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What's the right formula dosage for a 4-week cockatiel

MaggieBee

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Ok, I've had Pearl, a four-week-old cockatiel, for a little over 36 hours, so I've gotten to feed her 5 times already. The breeder told me to feed her 4cc of formula at each feeding – 3 times a day – but she always seems unsatisfied after (she screeches like a dinosaur, which is very cute, but also somewhat concerning).

She will chase the syringe until I put it away, and when I feel her crop, while I can feel it slightly swollen, it's not round and firm like every resource says it's supposed to be.

Should I be feeding her more? I've seen charts recommend 4cc, and I've seen others recommend 11cc, and needless to say I'm confused :shrug:

(She's not yet interested in the millet, pellets and veggies I leave out for her, though she'll give an offered pellet a good chew before spitting it back out)
 

Zara

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How much does she weigh?
 

finchly

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You absolutely have to go by her weight, otherwise you overfeed and stretch the crop or underfeed and risk an unhealthy baby.

You can grab a scale at most supermarkets or Walmart.

I wouldn't expect her at 4 weeks to eat the other foods yet - maybe next week. You can soak the millet to make it a little easier for her.

Don't forget, now that you asked our advice you have to share pics of your baby! :D
 

MaggieBee

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You absolutely have to go by her weight, otherwise you overfeed and stretch the crop or underfeed and risk an unhealthy baby.

You can grab a scale at most supermarkets or Walmart.

I wouldn't expect her at 4 weeks to eat the other foods yet - maybe next week. You can soak the millet to make it a little easier for her.

Don't forget, now that you asked our advice you have to share pics of your baby! :D
Thank you! What should be the relation between weight and dosage?

And I have! It's right here: https://forums.avianavenue.com/index.php?threads/meet-baby-pearl.261396/#post-3447664
 

Zara

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What should be the relation between weight and dosage?
10%
It´s important to weigh your bird daily, because she should be gaining weight daily, meaning a slightly bigger feed, even if only by 0.1CC
Weigh her when her crop is empty completely.
 
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