound. When I allowed myself to think about the possibility my Gabby bird might not outlive me, I believed I would never be owned by another parrot. It turns out I'm not a dog or a cat person. I'm a parrot person through and through.

What negative things have you heard? I've used this brand for years as have many of my friends with absolutely no issues whatsoever.


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SilverSage said:

What negative things have you heard? I've used this brand for years as have many of my friends with absolutely no issues whatsoever.


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Actually, right here, three different people: http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/14455-best-hand-feeding-formula.html



I asked the breeder what he uses. He uses Chick Starter, Kaytee Exact and Pretty Bird hand-feeding formula mixed together, just in case there's a bad batch. To me, that makes a helluva lot of sense. Back in my breeding days, a really good breeder and friend of mine lost a clutch of blue and gold macaws to vitamin D toxicity due to using a single formula. I won't state the name of the hand-feeding formula because that was over twenty years ago.

I'm thinking of going with the breeder's combo. He's been doing this for thirty years or more and has a lot of experience. That can be both good and bad. You get really good at doing something a certain way, but you also get into a rut and may not be open to new suggestions.

I just need to ask how much water to add.

Very interesting. I've used it for years and love it; never once have I had a clumping issue; makes me wonder how the formula was being stored and how old it was. It's also the brand that was recommended by my vet, but just like with dog food different vets give different recommendations.

However of course you can't use anything you already have misgivings about.


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