5 week old GCC refusing formula

[sadhman3]

I recently got a green cheek conure. I brought him home at 4 weeks and hes a little over 5 weeks old. I have been feeding him veta farm neocare formula and he's been eating it properly (5 feeds per day of 2 tablespoons-full making sure the crop isnt too full and streching out as per instructions of the breeder, with an 8 hour night gap).
He tried some budgie crumble yesterday (first solid food) and some chop (carrots, broccoli, brown rice and Brussel sprouts). He tried it enthusiastically. He tries to eat the vegetables whenever offered.
so far, normal poops and good energy levels.
Today however, he wasn't as keen on his formula and has been refusing the last two feeds and his crop is fairly empty since the last 6 hours. I'm a little worried about this. Is this normal? What would be your advice on this?

 

[Alembic772]

I am not going to say I am an expert, but I would make sure some type of food for weaning is now offered all the time. Since he ate some by himself he may start wanting to eat more by himself. He’s a little young for complete cold turkey, so keep an eye on him.

Monitor weight, as this will be indicator something is wrong.

And you might want to consult an avian vet or he continues to refuse to eat from the syringe.

Our Turquoise GCC did not eat much when we first brought him home. Then two days later he resumed eating. So maybe a stress related cause for the lack of wanting the handfeeding formula. Could it be also a change in his schedule resulting in this?

Many others will likely also respond with more advice.


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[sadhman3]

the schedule did change by 2 hours +-. That could be it. Will try a stricter routine of 8am, 12 pm, 4 pm, 8 pm and a top up at 12 am.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and your beautiful GCC!

I am not a breeder and have not been around chicks in the weaning phase for decades. Please review this thread from one of our breeder-members. You may disregard the stern warning at beginning but may find helpful advice throughout: http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/74363-so-you-bought-unweaned-baby.html

 

[Alembic772]

I forgot to say he is a beautiful boy. Reminds me of Summer, our pineapple GCC.


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[sadhman3]

Thank you everyone!

Update: Been to the vet and he is perfectly healthy. weighs 85 grams. Since the breeder didn't tell me the exact hatch date, the vet says he may be older than 6 weeks and is just starting the proess of weaning. Suggested smaller (3ml) regular feeds and also offering a variety of food for him to choose from.

He will be on close inspection till monday to see if he is still refusing feeds, if yes, it is suggested to have another vet visit.