Scandal!! Genetic and handfeeding questions

[lovezebs]

MisterGribs

Here are a couple of videos which might show you the difference in colours and mouth markings.

Not all Zebra infants have white fuzz. Some have gray, others different shades.

https://youtu.be/DNqSdEqr0rA

https://youtu.be/4i1nHwcM6-0

https://youtu.be/9at90xjZ-C0

https://youtu.be/lhUZTWJw8yw

https://youtu.be/QeGz_-WohN4

[Babs _Owner]

MisterGribs

It may be a combination of things. Honey has a high sugar content so I would stay way from that as well. Sugar promotes yeast.

Try and get some formula as soon as possible.

Good job rinsing out the crops without aspirating. Im amazed at how you do that.

[MisterGribs]

Babs yeah? I thought honey was antibacterial, but maybe i shouldn't risk it.

He's doing better and getting stronger, but after 3 hours, his crop is still half full. He's 3 days old, as far as I know. I have the brooder set to 36.5 celcius. I turned it up to try and prevent the crop slowdown.
I'm using the same water mixture I give the adults but with extra acv, and feeding some yolk mixed with high protein baby cereal for humans. He seems to have a tough time digesting the yolk, and once in a while he just gets a feeding of water.
He's gaining weight and begging hard, so I hope that means he's doing ok.

[lovezebs]

MisterGribs

If the egg yolk is being a problem for him, then cut back on it, or cut it out all together.

Formula should be coming on the 16th, right? Which is tomorrow, and then with the baby formula all should be well.

Glad to hear that he's a good eater.
Feed a bit less, to make sure crop empties between feedings.

[Babs _Owner]

MisterGribs

Oh I almost forgot. Put a a couple of drops of apple cider vinegar in the formula as soon as you can until it clears up.

[MisterGribs]

Babs Yep, I got that acv going for him. I gave him another flush today as well, and fed him some pureed white rice mixed with bird water and acv, and he made HUGE poop, nd his crop emptied almost immediately, so I think that did the trick. I should be able to get some handfeeding formula tomorrow, but I'm concerned about being able to find some! It's hard to find around here.

[Babs _Owner]

MisterGribs

Thats great! Go gently on the acv too so it doesnt strip the good flora out of his crop and digestive system. ;)

[MisterGribs]

Babs He got a little more of a bubble after this rice feeding. I'lll probably reduce the acv as soon as he can have an empty crop with no gas in it either.

I'm going to go back to feeding boiled egg yolk tomorrow, I'm quite nervous it will bring the yeast back.

[lovezebs]

MisterGribs

https://www.kaytee.com/all-products/pet ... g-high-fat

Can be ordered through amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Exact-Fee ... B0002DGJH8

From what I understand, some human baby cereals can be fed, if there is nothing else available.

The ingredients in most handfeeding formulas that I've come across, are mainly corn, wheat, sunflower seeds, peanuts, flaxseed, oil, and vitamins and minerals, with some variations.

I really hope you can find some handfeeding formula, even if it's not Kaytee tomorrow. It would make life so much easier than all the guess work.

[Babs _Owner]

MisterGribs

When they are very hungry a bubble is common and not something to be alarmed about. Its all about the rate of digestion. It's hard to describe. I have had an extremely low handfeeding death rate.

If you are to continue with the rice-only based mix, I would add a vitamin drop or two to your formula to make sure the hatchling is getting something substantial from the feedings. Without it he is just eating empty nutrients.

ACV is not a cure and if over used it can burn the crop. New hatchlings have their parents "spit" mixed in to help aid their digestion and you dont want to throw off his ability to create enzymes to digest with the vinegar.

[Phocid]

MisterGribs

When I was a wildlife rehabilitation intern, we fed our rescued babies soaked, mashed up kitten kibble. Specifically Iams, but any higher quality brand will do in a pinch.

[MisterGribs]

Phocid Thanks for the advice! If I can't find any formula, I'll go for this.

[MisterGribs]

Babs he's doing good and has proper crop emptying now so I've taken his vinegar away for now, so no worries! As for the rice, it's got a finch-specific vitamin drop in it, and today I've nervously switched back to boiled egg yolk.

[MisterGribs]

lovezebs yes it would! I need to keep some in the house for secret rehabs, too, especially this time of year. My check didn't come through for some reason, so one more day of guessing.

I have all those things in my house, i'll add some ground sunflower and corn to his egg yolk today. Np sign of yeast, and he or she started peeping today!

[lovezebs]

MisterGribs

Peeping is good to hear

If the little darling is starting to beg, that means he wants to live.