Greenwing Advice

[Joey wade]

I've read these boards for years off and on, but have finally decided to join. A few months ago I purchased a 76 day old Harequin macaw that ended up dying a week or so after getting him. I have hand fed several sun conures in the past and currently have a B&G macaw I handfed from 56 days.

I came home with a baby greenwing last week and needless to say, the last experience has me terrified. Any advice/opinions are more than welcome.

At 46 days he weighs 929 grams. He eats well and acts fine. There are two main questions I have. The breeder said to feed 100ccs twice a day. I have read GWs need at least 240 a day once they go to two feedings. Moreover it seems that it's still a bit early to go to two feedings.

Thoughts?

 

[SpecialistElbru]

Did you get any sort of necropsy done? There are so many issues possible with young birds.


Personally I would not recommend that people purchase companion birds until they are at least mature enough to eat warm mash from a spoon. That level of maturity guards against food aspiration. The bird also has more robust thermoregulation which in turn allowed the bird's crop to work with food under 100F. This reduces the chance for crop burns and problems with cold food sitting in the crop and spoiling.

 

[alshgs]

@Macawnutz @Hankmacaw

 

[Macawnutz]

Feed 10% of his body weight per feeding, not to exceed 100cc was my rule. Feed three times a day until HE no longer wants a certain feeding. Usually the afternoon one.

I'm at work now but can elaborate more if need be later.

 

[alshgs]

I tagged two people in your other post so I hope they can help you!

 

[Hankmacaw]

I'm not a baby bird expert by any means, but I will remind you of some of the basics that I've learned from the baby bird experts on this forum.

Be sure you do abundance weaning - let your baby choose when to not take feedings. My Jasper did not wean until 7 1/2 months. Sarah's Korbel didn't wean until over a year old her Maui weaned much sooner. Let them wean when they want to - no matter what anyone tells you.

Food should always be at least 105f, but not over 110f. Soured crop and crop burn are deadly.

Clean and disinfect the feeding tools after every feeding - no exceptions. Never save left over formula for the next feeding.

If you notice anything - anything - wrong with your baby, get him to a vet. Crop infections whether fungal or bacterial can kill a baby bird very quickly. Just like with a baby human.

Good luck with your baby GW - GWs are definately my very favorites.

 

[Joey wade]

Did you get any sort of necropsy done? There are so many issues possible with young birds.


Personally I would not recommend that people purchase companion birds until they are at least mature enough to eat warm mash from a spoon. That level of maturity guards against food aspiration. The bird also has more robust thermoregulation which in turn allowed the bird's crop to work with food under 100F. This reduces the chance for crop burns and problems with cold food sitting in the crop and spoiling.

I did have a necropsy done on the Harlequin. I still have no idea what was really wrong. He NEVER had a typical feeding response and regurgitated his food since the day he arrived. The breeder assured me it was normal and I believed it at first. It was originally diagnosed at Coccidiosis, however the necropsy showed fluid of some sort built up around the heart or lungs.

Even though I have hand fed several birds before, I did not want to buy a bird this young. The way things work here in Thailand is not ideal. Not many choices when it comes to breeders, GW babies, or even avian vets. Throw in a language barrier and it can be downright frustrating at times.

 

[Joey wade]

Feed 10% of his body weight per feeding, not to exceed 100cc was my rule. Feed three times a day until HE no longer wants a certain feeding. Usually the afternoon one.

This is what I was thinking. Not really sure why the breeder had him on 2 feedings. Should I slowly work in a mid day feeding or just do 900 cc three times a day without gradually increasing it?

I really appreciate everyone's help.

 

[Macawnutz]

Let me go check my macaw book on his weight. Give me a second.

 

[Macawnutz]

At 46 days average weights are between 1050-1500 average being 1255 grams

food volume in cc 90-120cc

times feed 3-4 times a day

This is from the large macaw book.

