Hand rearing formula question.

[Buzz2537]

My little Hahns girl is currently 10 weeks old, I posted in other threads 12 weeks but just checked her hatch date. Anyway, the place we got her from had her on KT Exact hand rearing. I am hearing that they have had a few recent recalls. i was also told that is is not the best formula to use, but cheap and can be bought in bulk so the breeders and stores use it. Harrisons hand rearing was recommended to me. I am to,d it is a much more nutritious formula as well as organic. My question is, first is what I was told true, and second, can I safely change the formula to Harrisons without an issue? I have been trying to get her in with an Avian vet and the earliest appointment I could get even after mentioning she had a slight wheezing is September 9. I had her back to where I got her from and they checked her and said she was fine, but there has to be a reason for her wheezing. She just sound congested at times and her one nostril had a little water bubble come out of it. She seems fine other wise, gaining weight. She weighs 129 grams now, from the 114 she was at, and she is eating fine and active, but I am concerned of course. Anyway,if anyone has input on the hand rearing formula I would appreciate it. i want to give her what is best for her. Thanks. Elaine and Hahnna

 

[MonicaMc]

Here's the info about the recalls.

Kaytee » Kaytee exact Hand Feeding Update

Harrison's is supposedly the best. You could slowly mix the two together to transition her without a straight switch maybe?

 

[RockysMom]

Shamrock is on Lafebers and he is doing great , no one in my are sells harrisons and after all that mess I wouldn't touch kaytees formula , I hear Zupreme is another good formula

 

[MikeyTN]

I use Zupreem formula, they work great!!! I'm happy with their formula, I've had nothing but issues with Kaytee in the past....

 

[Buzz2537]

Thank you. When I got her August 8, she was already on the KT exact, and I had no idea about recalls or other formulas. You would think with all the crap with it, that the place she came from would have pulled and switched to another formula. I was finally able to get an appointment with an Avian specialist at 11:45 today. Again an hour drive butbI want her checked. Her one nare seems clogged and last night was wet as if she had a runny nose, plus I still hear what I think is congestion.

 

[TheKomoman]

Thank you. When I got her August 8, she was already on the KT exact, and I had no idea about recalls or other formulas. You would think with all the crap with it, that the place she came from would have pulled and switched to another formula. I was finally able to get an appointment with an Avian specialist at 11:45 today. Again an hour drive butbI want her checked. Her one nare seems clogged and last night was wet as if she had a runny nose, plus I still hear what I think is congestion.

Glad to hear you were able to get an appointment for her! I think it's well worth the drive and money, even if it is a minor cold you'll know and you'll have that experience under your belt if there's a next time.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I use Zupreem formula, they work great!!! I'm happy with their formula, I've had nothing but issues with Kaytee in the past....

That's precisely what I used. I loved it!

 

[crimson]

Zupreem is mostly chosen by breeders.

switching is normally not suggested but I would consult your avian vet.

 

[MonicaMc]

I wonder if she might have gotten some formula or liquid in her respiratory system accidentally?

Hope the visit goes well!

 

[Buzz2537]

Took Hahnna to the vet. If anyine in NJ is looking for a really good and caring Avian vet, Dr. Applegate of Oakhurst Animal Hospital in Oakhurst, NJ is excellent. I was very please, before himI had Dr. Doolan but was very disappointed in his returning calls or getting you in. No way someone should have to wait almost two weeks for an appointment for their sick bird. Dr. Applegate got me in immediately. Called this morning a d was in by 11:45. He spent a good hour or more with her. He flushed her nose out and a big cloudy booger came out so he sent it in for a culture and took some blood work. He put her on Batryl once a day for seven days. He did check to make sure formula did not get rgurgetated back and into her nose, but it didn't. Other thenthis she is in good shape. i have to bring her for a recheck next week. As far as changing her formula he said if the canaster I have is fine, to just use the Kaytee because she is very close to weaning, generally 12-14 weeks so no sense in changing it now. Thanks for wveryone's in put.

 

[MonicaMc]

Ewww.... birdy boogers!!!! LOL


Glad the visit went well! I don't necessarily agree with the Baytril suggestion, but if it helps her (if she's really sick) then that's great!

