PM>    2)  Has anyone any specific tips or resources on handfeeding parro
PM>    I have both Pretty Bird and Kaytee handfeeding formulae but am uns
PM>which one might better serve the needs of these chicks and what additi
PM>be beneficial (i.e. garden vegetable baby food, rice baby cereal, etc)
PM>looking around for clues.
Pick up a copy of Parrot Handfeeding and Nursery Management by Jordan and 
Voren before the babies hatch. Another book that will be VERY helpful is 
Parrot Incubation Procedures by Rick Jordan. I would not recommend that you 
use the monkey chow mix for handfeeding.
Either the PB or Exact will be ok. The only reservation I have is that PB is 
now customized for particular species and I have no idea what balance of 
protein and fat would be suitable for Parrotlets. Better stick with the 
Exact - you probably can't go wrong. I would keep extensive comment and 
weight charts just in case this species does require more or less protein 
and more or less fat. Figure your weights on the percentage of body weight 
gained. This is a much more accurate way to see how the baby is gaining. The 
gain may vary from 15-23-25% daily. If you follow Jordan/Voren rapid 
hydration method, the gains will be closer to this ideal. If you use rapid 
hydration, PLEASE follow the directions EXACTLY.
Be very sure that the formula is fresh. The code is as follows: the first 3 
numbers represent the day of the year and the fourth number is the last 
digit of the year - 1993 = 3, 1994 = 4, 1995 = 5. Keep the formula powder in 
the freezer.
Everything that touches the babies, their food, their bedding, their brooder 
must be clean, clean, clean. The little ones don't have any reserves and 
cannot take even a minor bacterial infection. The smaller the bird, the 
quicker things can go downhill if there is a problem.
Don't put ANYthing except water or Pedialyte in with the formula powder. You 
will be using up valuable crop space by adding things like baby foods that 
do not contain the nutrition that is in the handfeeding formula.
I have handfed many babies (umbrellas) from the egg, so if you have any 
questions, let me know.
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