Feeding Sky

[Tfreeman]

Hi all
I was given a 3 week old baby ringneck and began feeding him on the relevant baby formula. Now he is 7.5 weeks old and is refusing the formula, but is not touching the mixed veg or pellets I have put in the cage. Any suggestions from anyone would be most welcome. he is the love of my life and i would hate anything to go wrong with him

 

[SilverSage]

That isnt a current picture is it? How much are you feeding him, how often, what brand, what temperature, and how long has he been refusing the formula, how long have you been offering pellets?

 

[Tfreeman]

Hi - no that was taken the day i brought him home - i tried to upload others but am a bit technically challenged. i think i have attached a current pic now lol. this is Sky with my other ringneck, Banana. they have become good friends.

To answer your questions, i dont remember the brand, because the packet tore, so i put his formula into a tupperware. but it was a formula recommended by the breeder for birds from 2 - 6 weeks old. (in a pinkish package)
i started offering him pellets on Tuesday but hes not interested.
i feed him 3 times a day, but he isnt taking much anymore (well last night he gobbled, but this morning again i battled to get him to take it)
the temp is just above room temperature.
he started refusing the formula this week.

thanks for you help

 

[SilverSage]

Ok, well there is a major problem; your formula needs to be between 102 and 108 degrees F. You can get a confection thermometer at Walmart for around $12. Too cold and you can kill the baby through slow crop/sour crop, too hot and you can literally burn a hole through him from the inside out. PLEASE get and use a thermometer. Your "breeder" was vastly irresponsible not to tell you that. Many babies, especially older ones, will begin to refuse formula that isn't warm enough. Since you have been guessing at the temp, it is HIGHLY advisable that you take your baby to a certified avian vet ASAP to get a gram stain as chances are very high that he has a bacterial infection from his food digesting too slowly. This CAN KILL HIM and you likely won't notice the symptoms until it is too late. Treating early with simple antibiotics is easy. Please please please get a thermometer and go to the vet.

 

[Tfreeman]

Thank you so much Silversage. I will get a thermometer today. taking him to the vet tomorrow (monday) morning for a check up.
he seems to be eating a bit better last night and again at lunchtime, but refused his food at breakfast..............
your input is most appreciated
kind regards
tracey

 

[SilverSage]

Please be sure to request a gram stay as it may not be included in a checkup unless you ask.