It is very important to do this correctly If done wrong you can kill the baby .
This should not be done by an inexperienced person so it is best if your going to own birds of the same species and different genders To learn by a pro how to do it
Even if you have no intentions on breeding what so ever, Housing Males and Females together there is always the chance of them breeding regardless of the preventative measures you take
So be prepared a head of time
Items needed
- Hand feeding formula
- Syringes,Plastic spoons, or Tooth pics (depending on size-age of baby)
- clean container to mix with( I use a small glass candy dish )
- Paper towels
- candy thermometer to check the temp of the formula
- spoon or plastic knife to mix up formula
- scale that measures in Grams
Mix the formula as per the directions on the container
Check the temp. before feeding it should be between 102-104 degrees And not over 104 degrees
Proceed to feeding
If using a syringe for feeding, begin by placing the baby on the table in front of you and inserting the tip of the syringe gently into the left side of the chick's mouth. (IMPORTANT: when the chick is facing you, his left is YOUR right.) Point the tip toward the right side of the chicks mouth. Carefully with a slow, even pressure on the syringe plunger, begin dripping the formula into the chick's mouth. You want the formula to be fed slowly so that the baby recognizes you are feeding it, and so the formula goes down into the chicks crop and not the windpipe. The amount of formula depends on the age and weight of the baby. If you keep an eye on the chick's crop, you will see it filling as you feed. Make sure you do not fill the crop to the point where the food comes up into the chick's neck; it should also not appear pendulous or over-expanded. It is a good idea to try a little at a time until you determine what is enough
I start with a syringe, but I switch between bites with a plastic disposable spoon I personally like to spoon feed rather then Syringe feed If you spoon feed you can feed them from the front of their beaks,
There are several different types of Formula I use Zupreem Personally .
Make sure you use one syringe/spoon PER baby
and After they're fed make sure to use the paper towels to wipe all the formula off , You don't want it to get hard on their beaks, in their beaks or on their feathers (it does turn into concrete and very hard to get off)
if you're having trouble getting the baby(or babies) all cleaned up a Warm wet paper towel will help, followed by a dry one. You don't want them getting chilled from getting damp while getting cleaned up
there are several schedules online on when to feed them, I don't use a schedule I let them tell me by their static cries
Be sure the crop is completely empty before feeding At least 1 time a day,
but here is one if you would like to use one.
Age of Chick Feeding Times Feeding Amounts
1-4 days Every two hours 1 - 2 cc's
5-7 days Every three hours 2 - 3 cc's
8-14 days 5xs a day Every 4 hrs 4 - 6 cc's
15-24 days 4xs a day Every 5 hrs 7 - 10 cc's
25-34 days 3xs a day 7 Am5 PM,11Pm 11 - 15 cc's
35-44 days (fledging) 2xs 7Am,7Pm 11 - 15 cc's
45 days to weaning 7:00 PM 11 - 15 cc's
Use the scale to weigh the chicks on a empty crop 1st thing in the morning
1st time you do it is the day you put them into the brooder(with an empty crop) so you'll have a "base" weight then weight them at the same time Every few days, as they get older You can weigh them at the same time Every week