I would at least add in another feeding until his weight comes up. How much are you feeding him? What times?

Maybe 90cc every six hours? 7am, 1pm, 7pm ?

 

[Joey wade]

Was feeding him 100cc in the morning and at night the past 4 days. Fed him 90 cc this morning in anticipation of adding a feeding around lunch. I will start that schedule today.

These are the records I have so far:

Day 43 - 845g
Day 44 - 875g
Day 45 - 909g
Day 46 - 929g

 

[Macawnutz]

Are you weighing him the same time every morning? Before he eats and after his first poop?

If he has been on 100cc per feeding i'd leave it at that. He has some ground to make up. Does he ask for food? I would put him on that six hour schedule 3 times a day. Feed him when he wakes, about six hours later and then before bed.

 

[Joey wade]

Are you weighing him the same time every morning? Before he eats and after his first poop?

If he has been on 100cc per feeding i'd leave it at that. He has some ground to make up. Does he ask for food? I would put him on that six hour schedule 3 times a day. Feed him when he wakes, about six hours later and then before bed.

He gets excited about feeding time, but doesn't beg for it until fingers touch the mouth. His feeding response is VERY strong... almost violent. He still seemed hungry last night after being fed the 100 though.

 

[Macawnutz]

100cc is plenty. You don't want to overfill him and he could lay down and aspirate. Three times a day and see how he is. Pay attention to when he seems hungry and how fast he empties his crop.

 

[rocky'smom]

I'm not a baby bird expert by any means, but I will remind you of some of the basics that I've learned from the baby bird experts on this forum.

Be sure you do abundance weaning - let your baby choose when to not take feedings. My Jasper did not wean until 7 1/2 months. Sarah's Korbel didn't wean until over a year old her Maui weaned much sooner. Let them wean when they want to - no matter what anyone tells you.

Food should always be at least 105f, but not over 110f. Soured crop and crop burn are deadly.

Clean and disinfect the feeding tools after every feeding - no exceptions. Never save left over formula for the next feeding.

If you notice anything - anything - wrong with your baby, get him to a vet. Crop infections whether fungal or bacterial can kill a baby bird very quickly. Just like with a baby human.

Good luck with your baby GW - GWs are definately my very favorites.

I am going add my 2 cents here about clean and disinfecting your feeding tools. ML is correct 110%. although I have never hand fed macaws, I have hand fed budgies. I lost several to yeast infections because I was not disinfecting properly. I went to disposable syringes use once and throw it away. yes it more expensive but it doesn't cost as much as vet bills and meds for the infection.

 

[Joey wade]

I am going add my 2 cents here about clean and disinfecting your feeding tools. ML is correct 110%. although I have never hand fed macaws, I have hand fed budgies. I lost several to yeast infections because I was not disinfecting properly. I went to disposable syringes use once and throw it away. yes it more expensive but it doesn't cost as much as vet bills and meds for the infection.

This can be done with boiling water correct?

 

[rocky'smom]

no, I would use F-10 to clean anything you are feeding with including the mixing bowl, syringes, spoon, whatever you heating the formula up in, even the scales that you are weighing the baby on. everything.

 

[Joey wade]

I

no, I would use F-10 to clean anything you are feeding with including the mixing bowl, syringes, spoon, whatever you heating the formula up in, even the scales that you are weighing the baby on. everything.

I live in Thailand. No f-10 here. Any other suggestions?

 

[rocky'smom]

you can order it online do google search for F-10

 

[Hankmacaw]

F10 is available on Ebay and Amazon and some suppliers in New Zealand and Australia.

F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant | K9Pro Australia

F10 SC Veterinary Disinfectant

F10SC 100ml Veterinary Disinfectant Birds Pet Bird Cages Cage Cleaner Vet Safe

It appears to be expensive, but the ratio of dilution is 500ml water to 1 cc of F10 for general disinfecting and 250ml water to 1cc for heavy duty cleaning.