Hand feeding quaker?

[Heina]

I have a baby quaker, not too sure on the age, but I have to hand feed him. He's only eating small amounts, I'm thinking the syringe may be too big, but could there be other reasons? I just got him today, is he adjusting? I have him in a warm area (60watt heat lamp, it's warm, but not hot) and I made sure the formula was between 100-105. Any tips? It's not my first parrot, but first hand feeding and I REALLY want this to go right.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Oi! Hand-feeding is truly never recommended with someone who isn't experienced with it. There are just so many things that can go wrong.

How old is the Quaker approximately, is he feathered yet? I know you said you didn't know his age, so photos could be helpful.
http://www.parrotforums.com/technical-support/6287-how-post-pictures.html

Why are you using a heat lamp? They can be quite dangerous!!

https://theparrotuniversity.com/arthandfeeding2

 

[Heina]

I read I was supposed to, that they can get too cold. It's really cold where I'm at still. It's not hot, should I take out off?
He started eating a good amount this morning, about 10ccs!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Oh-my-gosh! :11: That's a wee young one!

Why would the breeder ever sell an unweaned bird? Not to mention such a super young baby. This is not directed toward you, Heina, but to the person who sold/gave you this baby. Unbelievable!

You need to get an accurate gram scale and weigh baby first thing on empty crop each and every morning. Write the weight down, so you can compare, and ensure he is growing and thriving. He 'should' be fed about 10% of his body weight at each feeding, no less than 3 times a day (at this age I'd personally feed 4 times), always making sure the crop has emptied properly before feeding again.

Good luck!

 

[Heina]

I've heard of the crop, can you tell me where its at on the bird?

 

[Doublete]

Oh my. You should take the baby back to the breeder and ask them to get it closer to weaning and at the very least SHOW you everything you need to know.

 

[Kae]

On the chest, stomach area, very obvious if you look for it. You should be able to see that when you feed your bird his crop will grow larger.

 

[RavensGryf]

Look at this for your questions on the CROP: http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/1/16/1655cbe6_WhatIsACrop.jpeg

As Wendy said, we're not attacking you, because you didn't know, but it is a DISGUSTING practice to sell unweaned baby exotic birds to people inexperienced in hand feeding. Especially that it's THIS young. It's not like handfeeding a mammal, and there is a lot of risk.

If the individual you got this baby from won't take it back to finish the job that they should be doing... I'd scour the internet for as many articles on handfeeding as you can find. Also, just as importantly, do research on things that can go wrong when handfeeding a chick. Good luck!

 

[Terry57]

Do you have an avian vet in your area? If the breeder won't take the baby back, perhaps they could help you with the handfeeding?

 

[Heina]

Thank you all soooo much, I'll keep you guys updated! And I will look for an avian vet!

 

[Doublete]

Were you able to contact the breeder as well?