Baby zebra, no food in crop, not acting well.

[Corkysgirl]

I have a three week old zebra who is behaving a little lethargic. I've done everything, heat lamp, warm room. He perks up each time I use Rescue Remedy on him. I thought he was going to die yesterday but he rallied since. I noticed today he has no food in his crop. I saw his mother feeding him. I notice this is the first baby out of hundreds that has never cried out for food...never once. Is there anything else I can do? He comes out of his nest but sits on the floor. Not flying at all. Not sure this one will make it but want to give him every opportunity.

[Ginene]

I have no clue what Rescue Remedy is, so forgive my suggestion if it is completely useless...Can you give your baby some hand feeding formula and electrolytes? I had to hand feed 2 of my zebra babies because they never begged either. Good luck

[Corkysgirl]

Thank you. I have hand fed my birds before. I forgot about that because it's been quite a while. I will try that now. I wonder if the mom and dad stopped feeding him because they think he's sick. If he perks up, maybe they'll feed him more. I'll give it a try. I'll attach a link for the Rescue Remedy. I LOVE it! I use it for me, my dog, my birds. It saved a bird that was very close to death before. Perked it right up within seconds! I put it in the water of my old bird often. She will be 10 years old February 15th, as will her brother. http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/bach0501.htm

[Ginene]

Thanks for the link . Good luck with your little one. Hopefully some formula and pedialite will help until it is strong enough to beg.

[Corkysgirl]

I live in the virtual boondocks so I had to make due with what I had. I made a meal out of organic baby rice cereal and made Electrolyte mixture with Really Raw Honey, baking soda, salt, water. The baby ate a little. Right afterwards he was doing that mouth gaping thing they do right before they die and was very near death at the bottom of the cage, laying on his side and very limp. I just knew this "was it" but figured...okay, one more time, Rescue Remedy! I rubbed it on his feet, butt, and beak. I didn't know what else to do. I put him back in his nest. He was limp and barely breathing. I went in later sure to find him dead and that little thing was looking at me and his head is moving back and forth quickly. He's not moving around much but he's very much alive! Now I am positive the RR is the reason. This is the third time it's resurrected a bird from near death! The mom and dad both decided to start feeding him again. This is what I hoped for. I'm leaving the light on in hopes they feed him throughout the night. I'm sure thought had I not fed him and revived him somewhat they wouldn't have started to feed him. Thanks!