Slightly concerned

[Chunky]

Ok, so I have two ten week old conures only part weaned I am keeping one and the other will be sold. Long story, I won't bore you with details, but I'm scared. After having them just two days, I have no clue whether they are getting enough food. I am giving them egg food four times a day. That's what they were getting before I got them. Trouble is, they are only getting about half a teaspoon each before the refuse any more and fly off. They do peck at the tray of cockatiel seed mix, but won't accept any fruit. They were eating apple, but not since I got them.
On top of this, they are using up a lot of energy trying to constantly escape their new cage. Neither likes it and they don't sit still until either I let them out or, I cover the cage. Because of this they often look exhausted.

 

[Birdman666]

Are you weighing them? Are they losing weight? That's how you can tell if they're getting enough food or not. If you're not monitoring weight and intake, you are taking their lives in your hand and just blindly rolling the dice.

Egg?! Just egg?

They aren't getting any hand feeding formula, on a bent spoon? And make sure you wash the spoon really good each time. Or warm oatmeal works just about as well... Try that, only make sure you test it to make sure it isn't too hot, or you will burn their crops.

Have you hand fed a bird before? What is your experience level?

 

[Chunky]

Oooops sorry, I meant they are having hand rearing formula. My mistake. No, I haven't weighed them yet. As I said, I've only had them two days and it was an emergency situation that led them to coming to me.mi am a wheelchair user and have to rely on others to get me to shops etc. I don't have scales here, but will get some online tonight.
I have only hand reared one bird, a cockatiel, over 20yrs ago. I was very proud I manages to raise it to adulthood.

 

[Dopey]

Thank you for taking them in and trying.

 

[Birdman666]

Yeah, if their crops are filling, and emptying, and they are gaining weight, then they are fine.

If the crops aren't emptying, or smell funny, or the droppings smell funny, then you need vet care.

That's how you track it.

You might try pellets or bird bread soaked in fruit juice as well.
Introduce them to a variety of new foods if they are starting to wean...

 

[Birdman666]

Oooops sorry, I meant they are having hand rearing formula. My mistake.

Thank you god! For a moment there the hair on the back of my neck stood up...

You'd be surprised what some inexperienced people attempt to feed baby birds...

We get things around here from time to time that are a tad upsetting.

 

[Chunky]

LOL, I know I can imagine the stories. It's definitely specialist hand rearing food. I said egg food as I was reading online about it before I posted. It's the dementia you know hehe. (Not really)
Things are looking up. I just managed five spoons for Chunky and three with his brother/sister.mi think I'm just panicking a bit as I've only just started. Chunky was sitting on my chest with his wings drooped which I know isn't a good sign, but after his meal he's flying around the room like a lunatic.
Thank you so much for your advice. I feel like someone is holding my hand and helping me.

I'm thinking I might mash up some grape and Apple and mix it with the baby food to see if they will take it.

 

[Chunky]

Oh! Another question. Is it ok to make a daily batch of formula to store in the fridge and warm in microwave, or do you have to make it fresh each time?

 

[Birdman666]

I always made it fresh each time. Just make small batches. If it gets contaminated, or grows bacteria, you get crop infections and/or the bird dies. It's just not worth the risk.

The baby food item that seems to work is mashed sweet potato. I've never seen that one refused. And I just zap a tiny bit of that in the microwave for about ten seconds, and then check for hot spots.

And actually, most fruit is just sugar anyway, so this is better for them.

 

[Chunky]

Ok. My problem is my husband doesn't leave work until late. He won't be pleased. I've emailed him with a birdie shopping list to get on the way home.
I tried banana this morning, but neither showed any interest.