FINCHforum

My baby Zebra has been doing well so far. However, since the last feeding aprox at 3-3:30 it's crop is still pretty full. I just gave it a bit of warm water thinking maybe food was mixed too thick at last feeding. Anyone have any idea's what might be going on? Thanks
I just check on the baby again and it looks more like an air bubble.

I read the article on handfeeding at Finch Information Center (look under Breeding), and it may be air in the crop. The article tells you how to 'burp' the baby. The other possibility is an infection, and the article says to mix equal parts of the handfeeding formula and infant applesauce and feed this mixture for 24 hours (this lowers the pH of the crop, making it a less hospitable place for bacteria). I remember when I had my Star baby, one time he had a small air bubble in his crop--I was too afraid to try to burp him, he was so fragile, and the air bubble seemed to work out on its own. Keep us posted.

Thanks Sally
I found that info on www.finchinfo.com late last night, and therefore I tried the burping which didn't seem to work, not to mention the poor little thing was having a fit over the process. So I went to the dreaded Wall Mart at 11 pm to get infant applesauce. Mixed 1/2 formula w/1/2 applesauce and fed it just a few drops. I'm so happy this morning!! It's crop looked almost empty and the bubble is gone. I will continue with the formula/applesauce for the next 24 hrs and keep praying. I keep wondering if this little guy was a bit premiture because he is still so small and no indication of it's eyes opening. I will just keep doing the best I can and hope it will survive. I'm so looking forward to the first time it recognizes me. Thanks so much. As soon as I figure out how to post a picture of him/her of day one, I will.