Introduction
Hand rearing baby birds can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s also a task that requires patience, dedication, and a solid understanding of bird care. Whether you've come across an abandoned chick or you're raising one from birth, knowing the right techniques can make all the difference in the health and development of the young bird.
Why Hand Rear Baby Birds?
Hand rearing may be necessary for various reasons, such as when a bird’s parents are unable to care for their chicks, the chicks have been abandoned, or you’re looking to create a stronger bond with a pet bird. Hand-reared birds often become tamer and more accustomed to human interaction, making them better companions. When they are very small after hatching they can be extremely hard to hand rear as they are so small. They have an airway quite forward in their mouth called a glottis, located behind the tongue. As a result, its very easy for them to aspirate their food or get a crop infection. From our experience their parents are usually experts at feeding them (they have evolved this way over hundreds of years). When taking chicks from the nest we usually let their parents feed and raise them until about three weeks old. However, if the parents don't feed the baby for some reason, or you found an orphaned bird, then you may have no option but to feed them from an earlier age. They are much easier to feed when they are a bit older. They have short term memories at this age, and soon forget about their own parents and start bonding with their new carer.
What You’ll Need: Before you begin, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies:
Brooder: A controlled environment that provides warmth and safety.
Feeding Syringe or Spoon, and bowl: To deliver food to the chicks. We use a spoon as we find it easier. Stainless steel bowl is useful as they are easy to clean and when heated with formula maintain the food temperature during feeding. However, a plactic bowl will do. Sometimes syringes can get stuck and then squirt more food out then intended.
High-Quality Hand Rearing Formula: Specifically designed for the species you're raising. We use Tropican, but Vetafarm is also a quality food. The consistency and amount of food fed increases as the bird ages. See the feeding table below:
Food Thermometer: To test the temperature of the food. Usually 35-40 degrees is perfect.
Brooder Thermometer: To monitor the brooder's temperature. Many brroders have in built thermometers, however, its always good to have a secondary one to check it is reading correctly.
Cleaning Supplies: To maintain hygiene and prevent infections. Usually we wash in hot water and detergent, and rinse well. Let air dry.
Creating the Right Environment
A brooder is crucial for keeping baby birds warm, especially in the first few weeks of life when they are unable to regulate their body temperature. The brooder should be kept at a consistent temperature. Gradually decrease the temperature as the bird develops feathers and becomes more capable of maintaining its body temperature. See table below for correct temperature. There are different types of brooders and the most important feature is that it maintains a constant temperature. A baby bird will not thrive if too hot or too cold and will often die (especially when very young).
Feeding Your Baby Bird
Feeding is perhaps the most critical aspect of hand rearing. It’s important to use a hand rearing formula that is species-specific and high in nutrition. Each formulas will have a guide on the packet which should be followed. Above is a copy of the feeding guide for Tropican Formula.
Prepare the Formula: Follow the instructions on the packaging. The formula should be warm (around 102-108°F, 39°-42°C) but not too hot or it can burn their crop. Its very important this is done with a thermometer not tested on the forearm. Left over formula can be placed in the refrigerator, and reheated for the next feed. Only reheat formula once. Any remaining formula afterwards should be discarded.
Feeding Schedule: Young chicks need to be fed every 2-3 hours during the day. As they grow, the frequency can be reduced. See feeding table.
Feeding Technique: Gently touch the side of the birds beak until it start to hammer (move its head back and forth rapidly), then insert the syringe or spoon into the side of the bird’s mouth, inserting very small quantity of feeding mixture, allowing the chick to swallow naturally. Be cautious not to overfeed or let the formula enter the windpipe.
Monitor Weight Gain: Weigh the chick daily to ensure it’s growing properly. A steady weight gain indicates good health. For very small birds an accurate scale for measuring small weights is recommended.
Hygiene and Health
Maintaining a clean environment is essential. After each feeding, clean the bird’s beak and the surrounding area to prevent infections. Regularly clean the brooder and replace bedding to avoid the buildup of waste and bacteria.
Illness and Crop Infections
Keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or abnormal droppings. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult an avian veterinarian immediately. Many very young birds being hand reared shortly after hatching often get crop infections. These are usually fatal unless treatment from a vet is received as soon as possible. Its for this reason its best to pass a very young abandoned bird onto someone experienced with hand rearing.
Weaning and Socialization
As the bird grows and begins to develop feathers, you’ll notice a natural decrease in the bird’s interest in hand feeding. This is the beginning of the weaning process. Gradually introduce solid foods like soft fruits, vegetables, formulated pellets (for the species), and seeds to encourage the bird to explore and eat on its own.
Socialization is another important aspect. Spend time with the bird daily, talking and handling it gently to ensure it becomes well-adjusted and comfortable around humans. We spend quite a lot of time with our hand reared birds, and try to let them go to their new home after they have weaned, usually around 6-8 weeks depending on the species. Macaws usually take about 6 months to wean. However, we like to keep them on a mixture of egg and biscuit as a comfort and bonding experience for a few weeks after they go to their new home. This helps them to bond and settle into their new environment. They still have short term memories at this age and usually quickly bond with their new owners.
Conclusion
Hand rearing baby birds is a challenging yet fulfilling task that requires careful attention to detail and care. Experienced hand rearers make it look easy, but unless done correctly, its easy to loose a bird being hand reared due to incorrect brooder temperature, incorrect food temperature, feeding the wrong quantity, not feeding with the right technique. Common problems include aspiration, crop infections and failing to thrive. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure your feathered friend grows up healthy and happy. Remember, each bird is unique, so take the time to understand its specific needs and always consult with professionals if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process.
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