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Hand feeding macaws

Jorge2006

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Hi everyone. I am currently hand feeding two babies macaws. They are 3 weeks old going to 4. How often should I feed them? They are healthy and energetic. Used to gain around 10% body weight daily but now it’s about 5. Is that normal? Please help
 

macawpower58

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I got my greenwing at 5 weeks and he was on 4 feedings a day.
I'm not sure if you're baby still needs fed more often than that.
Others should know for sure. I'm sure they'll pop up soon.
 

Jorge2006

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Thank you for your reply. I am so confused. Some people say I have to wait until crop is empty but it takes around 6 h to be fully empty. Some others say is ok to give food with a almost empty crop but let it empty at least once every 24 h
 

Shezbug

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My baby was much older than that when I brought him home so I’m not familiar with the amount of feedings a 3 week old chick needs.
 

Jorge2006

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They are hybrid, mom is calico and dad blue and gold. They are 23 and 21 days old
 

Macawnutz

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They are hybrid, mom is calico and dad blue and gold. They are 23 and 21 days old
Okay, I get pictures of the BG ranges. Give me about 10 minutes.
 

Macawnutz

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You need to get weights.

20200728_184420.jpg
 

Jorge2006

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Thank you. They are 560 and 440. What is your advise about the crop emptying?
 

Macawnutz

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They should nearly empty between feedings. They should completely empty overnight. Slow crop can develop if your formula is incorrectly made or of they have a bacteria/yeast issue. Do you have experience with this?
 
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Jorge2006

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I used to hand feed smaller birds. Sun Conure, quakers. Never macaws. I keep everything extremely clean. My concern is to keep adding formula in a crop that has not fully emptied
 

Macawnutz

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You want to be sure it IS emptying. You can feed if they still have a little but make sure they are emptying overnight.
 

Macawnutz

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Just keep us updated.
 

msplantladi

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Jorge...I commend you. I have owned an assortment of birds pretty much all my life and still do not have enough confidence to hand feed. When I was younger I tried raising baby cockitiels , one died and that was it for me. To think that I did that was heartbreaking. Please seek out a vet even if you have the slightest doubts. Good luck and we love pictures here on the Avenue :)
 
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