"Bent" hatchling

[bostjan]

We didn't give any probiotics or anything like that to the birds? Is that recommended? I didn't come across anything when doing research.

I thought I had a conure growth chart in my favourites, but now I can't find it. The babies have only been gaining 1-2g per day, and they hatch at about 4g.

Anyway, the big update is that the babies were all standing up on their own this morning, just like everything was normal, except that the bird who had been laying on her side was a little less energetic than the others. A couple hours later, the older baby was curled up again, but seemed to be doing a little better than yesterday.

We are feeding every two hours around the clock and also giving a little extra water. I don't know what else to do to assist in growth, since their crops are getting filled as soon as they empty. Their crops are so small, they only hold about 1 mL of formula or a tiny bit more. Since it's impossible to make just 4-5 mL of formula, most of the formula is getting wasted.

Do you think my expectations of growth and development are too high? My wife said that she read that their growth is slower before they open their eyes.

I've found a lot of information about cockatiels, but gcc's are smaller birds from a different part of the world.

 

[MomtoPercy]

I know nothing about breeding or hatchlings but I just wanted to wish that poor baby the best!! Good luck and bless you for trying with him.

 

[MikeyTN]

Not probiotics, good bacteria to start their digestive system. Yogurt would be something you would start from the beginning. They usually gets it from their parents when they get fed but since you've removed them for incubation you should start with the bacteria. It's not hard to make 4-5ml of formula really, I do it all the time. In your incubation chamber, is it self turning? Since you've never raised before how were you guys sure they abandoned the chicks?

 

[crimson]

this was frustrating....your right there is not much info on feeding hatchling conures....but I did find this.....now I haven't read it all, but I thought it might help, particularly with the pedialyte/formula mix.

The Green Cheek Conure Homepage

 

[bostjan]

Just an update: The chick is doing okay. His weight is still quite lower than the other chicks, but he seems to be developing as usual, otherwise. He's getting full pin feathers now, and his eyes are open. He can stand up straight, but not as easy as the other birds. His metabolism is still slower than his siblings, but he's eating. We would like to feed him more, so that he could have a chance to catch up, but his crop just isn't emptying as fast as the others.

He'll be three weeks old tomorrow, and he weighs 34 g, which is less than his two next youngest siblings, and not much more than the eldest brother from the next clutch, who is 28 g at 10 days.

 

[bostjan]

Three weeks today, and he's broke 40 g. Still he's smaller than his siblings, but I charted his growth and he's showing signs of catching up with the others. I really wish I had a good growth curve showing how much they shoud weigh day by day. I *think* that a three week old GCC should weigh at least 50 g. The little guy barely grew in his first week, and hatched a half gram underweight, so he was staring out about 8 days or so behind, but at 40 g, I think he's only 4-5 days behind…is that right?

 

[bostjan]

Here he is as of 30 minutes ago.

 

[Nakiska]

Oh I am sooo happy that you posted a current picture. I was wondering how this little guy has been doing and couldn't wait to get off work to to see if there was any update...and sure enough...here one was...so THANK YOU!

I have no advice, I've never hatched anything...but OMG!! Look at this little guy!!! He's adorable!!!! Right now he reminds me of that one old dinosaur on that old movie/cartoon called Dinosaurs...I'll have to dig it out and watch it again, because I can't remember her name.

Anyway, you are obviously doing a fantastic job rearing this little guy. Keep the updates coming!

Toni

 

[HisAngel]

So cute! No advice or knowledge but thank you for giving him a chance! Hes freaking adorable, I hope he continues to do so well!