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Post by Donna on Mar 13, 2011 14:39:42 GMT 10
I have a 4 month old corella which I have raised from 14 days old.
He is now 4 months old and wont eat seed, but will eat certain greens such as celery silver beet bok choy etc.
He is demanding to still be fed with syringe and hand raising bird formula.
Any ideas on weaning as we have tried to cut him back, just cries and rocks side to side.
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Post by avinet on Mar 13, 2011 21:37:09 GMT 10
I have a 4 month old corella which I have raised from 14 days old. He is now 4 months old and wont eat seed, but will eat certain greens such as celery silver beet bok choy etc. He is demanding to still be fed with syringe and hand raising bird formula. Any ideas on weaning as we have tried to cut him back, just cries and rocks side to side. That is quite a common problem with Corellas - especially with a single baby. I have had it occur a couple of times, always with a solitary bird, never when there has been 2 or more. It seems to be a dependency thing - when they are on their own they seem to need the extra attention and reassurance that hand feeding provides. When they are with other birds there is courage in numbers and a degree of competition that hastens weaning. However whenever a baby is slow to wean it is very important to get the baby vet checked by a good avian vet - if you don't know of one let us know where you live and we can probably recommend one in your area. Having said that it is likely to be psychological and not disease related in a corella. First time it happened to me I spent a lot of money proving the baby was very healthy in body at least. Unfortunately if it is a dependency thing then it is simply time from my experience - they grow out of it, in my case by about 6 months. cheers, Mike |
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Post by Robyn on Mar 14, 2011 5:36:35 GMT 10
I have had the same problem weaning off Eclectus. All i do is offer them all their other weaning foods. Sprouted/soaked seed mix & corn on the cob is normally a winner with weaning chicks. Each afternoon around 5 or 6 o'clock they get their formula. If they get it once a day they soon start to eat more on what's offered through the day. How many feeds of formula does he get each day.  If he still has 2 or 3 he won't ever wean. LOL. |
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Post by avinet on Mar 14, 2011 12:22:45 GMT 10
How many feeds of formula does he get each day. If he still has 2 or 3 he won't ever wean. LOL. And which hand rearing mix are you using Doggydoe? |
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Post by Donna on Mar 14, 2011 12:26:14 GMT 10
Thanks for the hints guys.
This bird has me pulling my hair out, I have started giving 1 feed a day now even though he is demanding more (every time I am near him/her).
Have started to formula feed around 5pm and offering plenty of fresh greens though the day.(much to birds disgust)
We have a really good avian vet (Doug Black) and I have been considering going to see him as this birds keel is very noticeable when handling him. (maybe under weight)
I have worm him and has no lice, looks bright & healthy, but I feel he has a emotional problem.
I was concerned that maybe this length of time was abnormal as he was hatch on 4th Nov 2010.
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Post by Robyn on Mar 14, 2011 15:25:27 GMT 10
To be able to help you further we need more info. If it has an emotional problem which i very much doubt. I think your bird has been over handled & now he has you all worked out sort of like if i make enough noise i'll get fed.LOL.
You have been his/her sole carer & it thinks of you as MUM some tough love is the order of the day now. Think what his mum in the wild would do about now when it begs to be fed. She will fly off & encourage him to feed himself. You can even try to mix up the formula & put in his bowl in the cage.
Give him corn on the cob all babies love that.
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Post by avinet on Mar 14, 2011 22:25:06 GMT 10
We have a really good avian vet (Doug Black) and I have been considering going to see him as this birds keel is very noticeable when handling him. (maybe under weight) I would definitely see Doug - he has a good reputation. It is always important to eliminate any disease problems, and since he is a bit thin, there could be something there. 4 months is around the time I expected it to take until weaning time - I never had them properly wean before about 15 weeks. cheers, Mike |
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Post by Donna on Mar 15, 2011 16:16:49 GMT 10
Hi Robyn,
I use Neocare hand rearing food for baby birds (Vetafarm).
He is still wanting around 50 ml each feed which is now once a day.
I have attempted to sprout seeds, not sure if the seeds will sprout, will keep trying though.
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If he still has 2 or 3 he won't ever wean. LOL.