Everything is ok I think. I weighed Nemo this morning and he weighed 573 grams. He was born 8/31. I have had an awful time finding a chart for growth rates. Here is my question, the pet store told me to feed him 2 times a day first at 10 am(60cc) and 6pm (70cc). It's now 1:30 and his crop is empty....should I feed him?
Really need help!!!!
- Thread starter Sherry
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- Jun 29, 2012
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Sherry, I'm no expert at feeding baby Macaws. But I'm wondering if since his crop feels empty now whether he took enough during the last feeding? Hopefully someone with experience will chime in here fairly soon. I think you can feed him again right now to be on the safe side, though.
MeganMango
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- Oct 13, 2012
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Can you talk to the pet store about this? Assuming they know how to deal with it properly, if they gave you a baby bird that needs to be fed they should be available to assist in these situations. If not, maybe you should ask a vet or experienced breeder to teach you more about this? I know nothing about feeding babies, but there are breeders here on the forum.
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- #5
Ok this is the deal. I really like the people at the store. They are very kind people and have allowed me to come and feed Nemo for the past couple of weeks, BUT sometimes I wonder if they really know what they are talking about. That sounds arrogant but I don't mean it to. For instance they sold me my african grey. Love him! But the diet they told me to feed him was this stuff that looked like fruit loops and seeds. After acquiring rocky( CAG) I have learned that a proper diet consists of good quality pellets along with fresh veggies and fruits and to only feed seeds while training. Rocky is doing great, healthy as can be. What I am concerned about with Nemo is that they may have been trying to force wean him for the sale. I don't mind feeding him as many times as he needs me to I just want him to be happy and healthy. My vet appointment had to be delayed until the end of the following week so I was hoping to get some insight from the macaw owners on this forum as they seem to really know what they are talking about. I did go ahead and feed him (30cc). He seems very happy and is playing with his new toys. He is also trying out some fruit and those fruit loop bird food things from the store. I am really shocked at how hard it is to find a growth chart for B&G online. I wonder why?
JerseyWendy
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- Jul 20, 2012
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I'm sorry if I missed it. How old is Nemo again?
Do you have a scale? If not, GET ONE asap! At each feeding he should eat about 10% of his/her body weight.
If the crop emptied THAT quickly, he is hungry.
Do you have a scale? If not, GET ONE asap! At each feeding he should eat about 10% of his/her body weight.
If the crop emptied THAT quickly, he is hungry.
JerseyWendy
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Additionally, please use a thermometer when making his formula. The food has to be between 103-110 degrees. Any colder, and it can cause sour crop.
This is NOT directed at you, but I cringe lately when reading about so many handfeeding questions. It needs to be taught properly. Many things "can" go wrong, even if the temperature and consistency is right.
Sherry, every bird is different. If he was on 2 feedings while at the store, that doesn't mean he'll be at 2 feedings while he's with you. He's having a setback because he was taken out of his environment.
Weigh him first thing in the morning, before his first feeding. Try and keep a record of his weight, that way you know with certainty he's getting much needed nutrition.
What formula are you using? Macaws are VERY active birds, and even as babies you can add "baby food" under the formula, just a little bit, preferrably ORGANIC. Adding a bit of peanut butter is another idea..but just a tad bit.
This is NOT directed at you, but I cringe lately when reading about so many handfeeding questions. It needs to be taught properly. Many things "can" go wrong, even if the temperature and consistency is right.
Sherry, every bird is different. If he was on 2 feedings while at the store, that doesn't mean he'll be at 2 feedings while he's with you. He's having a setback because he was taken out of his environment.
Weigh him first thing in the morning, before his first feeding. Try and keep a record of his weight, that way you know with certainty he's getting much needed nutrition.
What formula are you using? Macaws are VERY active birds, and even as babies you can add "baby food" under the formula, just a little bit, preferrably ORGANIC. Adding a bit of peanut butter is another idea..but just a tad bit.
- Thread starter
- #9
I understand what your saying JerseyWendy. I do know about the temps, etc. I have a thermometer and all the tools. So you think his feeding is changed by the change in environment? So do you think I should continue with two feedings or should I add a third? Right now he's playing with/eating some fruit. I always have plenty of organic baby food here ( I have a daycare). As far as the baby food should I put it in a dish or mix it in with the parrot formula? He is eating Kaytee Exact.
