First attempt at hand feed.

[kyle]

Babs
Kaytee exact. It's meant for parrots from what I see on the label and that was all I could find. He keeps increasing the amount he's eating by a drop. We're up to 5 drops.
I had a family birthday to go to today so I had to make a portable brooder. It works beautifully!

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

So glad its going great! I meant what utensil are you feeding him with?
, silly


Your brooder is brilliant. But if you want what I use this is only $20

https://www.toysrus.com/product?productId=56492846

Im on my 2nd brooder (they last about a year) and I cannot RAVE enough about how consistant it is in temperature. And it takes up little space and can be plugged into a car charger for transport if you take the kids to work (like I do when I go in the office).

Its so in exspensive you can always have a backup when the heating element goes low.....they don't shut off when they fail, the temperature just drops 5 degrees to warn you its old. Added bonus is the lid lights up BRIGHT at the touch of a button, and I can feed the chicks in the dark without an added light. Its the main light I use in my nightime videos.

(Again I give full credit to Sally for this idea) She uses another brand but has had good results as well)

[kyle]

Babs
Lol! I started with a syringe that had a tiny tube attached to the end that I had gotten from lady gouldian Finch. But I found it hard to press and was afraid of shooting too much formula down the chicks throat. So I have switched to an eyedropper. I seem to have much more control

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

YES!! Those small-bulb rubber stopper "eye droppers" are SOOO much better to control the flow. nice job! They truly are better for flow of liquid!

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

PS, that baby wipe warmer cuts off all the drafts. Its literally like they are under their mom's butt.

[kyle]

Babs
I'm definitely going to pick one up! I made do with what I had at the moment but the fact I can travel with the one you suggest love it!

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

Let me know if you need help getting it to proper temp. I fill it up halfway with coco fiber, on the low setting, and it stays between 92-95.

I lower the co-co fiber to lower the temp. Then I crack open the lid with a spoon to lower the temp even more as they feather up.

When they get close to fledging, but are still too young to come out, I open the lid and put a flat metal cage piece over it to keep them from popping out and exploring too soon. At that point they can maintain good body heat, but staying in the 'nest" keeps them warm.

Grab 2 warmers if you can. Having a back up is a lifesaver.

You have to buy the adaptor for the car plug seperately. Bill bought mine, I have no idea where to get it. He's better at figuring out those adaptor gadgets. I'm sure you probably know how to find a car adaptor to fit the unit. It uses a standard wall plug adaptor that plugs into the back of the warmer, so its interchangeable.

And it has a window in the front so you can turn on the light....see the baby and check on it without opening the lid.

[kyle]

Babs
Hi Babs I was wondering how you regulated the temperature. I'm going to pick one up at the first opportunity I get. If I have any questions I know who to ask. Lol. my little guy survived the night and was anxiously waiting with his mouth open for his first meal this morning.

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

Yay!! Everyday he gets through the better chances he will go all the way!

Its such a wonderful sight to see that anxious mouth open and that little head wobble-head going back and forth

I can answer any questions you have when you get the brooder, no worries. ;)

[ac12]

I use a baby wipe warmer as my brooder also.
I use a thermostat to control the heat in the warmer.
http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... 75#p399579

I like your water bath brooder. Good thinking.
Make sure the fish tank heater is far enough into the water. so that it does not overheat.

[kyle]

ac12i
Today is day 4 feeling encouraged. So much work for just one chick but I am enjoying the experience.

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

Oh boy!! That mouth is nice and big now! Cute little wobble-head! He should be getting his voice and chirping soon, if not already.

Good job Kyle!

[kyle]

Babs
Yes he's growing and eats well but I feel he should eat a little more. I'm hoping to see him get stronger in the next few days. He has yet to make any noise. I will be listening for that first little peep! I wanted to thank you Babs for the tip about feeding him late and then early in the morning and not getting up in the night. I'm sure if I had been getting up through the night I would not be able to last. .

[Babs _Owner]

kyle

Exactly! Thats when people make mistakes due to fatigue. When he first gets his "voice" it will sound like a faint click. You will be terrified you've aspirated......but it's just the soft sounds of his chirps emerging.

Then in just a few days its

Wait until his eyes open. He will tilt his head to the side and study you with one eye as he feeds.....getting to know you as the "daddy". It's a fascinating time.

[lovezebs]

kyle

How's baby doing today?

He looks like he's growing