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New hatchling, formula consistency question

genie-e

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8/23/21
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25
Hi all,

I have a question about the consistency of the formula for a 4 day old chick. Backstory, our cockatiels laid 3 eggs, one was bad, one hatched and the parents neglected/ killed it, and the 3rd hatched as well. They almost started taking care of it, then started to neglect and abuse it so I pulled it out of the cage. This has been super stressful! We are hoping to get this one raised, then never have this happen again.

I set it up in a makeshift brooder and have followed the directions for formula on the back of the Kaytee Exact bird formula (and read a ton/ watched a ton of videos). First 2 days it says to do a 1:6 ratio (formula to water), then days 3-5 do a 1:2-3 (we did 1:3), that was yesterday. The chick did really poorly on the 1:3, got dehydrated, lethargic, we really thought it was the end this morning. However, I set up a humidifier, and worked on gradually rehydrating the chick, it seems to be doing much better now (back on the 1:6 formula ratio). How do I know when to increase the formula to water ratio? Everything I saw/ read says the consistency of applesauce, and too much or too little water is bad- so how do I know when to increase?

Thanks for any help!!
 

sunnysmom

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I don't have baby tiel experience but this is a great resource for baby tiel care: www.ask-noodles.com. (And welcome to the forum!)

@Ripshod ?
 

Zara

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Generally following the instructions will give you the right consistency. In those first few days, you can do one feed substituting water for natural unsweetened coconut water for a hydration boost. In those few days feeding the formula will be much runner. That applesauce consistency is for when your down to the last ration on the box for over 5 days old.
Ultimately there could be a problem with your setup as you increased the humidity, the chick got better. Have it set somewhere between 60-65%. Though between 55 and 70 is the guide for humidity. Anything lower and it will be a big problem.
Watch for redness on the skin as its a clear sign of dehydration.
The link posted in the comment above is full of great info and advice, I recommend having a read through.
 

genie-e

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8/23/21
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25
Thanks all- heading over to read the link. I definitely think a lot is attributed to the "brooder" set up. We are having a lot of trouble keeping the temperature consistent using a heat lamp. The links I saw to homemade brooders often were broken, since a lot of the threads were from 2009-2012. If anyone has a good recommendation on a homemade brooder and how to get the temp consistent, I would love the recommendations. Currently, the chick is in a 5.5 gallon tank, and inside a small box with a washcloth forming the "nest" and some baby socks (to cuddle against). The heat lamp is overhead, and humidifier at one side of the tank and I rigged it to funnel the humidity into the tank. Inside next to where the chick is I put a thermometer and humidity reader.
 

genie-e

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Joined
8/23/21
Messages
25
Thanks for the link! I had seen this person on talkcockatiels, but all the links were broken. I think at this point it is the consistent temps that is the missing piece. This chick is a tough little one, I really want to sort out the brooder issues.
 

genie-e

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8/23/21
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25
I ended up purchasing the Zoo Med Thermostat to help control the temperature. It doesn't look like it will help with low temps, and doesn't seem as accurate as the thermometer I placed next to the chick, but I am hoping at least it will prevent overheating (though that hasn't been my main problem).

I saw the author of ask noodles had previously recommended a under tank reptile heating pad, which I looked for but couldn't find (that model). I picked up the Zoo Med UTH for 1-5 gal tanks, but then when I got home realized that it only increase the temperature 5-10 degrees F (which isn't enough for us here in W. Massachusetts). Has anyone used this: Vivosun reptile mat ? Or could recommend one similar? I actually hate using a heat lamp.

I also picked up this chick warmer, but will likely return it because I can't find how warm it gets. Maybe someone else has used it?

Any links to products people have found useful for brooders would be very welcome! Thanks!
 
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