JerseyWendy
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Perfect Sherry! SO relieved to hear you got all the right utensils. And I AM sorry for "going off". 
You can mix a bit of the baby food under the Kaytee formula. Try some yams, they usually love that taste. And the little bit of peanut butter will make him last a bit longer til the next feeding.
Yes, I did mean he may have a little setback because he's in a new environment. You ARE feeding him plenty as per his weight.
I'm SO happy to read that he is nibbling/trying food on his own. I was going to suggest that right after you feed him, give him some "mash" or "warm food" to try, because usually right after they were fed they have a good appetite for a while before they get their "nap" in
Most importantly....BREATHE...RELAX! Yes, you're a new mommy now, but it does sound like you know exactly what to do.
And I AM sorry for "going off". You can mix a bit of the baby food under the Kaytee formula.
Try some yams, they usually love that taste. And the little bit of peanut butter will make him last a bit longer til the next feeding.Yes, I did mean he may have a little setback because he's in a new environment. You ARE feeding him plenty as per his weight.
I'm SO happy to read that he is nibbling/trying food on his own. I was going to suggest that right after you feed him, give him some "mash" or "warm food" to try, because usually right after they were fed they have a good appetite for a while before they get their "nap" in
Most importantly....BREATHE...RELAX! Yes, you're a new mommy now, but it does sound like you know exactly what to do.
- Thread starter
- #11
Big hugs JersyWendy!!! Thanks so much for the feedback. I'm just a nervous nelly. As I told you I do daycare and am always around new moms and dads (human babies, haha) and I'm always like relax, don't worry. Now with Nemo I'm the one! Haha. Don't apologize for being concerned about people getting parrots and not knowing the proper info. It's amazing how little information is out there, or improper info. Again, thank you for your input and I will keep you informed of his (our) progress. Pics tonight
JerseyWendy
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Hugs right back atcha! I swear, I'm usually NEVER mean or anything like that. Again - my apologies.
...can't WAIT to see pictures!!!
...can't WAIT to see pictures!!!
willist
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- Sep 5, 2009
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Harlequin - Connie
Blue&Gold - Charly
I don't agree with the people at the store. He should not be fed on a time schedule , he should be fed when his crop is empty. So if it's 2 or 3 or 4 feedings a day that's what he needs. I've hand fed my CAG, my Goffins cockatoo and my GW Macaw. Also, for a baby Macaw you should add some coconut oil and some sunbutter to his formula. If your local supermarket doesn't have one or both any health food store will. Good luck.
JerseyWendy
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Sherry, how's Nemo doing? What's her weight now????
- Thread starter
- #16
He's been gaining weight like crazy! He weight in at 637 grams this morning. He still not up to what he should be according o his age, which has me a bit worried. The vet ( I'm seeing tomarrow) told me not to stress too much about it. He said a lot of times the pet stores don't have poper hatching dates and such. So far Nemo is very active, alert and very loving. I am pretty anxious to get him to the vet to make sure that he's doing ok though. I have sooooo many questions!!!! Hanks for checking on us.
JerseyWendy
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- Jul 20, 2012
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Great to hear he's gained so much weight! Remember, not all B&Gs are alike. Some are smaller than others, which says NOTHING about their health though
Nemo couldn't be in better hands now. Pretty please keep us updated. And good luck at the vet.
Remember, take it one day at a time. You sound SO happy with him.
Remember, not all B&Gs are alike. Some are smaller than others, which says NOTHING about their health though Nemo couldn't be in better hands now. Pretty please keep us updated. And good luck at the vet.
Remember, take it one day at a time. You sound SO happy with him.
- Oct 23, 2012
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- 2 Male Catalina Macaws~Roscoe & Angel, 1 Female Green Wing Macaw~Ruby Jewel, 1 Female Solomon Island Eclectus~Leyla Belle, 1 female Pineapple Green Cheek Conure~Peta, 8 Budgies
Warm oatmeal is very good as a comfort food for those in between feeding times also. I would finely chop apple or some other fruit my boys liked and I added finely ground pecans to the oatmeal to make it more nutritious. It works as a good night-night food just before going to bed after they start weaning from the formula. My boys are over a yr. old now & still enjoy their oatmeal snack occasionally. Roscoe will still give me the 'baby poof' feather head when I give him his oatmeal.
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