DF>          This is off the subject of carrying cases,
Just so you know, you may change any subject line at any time if it no
longer applies to whatever you're now talking about! PLEASE feel free to
do so (this goes for anybody who's reading this, too!).
DF>doing. I have Love birds that recently hatched babies... These are my
DF>first babies and I'm alot nervous. A friend of ours showed me how to
DF>feed them when i pulled them from their nest,but I'm still nervous, yet
DF>at the same time kind of excited... Do you have any tips for  me. I'm
DF>sure anything you can tell me would be helpful.
1) calm down. Being nervous won't help at all. 
2) have all the proper equipment RIGHT THERE.
   candy thermometer that reads at least from 95F to 120F
   proper size syringes (lovebirds, probably 10cc)
   coffee cups
   custard cup or small bowl that sits in coffee cup
   paper towels and tissues
   formula (Kaytee, Roudybush, Pretty Bird, Lafebers or some
            other brand made for EXOTIC birds, not wild birds)
3) read the instructions on the formula container several times
   practice mixing some up a couple times until you get the idea
   of the correct water/formula ratio (it should be about the thickness
   of applesauce or pancake batter) and get the hang of mixing it the
   right temperature
4) use the thermometer to get the water temp. to 105F, NO higher, not
   much lower (too high burns crop tissue, too much lower and the
   babies may refuse it as too cold). Once the water is the right temp,
   quickly mix the food in the small bowl or custard cup, and suspend it
   over the coffee cup filled with HOT water (acts as a double boiler,
   keeps the food warmer longer).
5) When you feed, hold the syringe in the right hand, baby facing
direcly toward you. Put syringe into baby's mouth from ITS left side,
and gently drip a tiny amount onto the tongue.
The bird's throat is divided in the center--ITS right side is the side
where the food goes down (esophagus), ITS left side is the passage to
the lungs (trachea). If you just put a bit in the mouth and watch the
baby swallow, you'll see what I mean. Don't squirt a LOT or it'll choke.
Once you get the "feel" for this, you can work into a rhythm with the
baby, feed-swallow-feed-swallow, and it'll empty a syringe in no time.
The baby may "chug" or bob up and down when it gets the idea of syringe
as food, so be prepared by having the other hand across the baby's
back.
Handfeeding is NOT difficult in theory, but it takes lots of practice.
If you're careful in food preparation, keep it the right temp, and are
very careful when you feed so the baby doesn't aspirate (inhale)
formula, you'll be OK.
Feed until the crop feels like a mostly-full water balloon--not TIGHT,
but just firm yet still pliable. Then onto the next baby. Be sure to
check the formula temp if it takes more than 2 minutes--the stuff cools
fast. If you MUST re-heat in the microwave, check the temp many times,
and stir well to get rid of hot spots before feeding the next baby.
It'll be frustrating at first, but you'll get the hang of it soon.
Once you're done, wash the syringes out, and either boil them to
sterilize, or soak in Oxyfresh or bleach until the next use. Rinse any
disinfectant off quite well before the next feeding. Wash all the
dishes, dispose of leftover formula (NEVER re-use mixed formula), change
all the bedding in the brooder while the babies are out, and put'em back
until the next feeding.
Hope this helps!!!
--Kathy
 * SLMR 2.1a * I feel more like I do now than I did a while ago.
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