Hand-raising chicks can make them better pets in later life.
If your pet bird has just had nestlings or if you found an abandoned chick outdoors it is possible to hand-raise them yourself. For pets this can be a good thing as it gets them used to people; for wild birds this may prove harmful when they are released, although they would stand no chance abandoned in the wild. The basic techniques for either situation are the same and regardless of species the requirements are very similar.
Instructions
1. Set up a suitable nest. A bird cage is ideal, but a shoebox lined with tissue paper will be fine. Nestlings will not be able to fly so there is no need for caging until later.
2. Prepare suitable food for the chick. Nestlings need a lot of protein. Raw offal from a butcher, or dog food are good nutrition sources. Hard-boiled eggs mashed with milk are also good for varying the diet, along with raisins soaked in water. Insects, like crickets and flies, can be bought from a pet store or caught in a bug zapper.
3. Feed the nestling 6 to 10 times a day during daylight hours. After the first week feeding can be reduced to 5 or 6 feedings a day and once the eyes are open 3 to 5 a day. Once feathers have developed they will only need 2 or 3 feedings a day.
4. Using a syringe, pipette or small spoon, pour the food into a chick's mouth. Chicks should be keen to eat and sit up with their beaks open. Stop feeding when their crops are full or they stop wanting food. Take notes of how much they are eating each day to give an idea on the health of the animal.
5. Leave some water in a bowl in the nest so they can drink once their eyes have opened. Do not force-feed liquids to a bird. The moisture in the food should be plenty for them.
6. Sterilize all feeding equipment. Like babies, chicks have a poor immune system at this age. Similarly, clean your hands well before and after handling them and change the nest bedding regularly. Boil the implements before and after every feeding.
7. Maintain a steady temperature. Hatchlings, with no feathers, need a higher ambient temperature of about 35 degrees Celsius. When small, or pin, feathers grow reduce the temperature by about 10 degrees and when feathers develop normal room temperature is fine. Birds that nest in your area like that temperature for their chicks.
8. Watch for signs of ill health like not feeding, constant chirping, restlessness, poor weight gain and abnormal wing, head and leg positions. Take to a veterinarian immediately if any of these occur.
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