How to Handfeed Baby Parrots

Baby parrots destined for the pet market are usually pulled from the nest and handfed. Usually, they are not sold to pet owners until they have completely weaned, but some exceptions exist. As a pet owner, you may need to handfeed a young parrot if you purchased one unweaned, or if the bird has temporarily stopped eating on its own due to the stress of changing homes. If possible, ask a breeder or avian veterinarian to demonstrate proper handfeeding technique in person.

Things You'll Need

  • Handfeeding formula
  • Hot water
  • Small microwaveable bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Towel
  • Syringe, preferably O-ring
  • Soft cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use hot tap water to mix the handfeeding formula in the small bowl, according to the directions on the package. It should be the consistency of thick applesauce or pudding. If it is significantly thicker or thinner than this, add additional formula mix or water to reach the correct consistency.

    • 2

      Check the formula's temperature. You are aiming for the 105 to 110 degree range. If it is hotter than this, you will need to let it cool down, stirring frequently and retesting the temperature in the center of the bowl.

    • 3

      If the formula is not warm enough, heat it for a few seconds at a time in a microwave until it reaches the correct temperature. Always stir very thoroughly before testing the temperature, as microwaves heat formula unevenly. Allow the formula to cool to 105 to 110 degrees if it is any hotter than this.

    • 4

      Fill the large bowl with hot tap water and place the smaller bowl inside, but not submerged. This will help the formula remain warm while you are feeding the baby parrot.

    • 5

      Fill the syringe by sucking up formula through the tip. Try to avoid getting air inside. Pay attention to the amount of formula in the syringe by observing the CC markings on the side of the syringe.

    • 6

      Place the baby parrot on the towel and support its body gently using your left hand, while holding the syringe in your right. This will help to prevent the bird from moving around too much while you are feeding it, which could make it difficult to feed.

    • 7

      Place the tip of the syringe in the parrot's beak, aimed slightly towards your left as the bird is facing you. Depress the plunger partially, very slowly and steadily. Do not attempt to feed the contents of the entire syringe at once. Feed a small amount and let the bird swallow before continuing.

    • 8

      Continue to feed in this manner until the crop is full or the baby parrot refuses to continue eating. The crop is located on the front of the bird's neck and when full is quite rounded but not so taut that it appears to be stretching the skin. Depending on the age of the bird you are feeding, the crop may be covered with feathers. If it is, you should be able to feel it through the feathers easily.

    • 9

      Once the crop is full, you should take note of the amount (in CCs) that the young parrot ate. This information can be very useful to a veterinarian or aviculturist if you encounter problems with weight gain or feeding your baby parrot. If a large amount of formula spilled on the bird while you were feeding it, try to estimate how much formula was actually consumed.

    • 10

      Clean spilled formula off the bird gently, using a soft cloth dipped in warm water and wrung out. Avoid getting the parrot soaking wet, but be sure to clean off every bit of spilled formula. When dried, baby bird formula resembles concrete and is very difficult to remove.

    • 11

      Clean all equipment used to feed the bird, including the syringe using soap and very hot water. It is important, especially when cleaning the syringe, that you are very thorough. Particles of formula left in the syringe easily grow mold and bacteria and can cause serious infections in young birds.