Fledgling question

[kimijean]

I have a new baby and the people I got him/her from are not 100% sure of his/her hatch date. They "think" 6 to 8 weeks. I just brought him/her home yesterday and so far s/he is not eating much. Might s/he be getting ready to fledge? S/he has almost all his/her feathers, just a small bald spot over the area of the crop. All flight feathers are looking good.

Kim

[ellieelectrons]

New surroundings can make them nervous. Have you tried spoon feeding some baby mixture? Personally, I would be concerned if it wasn't eating and calling the breeder. Do you know what your baby was eating prior to coming home with you?

It's possible re the fledging but if it's coincided with you bringing it to a new place, I think it's more likely because it's scared especially if it's been taken away from it's siblings.

Ellie.

[kimijean]

S/he is still just being hand fed, they had not started introducing ANY new foods yet. They gave me some of the formula they use and I've put a millet spray in his/her cage. S/he is eating, just not as much as I feel it should be. I have emailed the breeder.

Kim

PS: I am experienced hand feeding/weaning birds.

[ellieelectrons]

S/he is still just being hand fed, they had not started introducing ANY new foods yet. They gave me some of the formula they use and I've put a millet spray in his/her cage. S/he is eating, just not as much as I feel it should be. I have emailed the breeder.

Kim

PS: I am experienced hand feeding/weaning birds.

You will know far more than me! I've only ever handraised some lovebirds when I was a teenager. Sorry if I gave some misinformation. Are you weighing the bird?

Ellie.

[kimijean]

I don't have tons of experience but have hand fed a few.

Yes, I do weigh babies but have just had this baby a little over 24 hr's. Still not eating as much as I would like but is eating. So I'm feeding often.

Kim

[ellieelectrons]

Sounds like you are doing all the right things. I guess just make sure his weight doesn't decrease too much? Best wishes.

Hopefully some hand rearers can shed some light on this for you.

Ellie.

[kimijean]

Thanks.

Last nights feeding started with a bit more gusto and s/he ate a bit more then s/he has been. We'll see how this mornings feeding goes.

Kim

[kimijean]

Caboose took his/her first flight today. S/he went from the kitchen into the living room and landed on my Parrotlet's cage. Not bad for a first flight!! LOL!

So I'm really thinking s/he has not been eating much to lighten up for flight. But s/he is not eating any weaning food yet, just takes formula. :O(

Kim

[kimijean]

Ellie,

I just wanted to let you know that Caboose is doing real well. I'm sure now that the reason s/he wasn't eating much is because s/he was getting ready to fledge. S/he is flying real well and is close to being weaned.

Kim

[ellieelectrons]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear it! Well done on doing such a great job with your little guy!

Ellie.

[kimijean]

Thanks. I'll do the DNA test soon so we'll see if "he" really is a he.

Kim