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm glad you got her in to the vet and hopefully everything will be better now!!!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Took Hahnna to the vet. If anyine in NJ is looking for a really good and caring Avian vet, Dr. Applegate of Oakhurst Animal Hospital in Oakhurst, NJ is excellent. I was very please, before himI had Dr. Doolan but was very disappointed in his returning calls or getting you in. No way someone should have to wait almost two weeks for an appointment for their sick bird. Dr. Applegate got me in immediately. Called this morning a d was in by 11:45. He spent a good hour or more with her. He flushed her nose out and a big cloudy booger came out so he sent it in for a culture and took some blood work. He put her on Batryl once a day for seven days. He did check to make sure formula did not get rgurgetated back and into her nose, but it didn't. Other thenthis she is in good shape. i have to bring her for a recheck next week. As far as changing her formula he said if the canaster I have is fine, to just use the Kaytee because she is very close to weaning, generally 12-14 weeks so no sense in changing it now. Thanks for wveryone's in put.

I'm glad you are happy with Dr. Applegate. He killed my Quincy 4 years ago, and I will NEVER see him again. Dr. Doolen was on vacation at the time, unfortunately, that was the only reason I saw him. He didn't literally "kill" him, but he sent me on my merry way with a VERY sick bird, my vet bill was over 1 grand, and Quincy died in my arms the same night.

Each time I call Northstar Vets, where Dr. Doolen is now, I'll get an appointment within a few days. I swear by Dr. Doolen, can't even begin to tell you what he's done for my Hunter and me.

 

[Buzz2537]

Took Hahnna to the vet. If anyine in NJ is looking for a really good and caring Avian vet, Dr. Applegate of Oakhurst Animal Hospital in Oakhurst, NJ is excellent. I was very please, before himI had Dr. Doolan but was very disappointed in his returning calls or getting you in. No way someone should have to wait almost two weeks for an appointment for their sick bird. Dr. Applegate got me in immediately. Called this morning a d was in by 11:45. He spent a good hour or more with her. He flushed her nose out and a big cloudy booger came out so he sent it in for a culture and took some blood work. He put her on Batryl once a day for seven days. He did check to make sure formula did not get rgurgetated back and into her nose, but it didn't. Other thenthis she is in good shape. i have to bring her for a recheck next week. As far as changing her formula he said if the canaster I have is fine, to just use the Kaytee because she is very close to weaning, generally 12-14 weeks so no sense in changing it now. Thanks for wveryone's in put.

I'm glad you are happy with Dr. Applegate. He killed my Quincy 4 years ago, and I will NEVER see him again. Dr. Doolen was on vacation at the time, unfortunately, that was the only reason I saw him. He didn't literally "kill" him, but he sent me on my merry way with a VERY sick bird, my vet bill was over 1 grand, and Quincy died in my arms the same night.


Each time I call Northstar Vets, where Dr. Doolen is now, I'll get an appointment within a few days. I swear by Dr. Doolen, can't even begin to tell you what he's done for my Hunter and me.

Oh please don't say that. This is the first time with him. Hahnna is still nasaly but on Baytril. He seemed great, very knowledable. As far as an appointment I had Dr. Doolan 8 years ago when he was with Oakhurst then he went to North Star. I called and they left a message for his liason Jamie and he or ahe never called back. I called again and the only open appointment was Sept 9. I tried to get in with Doolan. As I said I did not even get a rwturn call. I was told if it was an emergency they are a 24 hour hospital and if needed would phone consult with Doolan but that was the earliest unless his liason could work me in, but no call back. I think originally I spike with Fay but could be wrong as I also called Dr. Briggs after who was an Avian vet reccomended in TR but he was on vacation. Now I am going to nea wreck. They cultured her snot and drew blood and flushed her nose and gave her Batryl. He said her lungs were clear. I have no other experience with him other then today but he was very caring with Hahnna and seemed very knowledgable.Doolan is a great vet and took ggod care of my Boo, I always touted him but was very disappointed at no call back from his liason and no appt until the 9th. Apparantly he is only there three or four days a week. I think it was Thursday theough Sunday but do not remember.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I can only tell you that my experience with Dr. Applegate AND the staff at Oakhurst can literally kiss my butt after what they did to me.

