Comments on: Hand-Rearing Baby Birds – Are you Qualified?

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:12:29 +0000

Hello Kimberly, Frank Indiviglio here.

Thanks for your interest in our blog. Many breeders use the guidelines for well-researched species, such as African Grays, for most parrots. This article written by an experienced avian vet does set out some specifics, however.

Over-feeding can cause problems, especially sour crop, and can stretch the crop. The crop emptied from the top, so if new food is given too soon, it will lie atop the old food and be utilized first….the old food continues to stay in the crop and eventually sours.

A full \crop feels a bit soft, not taut…the crop should be allowed to empty completely at least every 24 hours.

Good luck and please keep me posted.

Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:46:19 +0000

Hello Sandy, Frank Indiviglio here.

Thanks for your interest in our blog. The crop being a bit visible is not necessarily a sign that it is not completely empty (they sometimes stretch, usually if the bird has had a few too many extra large meals)…however it’s a fine line and a trained eye is essential. Be sure the bird is kept at 85F or so, and that the air is fairly humid – otherwise the crop will be slow in emptying and the food may sour. An experienced breeder or avian vet should, however, take a look at the bird, just to be on the safe side – written descriptions of crop emptying/ appearance are not the best option.

Good luck and please keep me posted.

Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:54:58 +0000

How do you tell for sure that the crop is empty on an umbrella cockatoo who is 4 weeks old? I rescued the baby yesterday. The baby’s crop looks like it deflates, but it’s still a little visible even 9 hours after a feeding (overnight). The crop does go down to that deflated state within 3 and a half to 4 hours during the day. I am feeding Kaytee Exact formula about 11-15cc 4 times a day. Thanks!

By: Kimberley

Kimberley — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:23:41 +0000

My dad has been hand rearing parrots and different birds for years. He has an accurate chart with regimes and feeding times for African Grey parrots but was wondering if there are any charts available for other types of birds?
I know he also has problems hand rearing the Australian Kings. He thinks it is due to over feeding the babies… would this cause them not to survive? Does anybody have any advice for successfully breeding these particular parrots?
Thank you so much for any advice.