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Birds--General/refusing to eat

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Expert: - 10/23/2006


Question
I have a 5 week old Alexandrine that was taken from the nest last week. The bird is kept with a five week old Indian Ringneck. Neither of them are great eaters but the Alex now refuses point blank to eat. They have never 'bobbed' up and down. I took them to the vets this morning and they are both well. I use a thermometer and their food is served at 104 degrees farenheit.  What can I do?  

Answer
Hi, Barry.  Thanks for posting!

In my experience, when a baby parrot does this, it means it's time to start the weaning process.  In fact, some birds don't even go through a process, they just go from being handfed to eating other foods (particularly parakeets).  Do you know how to do this?  Please see my website for more information and then come back with any questions:

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

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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