How to Syringe-Feed Parrots

A well-fed baby bird should grow up healthy and strong. Hand-feeding your baby parrot will enhance the bond between you and your pet, while also giving you full control over the animal's nutrition. Using a syringe to feed a baby parrot provides great control to prevent spillage and overeating. Learn how to feed your baby parrot with a syringe to ensure your bird is well nourished.

Things You'll Need

  • Syringe
  • Parrot baby food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Heat the liquid formula to 102 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, then fill the syringe by pressing the plunger down, submerging the tip in the liquid, then pulling the plunger up. You will feed the bird until it is no longer hungry, so the level to which you fill the syringe isn't important.

    • 2

      Feel the bird's crop to check that it is empty. It is a bag of skin located above the breastbone on the front of the animal. Touch it with your fingers to see that it is flaccid and empty (like a deflated balloon). If the crop is taut or full, do not feed the bird until it is emptied. The crop is a food-storage mechanism, and should be considered when feeding your baby bird.

    • 3

      Hold the syringe from your right side, pointing the end of it to your left. Touch the tip of the syringe to the bird's beak, wedge it slightly between the upper and lower portion of the beak, then press down on the plunger to squeeze a small amount into its mouth.

    • 4

      Wait a moment while the bird swallows the food and breathes. A bird's windpipe is blocked while feeding, so give it time to breathe with every bit of food. Continue to feed the bird until it no longer takes any food. Check the crop with your fingers to see if it is tight and full. Feed the bird three times per day for two weeks.

    • 5

      Do not feed the bird again until the crop has emptied. Continue to feed the bird in the same manner until you begin to notice it is eating 1/2 to 2/3 less than before. This indicates that it is time to wean your baby parrot.

    • 6

      Start weaning the bird by feeding it only twice per day (morning and night), then reducing feeding to once each night. Check the crop at night, and don't feed the bird if it's at least half full.

    • 7

      Wait for four or five days, checking the crop intermittently. If the crop remains somewhat full, then your baby is successfully weaned and finished with hand-feeding.