VMD 513: Pet animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

FEEDING OF HAND REARED BIRDS

• Hand-reared birds are in great demand because they are usually tamer and more easily handled.
• Birds that are hand-reared need to be provided a brooder or heating pad so that the birds can be kept warm.
• A spoon bent up on the sides makes an ideal tool for hand-feeding young birds.
• Hand-feeding is very time consuming; newly hatched birds need to be fed every 3 or 4 hours.
• Feeding is required from early morning to late evening.
• Foods commonly used are dry baby cereals, fruits, and canned baby food.
• These foods are mixed with water in a blender and then heated; the food must be warm and fairly runny.
• Supplements such as calcium and vitamins can be added.
• As the birds get older, they can be gradually weaned from the liquid diet to seeds.