Here is the full story: My Quincy (he was a GORGEOUS Magna DYH Amazon, only 5 years old, he's in my Avatar) broke a blood feather in July and it didn't stop bleeding. It happened on a Saturday. Called Oakhurst, but it was Dr. Doolen's day off. Had to take Quincy in anyway and I saw Applegate the first time. He couldn't get the bleeding to stop and ended up putting Quincy under and stitching him up. He NEVER mentioned that Quincy may have problems with his liver!!! Had he known that a compromised liver or a liver disease can prevent a bird from clotting, had he taken measures THEN, my Quincy would most likely still be alive today.

2 months later I find Quincy acting VERY strange one morning. The previous day he was just fine. Talked, singing, biting, eating, flying. Again called Oakhurst, they said Dr. Doolen was on vacation. Saw Applegate again, that same day. He took Quincy in the back, took x-rays, drew blood, removed 30ml of fluid from his abdomen, told me he "believed" it was his liver. My Quincy needed to be hospitalized, but he sent us home with 4 different meds. My baby died the same night - in my arms.

2 weeks later Dr. Applegate called with the lab results. It was his liver. He NEVER even asked how Quincy was doing. Boy did I let him have a piece of my mind.

2 years later my Hunter (YN) got sick, called Oakhurst and they told me Dr. Doolen didn't work there anymore, but refused to tell me where he had gone. Of course I found him via online search.

I called Oakhurst and asked them to fax over Hunter's records to Northstar Vets. I hope you're sitting down: They charged me $25 to fax them. Oh it gets better. When I got to NorthStar, they never faxed Hunter's records...but Quincy's.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I forgot to tell you what Dr. Doolen did for us just last year: When he saw my Hunter, she had a growth on her third eyelid. So after a thorough check up ($210) we scheduled her for surgery the following week. The surgery was $150. I couldn't afford the pathology test. Well, the growth returned. Twice! After the third surgery, Dr. Doolen brought my Hunter out and had a very concerned look on his face. He told me HE was sending the "growth" in and HE was paying for it. Turned out she had a Xanthoma, which is harmless. I completely changed her diet. (Xanthomas "can" come from high cholesterol). Absolutely no more sunflower seeds, not even as treats, no cheese, very little human food, no more pizza crust. The growth has never returned. And no, I can't eat any of the mentioned foods in front of her because she begs worse than my American Bulldog, the only difference being she doesn't drool.

 

[Buzz2537]

