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Post by crazybirdlady on Apr 28, 2015 7:52:26 GMT -5
I just bought a sweet pallid blue Quaker baby on Saturday. I have owned birds in the past, including a Quaker, but never hand raised one myself. The breeder told me she prefers to send the babies home between 3 and 4 weeks old so that they bond quicker to the new owners. She seemed very knowledgeable and taught me how to feed,etc. My baby was 3 weeks, 2 days old when I brought it home. It will be 4 weeks old on Thursday. Here is my question... the breeder uses Kaytee Exact Macaw formula and told me to give 12 to 13 cc three times a day, at 7am, 1pm, and 8pm. I mix the formula to the consistency of pancake batter. This baby seems satisfied after the feedings, but 3 times a day doesn't cut it. I've been feeding 4 times a day since I brought it home, because by 5 or 6pm, it has an empty crop and acts like it is very hungry. Then I will feed it again around 11pm. Am I doing the right thing? Oh, one thing i question is the breeder told me I don't need to increase the amount of formula at a feeding as baby grows. That didn't sound right to me. Also, I have gotten so much conflicting info on the net and from her on the temperature the formula needs to be. She said 100 degrees. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Post by easttex on Apr 28, 2015 10:00:31 GMT -5
I've never raised a baby Quaker, but some of the information you need is here, on the main site: www.quakerparrots.com/handfeeding/handfeeding-parrots-about-the-crop/The recommendation I've seen most often on temp is 105 to 107. That is for African greys, and I don't think it would be different for Quakers. 100 would seem to be the bare minimum. Of course, you don't want to vary things too much from what the breeder was doing, since that can put the baby off the food. Another thing that people differ on is the frequency. Personally, I think a set schedule is more a convenience for the breeder, while also allowing you to keep track of how much you are feeding. If your baby is begging and the crop is empty, I would feed it, as you are doing, even if just a little. It's parents certainly would. I can see your concern on the amount. I would go back and ask her for clarification on that. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding? If you're still uncomfortable with what she tells you, I would find an avian vet. You're going to need one anyway, but that's where you can get the best advice, and they might be willing to help you over the phone. |
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Post by aaron on Apr 28, 2015 12:54:10 GMT -5
Welcome to you and your new little one! I am personally not very knowledgeable about raising baby birds, but just wanted to say hi and greetings!
Everyone here will be more than happy to help with any quesions you might have!
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Post by crazybirdlady on Apr 28, 2015 19:17:34 GMT -5
Thanks, guys! Today, I did find an Avian vet, although the closest one is 2 hours away. I called them, but they never got back to me. The secretary took my questions but never called back. But after doing more research and calling the Kaytee company, I decided maybe I was also mixing the formula too thin. They also said that at this point i can start to offer tiny pieces of soft veggies and soaked pellets. So next feeding, I went a little thicker on the formula, not too much but some. And I gave 15 cc instead of 12 or 13. Afterwards, offered the food. He didn't really care for the pieces of cooked carrots, but loved the soaked pellets and ate about 4! :-) That feeding was 3 hours ago and he seems much more satisfied..
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Post by crazybirdlady on Apr 28, 2015 19:18:49 GMT -5
Oh, and I finally decided on a name today. He is now known as ...drumroll, please...McGyver!!!! :-)
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Post by cnyguy on Apr 28, 2015 20:25:34 GMT -5
Welcome to you and little McGyver!  I'm inexperienced too with handfeeding and with baby parrots as young as McGyver, and unfortunately, have no good advice to offer. |
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Post by rickygonzalez on Apr 28, 2015 23:33:04 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. Mcgyver, love it!!! Very appropriate for a quaker. Keep us posted on your progress, and of course if you have any other questions please let us know.
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Post by biteybird on Apr 29, 2015 2:39:51 GMT -5
Hi, crazybirdlady and McGyver & welcome! I echo Ricky - that's an excellent name for a quaker. I have never weaned a bird myself but it sounds like you're doing fine. |
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Post by easttex on Apr 29, 2015 4:49:19 GMT -5
I think you both have great names. I'm glad you got it all sussed out. I would never have thought to call the food maker - that was very smart. If you have any pictures of your baby, I'm sure we'd all love to see them. |
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Post by aaron on Apr 29, 2015 10:27:24 GMT -5
McGyver is a great name!! Glad you seem to have figured things out with the feeding. Good stuff!
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Post by julianna on Apr 30, 2015 15:37:36 GMT -5
Welcome crazybirdlady and McGyver... it must be thrilling to have such a sweet little baby to care for. You have gained access to a wonderful site and the folks on here are very knowledgeable about quakers (and lots of other animals too)... so I hope you find the site helpful.
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I'm inexperienced too with handfeeding and with baby parrots as young as McGyver, and unfortunately, have no good advice to offer. 
