Syringe Feeding of Baby African Greys

Abstract

At Beech's Nest Bird Ranch our African
Grey ba bi ~s are handfed from time
of hatch using catheter-tip syringes. For
the first 24-48 hours we u e a l ee syringe,
graduating in size to 3cc, 12cc,
35cc and 60cc as the babies grow in size .
By the time a baby is about two weeks
old it is being fed with a 60cc syringe
which has a tip about one inch long.
Syringe feeding allows the baby's food
to directly enter the crop, eliminating
many problems associated with spoon
feeding, most conunonly aspiration.
We have found that African Greys are
ve1y particular about the tempe rature of
the ir food. We feed at 1 05" F. The ease
and speed of the syringe allows the food
to be given at a constant temperature.
We experience virtually no problems
with the birds spitting back food, which

they almost always will do if their food is
too cool.
An additional plus to syringe feeding
is that it ve1y closely emulates a parent
bird's beak e ntering the mouth of its
baby.
Each baby i fed with a clean syringe .
All syringes and feeding utensils are easily
rinsed and kept in a disinfectant solution
between uses. This is an efficient
way to eliminate the transference of
bacteria.
Our babies are fed exclusively
Kaytee Hand Feeding Formula and all
breeders are fed exclusive ly Kaytee pe llets.
We have experienced ve1y satisfactory
results using the combination of
Kaytee food and syringe feeding. We
are proud to say that our babies' growth
rate and overall health are excellent.

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