When to stop handrearing

Sep 16, 2011

When to stop handrearing
by: Linda

First of all, you cannot just offer dry seeds and expect bird to start eating everything it needs.

Weaning is a process, and please do not wean him onto a low quality seed diet. You can find several organic pelleted diets on this site with Harrison's being the best. It would be okay to offer several kinds, so bird has a change in shape and texture while weaning.

The weaning process is as much mental as it is physical, and to just offer dry seeds is not the way to do. You will need to get organic pellets and soak them in a little water so they are not mushy but softer. This food has to be changed out within two hours or it will become rancid. As bird eats more of it, less wlll be thrown out until you can offer it dry. I suggest you go ahead and get some of the organic pellets we have here to get him started. Most pet shops selling birds will have mostly junk pellets, so order here as it will save you money and vet bills as time goes on. I buy mine here for my two Amazons, so not asking anything of you that I would not do.

You cannot start cutting down too far on the handfeeding unless the bird is eating the weaning food. Weaning birds won't eat dry seeds. They have to also be soaked in a little water to soften them up some. If you want a healthy bird and less avian vet bills, get him weaned onto organic pellets. A high quality diet will provide the building blocks he needs to grow strong bones and bright healthy feathers and skin.

Do not offer ANY people food during this period. Offer a little fruit and veggie, but keep it down to only 10-15% as your goal is to wean him onto the pellets. The seeds do not need to be fed at all, so do not get him weaned onto them because then you'll have to take a lot of time getting him onto the organic pellets. Organic has no dyes, sugars, preservatives or other dangerous chemicals and provides high quality nutrition. The price is higher than seeds and junk pellets like Zu-Preem and Lafaeber's, and the savings in avian vet bills will make up for that in one year.

Keep us posted and thanks for writing,
Linda

When to stop handrearing

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When to stop handrearing

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