Wendy. I am truly sorry for your loss. I have only had this one experience with Dr. Applegate, he had a great bed side manner as did his assistant with my Hahnna, very gentle and caring. He gave her a very full check up and he did not push cultures or blood, I opted to have it done to be safe. He appeared to be very knowledable. This is my only experience with him, and at this point it has been positive. Hahnna seems clearer tonight and I pray I am right because I will be devestated if anything happens to her. As for Dr. Doolan, I had him when he was with Oakhurst, never had an issue with him and lime you got in relatively fast, what happened this time I have no idea. Maybe, the receptionist never left Jamie / his liason the message of my needing a qyuicker appointment, when I called back no one knew anything. At that time I was to,d he only worked Thursday through I believe Sunday and that he was booked solid until the 9th. I made the appointment for the 9th but felt it too risky to wait. Two other Avian vets were reccomended, one Dr. Briggs with Ocean County Vet Hospital, but he was on vacation so the soonest for hi was the 7th, plus his bio did not show actual Avian credentials, just a special interest. The other was Dr. Mckinnley from Amwell Bird Hospital. I heard good and bad. My first choice would have without a doubt been Dr. Doolan. I followed his wrtings on the Mytoos forum when I had my U2 and having had him before I felt himto be extremely knowledgable. My only negative with him is that he micro chips while the bird is awake and it was to me not too good an experience, Boo let out a screm I never heard before and she was upset the who,e rest of the day. Dr. applegate belives in lightly puttong them out so they do not feel it. Now, I know there are cons to that as any anastisia is risky, so I guess that is personal choice. I chose to not have her chilled when she is better. As far as running a lot of tests for the $ as I said he left it up to me and I chose to do it, but with that said I find that most now a days seem to like to oad the bill with a lot of testing. Dr. Doolan too ran tests on Boo when I beought her in initially, and Boo was very healthy. Not sure if it is just us as consumers thinking the tests are to make money or if it just a good vet being extra cautuous. I tend to be o. The side of cautious and although expensive have it all done. The plave we got Hahnna from was very good, when I called them. They worked with me with the vet bill and never even asked for a copy Being in animal rescue I can tell you that is rare. Even with the NJ lemon law on the sale of sogs and cats it is almost impossible to squeeze a dime out of a breeder or pet store when an animal is ill, so I give a lot of credit and respect to Bird Paradise for standing by the parrots they sell. No argument, all but five minutes on the phone and a pleasant conversation. I am praying my baby continues to get better, but I did keepmy September 9 appt with Doolan. You were able to get i with hi. Within a few days which was great but I did not have that experience this time around and I think you can understand my being uoset, especially since we were his clients at one point prior to his leaving there. I guess, what it cones down to is some have good experiences with a vet and others do not. Not sure if one bad experience makes that vet terrible, but I can understand how it would for that person that experienced it. I did a google search and found a posting from 2011 about Applegate and a bad experience. i think it may have been your post. At this point I cannot say if I would go again, only because of what you said and my only having him this one time. It certainly concerned me what you said and leaves a piece of me not sure I would want to chance it. Possibly, he did mess up with your baby or possibly I got him on a good day. Not sure which. Just feel for you and what you went through, but I would be lying to say that I was not extremely disappointed in the disregard for Hahnna, knoin she was so young that North Star would not work harder to find a place for her. I heard so much good about them so it truly disappointed me. They are not cheap either. The office visit for Dr. Doolan is $130 with Dr.Applegate $85 and with Dr. Briggs $60. But believe me it is not and was not about saving money, even if I had to oay $300 for an office visit she was gojng to get in somewhere today. We were even willing to travel to NY or PA if needed just to get her taken care of right away. And, I have eight Yorkies, as I said I do rescue and I take them and have for the past 18 years to one of the best and one of the most expensive so I spare no money whether I have it or not, on my animals. They are my family. I truly am sorry for your experience and the loss you suffered. Where about in NJ are you located? I am in Lacey Twp, about 10 minutes north of Toms River. Also what kind of bird do you have now? I had my U2 eight years, hand fed her out of an egg, but deceloped severe asthma to her. I tried hard to keep her, but it was not fair to her, because I was unable to be around her any length of time so she ended up being out of her cage but alone in her bird room. We had lots of toys and rooes but id does not replace their need for human companionship, so I let her go to a good family. Took me two years to find the right family and the help of a local bird club, but Boo is happy there. She is ,oved and I get uodates. HAHNNA will never rep,ace her, but she has helpedme heal and we have truly bonded which I was afraid would not happen since I loved and missed my Boo so much, so the thought of anything happening and losing her I think would do me in. Thanks for sharing your experience. I think it is good to hear good any bad about any vet. Elaine and Hahnna

 

[JerseyWendy]

Elaine, I'm located in Howell, so not very far from you at all. My brother in law lives in Forked River. If you ever want to drop by and visit, please feel free.

I have 4 birds. 2 Amazons (one of them is Quincy's FULL brother - sheer luck, believe me) and 2 large macaws. They are all in my signature.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Elaine, I JUST received an email from NorthStar Vets. They added a second Avian specialist to their staff.

Feel free to check her out, she sounds GREAT.

Avian and Exotics - Kimberly Mickley, DVM, DABVP-Avian
This will enable 7 day coverage for this department!

 

[Buzz2537]

Thanks, Wendy. They never even told me that they had another Avian on staff Happily Hahnna seems much better today. I do not hear the wheezing anymore and her nose does not seemed clogged as of now. She took her medicine well this morning, so hopefully whatever it was the meds is kicking it out of her. Do you take your guys to the park at all? I have been taking Hahnna walking through the oark when I walk our rescue Yorkie Gigi.