Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 4/4/2007

Question
Hi,My lovebird laid an egg yesterday and I have decided that I want to handfeed the babies.I have been reading everything I can find on it but I went to the pet store today,and the only syring I could find looked way to big for a baby bird.I looked online thinking I would just order that way but there is such a big selection that I decided to ask you first.I wanted to know if it is ok to use pipettes,or if a syring is the better way to go.Also if I get syringes what size should I use 10,12,20cc,or what.Everything else I have found online like how often to feed,how much,when to pull the babies,but the syring was not covered.Would be greatfull for any help.Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Amy.  Thanks for posting!

You have to use different size syringes as the baby(ies) grow bigger (or fill up smaller sized syringes several times).  I don't like the pipettes personally.  I prefer using a glass eyedropper if/when I would have to use something this small.  The babies will be good size by the time you pull them from their parents at about 10 days of age, so a pipette would really be too small by that time anyhow.  I would recommend you purchase 5cc, 10, and 20cc syringes.  Since syringes are made of plastic, and since germs/bacteria can penetrate plastic, you'll need to order a quantity of syringes.  Sometimes the rubber stoppers go bad, you want to use a disinfected, freshly clean syringe for each baby at each feeding (don't use the same syringe to feed different babies at the same handfeeding in order to keep transfer of germs to minimum), etc., so order more than you think you will need of each type/size.  Since it takes time for internet orders to ship/arrive, you'll want to make sure you keep plenty of syringes on hand.  I don't like the type of syringes with curved tips, but you may find them better than others.  If you can find these, also order syringe tip extenders.  Often times, you'll need to handfeed a little baby and will need a smaller tip on a regular syringe.  

My website has much information on handfeeding, etc., if you want to visit.

www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Come back with any additional questions.

Chrys