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The Bird Diaries: Preparing to Handfeed

© Mary Wilson

As this week draws to a close (writing on July 12), my excitement grows. Although I'm only down to two cockatiel babies, I'm readying myself to handfeed. It will be wonderful to have babies again.

Unfortunately, mother cockatiel lost three of her babies. With this being her first clutch, my thoughts are that the youngest, which died first, simply was not fed enough. The other two passed away at the same time. I believe they became victims of a parent that wasn't watching. Both looked as if they'd been stepped on. Although it is sad, such things are common with new parents.

When I prepare to handfeed, I clean off my kitchen counter. I think I'm fortunate to have plenty of counter space, along with a desk/telephone space that is built into the wall next to my bedroom. It is on this desk, which is a bit lower than the counter, that I place my bird supplies. I ensure my heating pad is in good working order, and set several freshly washed towels (no fabric softener) there to cover the heating pad or to line the bottom of the cage. I ensure I have plenty of formula, because it can be hard on the babies to change brands, should I run out and not be able to find my usual formula. I also like to have plenty of syringes and disposable cups on hand. All of this I stack on the counter.

Next, the cage. An old aquarium works great for handfeeding babies; however, a gerbil population explosion took up the last of my aquariums. I purchased a plastic "New World Habitat," though it's predecessor the "Kritter Karrier" works well. Basically it's a hard plastic box covered with a colored plastic lid with vent holes. I like these because the plastic is light, easy to clean, and doesn't break. Also, it can be used as a transportation cage when not in use as a nursery.

I disinfect the cage with a light bleach/water solution (capful of bleach to a sink full of water), then really rinse it out with hot water. I leave it to dry overnight. Once dry, I'll place a towel (I use fingertip towels, since I don't really use them anywhere else), in the bottom and cover with paper towels. Then, before I pull the babies, I'll turn on the heating pad and warm it up.

That's it. On Friday, after work, I'll pull the babies. I've taken some extra time off so I can accustom them to the feeding schedule I'll use while at work (they're almost 3 weeks old at this point).

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