Bird Breeders: Hand-feed or not?

[adunn]

I know that hand-fed birds make better pets, but is it really that much better? I would think that if I leave them in with their parents, but handle them regularly, they would still be great pets. What do you guys think? This is my first time doing this, so I would love to hear of your experiences. My biggest problem is that I work 8:30-5:00, but I am able to bring them to work with me. (But only if it's truly necessary.) Thanks and I look forward to hearing from ya!!

[RachelLynn]

Parent fed babies can be just as tame as hand fed ones. :) You just have to take the time to socailize them. How old are your babies? I get my babies out every day from the time they are little to get them used to being handled (you don't want to handle tiny babies too much though). I start to take them out when they have their eyes open and are starting to get their feathers for a couple times a day a few minutes each time. As they start to get bigger take them out more for a little extra time.

[luvbirdjunki]

Yes, babies that are parent fed can be as tame as hand fed. I hand feed most of the babies. I feel there is a stronger bond between the baby and me when I hand feed. I pull the chics out of the nest at 2 weeks of age. I feed them every 5-6 hours to start. My schedule is 7am..1pm..6pm..12am. It is an amazing feeling to hand feed!Feel free to ask any questions!

[Jonergin]

Ooo, I have to chime in on this one! The pros and cons of both practices can be debated about forever and ever but I think of it this way: Why mess with what nature designed as the perfect way?

My mother and I have been appalled at the poor quality of hand-fed birds we've seen over the years in pet stores. Fourteen years ago she and I set out on a mission to prove to pet store owners that hand fed does not always mean that they are healthier, happier or tamer than parent-fed birds. For many years the pet stores reluctantly agreed to see our babies but when they did they were sold. Literally and figuratively. :)

Mom and I started out with them very young. From a few days old we would handle them and talk to them for very short periods of time (3 to 4 minutes). As their feathers came in - in what we call the "dinosaur" stage - we would take them out after a feeding once or twice a day and hold them in our hands with a poopy rag and preen them, touch their beaks and under their wings. As soon as they started stepping up into the door or their nest box we would work on stepping up. Anyhow, I'm getting long winded here, but the training would continue on a daily basis until they were ready for the pet store.

The only time mom and I would hand feed was if a parent got sick or there was some other emergency reason. Mom and I would notice that there was a marked difference in health, confidence, appearance and eating abilities (meaning sensitivity to things and willingness to try new things). Compared to young birds of the same or near age they were just, to put it nicely, pitiful looking.

I don't completely frown on hand-feeding but I just don't think its necessary if the parents are perfectly capable.

[luvbirdjunki]

My mother and I have been appalled at the poor quality of hand-fed birds we've seen over the years in pet storesI totally agree with u on the condition of 'hand fed' birds in pet stores. Ive actually seen how a pet store owner hand fed his babies. And you wouldnt like it!They dont have the proper patience. They dont spend the time to socialize along with the hand feeding. They key is the 'socialization'.There are very few pet stores I have respect for.

The only time mom and I would hand feed was if a parent got sick or there was some other emergency reason.
I have a pair of peachface lovies that I always have to hand feed for. They get way to stressed when they feed their babies. My hen would mutilate herself and become extremely sick. And my male would pluck his chest feathers constantly.So I always need to step in for them.Parent fed babies always make better parents themselves. Because they have experienced it.
All in all, in my experience, its all about the socialization. If you have the time to socialize and handle the babies,hand fed or not, you will have a cuddley buddy!

[adunn]

Thanks for all the responses!! I feel much better now. I was getting really nervous b/c we should have our first baby this weekend (hopefully.) So I knew I had to make my decision quickly. I was just so afraid of finding the time and energy to hand-feed. But basd on what all of you have said, I can avoid some unecessary stress and just let mom & dad do their thing!! YEA!! This is so exciting!! This will be their first clutch, so I really hope things work out. I'll keep ya'll updated!! Thank again!!

[RachelLynn]

Make sure you buy hand feeding formula from the pet store and syringes or an eye dropper (for the tiny babies) just in case you need them though. First time parents sometimes don't know what to do. So its always better to have the stuff just in case. Have a heating pad and stuff to set up a brooder around too (glass tank or big plastic tupper ware type box, aspen wood shavings).

[Jonergin]

Oh yes, its always good to take precautions.

Pardon the saying but remember not to act like a nervous hen around the new mommy and daddy. Stress rubs off.

The best way to monitor how things are going is to look and listen from a distance. Watch the parents behavior, monitor what they have eaten and listen for the little feeding sounds the babies make.

Keep us updated please, I love hearing the cute stories that always come with having baby birds.

[birdkeeper]

Hello everyone,
I've just signed up on this thread.And I'm just full of Questions?????
I thought this would be a good place to start.
My daughter & I are wanting to start raising pet birds as a business,But
we really know nothing at all like we should.
My daughter bought a parrakeet 3 months ago,and we've just fell in love
with the little guy. I'd sure like to get some feed back,just thought we'd stay with the smaller birds first,perraket,finches,love birds.HELP!!!!
birdkeeper