Problems eating..

[fowlstack]

For those of you not following in the New Members Posts, I have a 3+ month old MRHA that I have had home for 3 days now. Originally things went great... now I'm not so sure.
I now think my little fellow is not too bright. It took him almost 16 hours to find and use the water bottle, although I tapped on it, put water on my finger and let him taste it. Now that that problem is solved I'm having trouble getting him to eat. This am for the first time he was clucking like a baby, as he used to do weeks ago. I can feed him food directly from my fingers to his beak, but I know he may get used to it and not eat on his own. Should I be concerned that he will starve to death? Like other animals will he eventually come around and eat when he gets hungry? He has three feed bowls, one with parrot food (dry), one with fruits and nuts combo, and one with fresh veggies (that I know he does not yet like).
Anyone have any suggestions ?

 

[CherylCali]

He may be dehydrated. I would offer water in a bowl. I change my water bowl twice a day and use filtered water that is from a well, not a municipality.
The bottle may be severly limiting the parrots water intake, which could be deadly. Also the bottle can hold bacteria, slime, algeas that can't be reached to clean. If the water bottle isn't being cleaned every day, not just refilled, I would be very worried.
Your parrot may be very intelligent, it's not natural to them to drink out of a bottle.

CherylCali

 

[wrench13]

Is he weaned 100% off of baby bird food? Parrots will start to eat 'adult' foods when they feel like it, as long as it is fresh every day, appropriate size and foods they like.
If he is doing the baby clucking, he does not sound like he is weaned 100% yet.

He looks like a very bright young parrot, with the water, they are not used to drinking from a water bottle in the wild, ya know. Most people use a water dish or bowl.

Keep in mind with any problems with your parrot - it is NEVER the fault of the bird.

 

[CherylCali]

Is he weaned 100% off of baby bird food? Parrots will start to eat 'adult' foods when they feel like it, as long as it is fresh every day, appropriate size and foods they like.
If he is doing the baby clucking, he does not sound like he is weaned 100% yet.

He looks like a very bright young parrot, with the water, they are not used to drinking from a water bottle in the wild, ya know. Most people use a water dish or bowl.

Keep in mind with any problems with your parrot - it is NEVER the fault of the bird.

This is true, it's not the fault of the bird, we have to align ourselves with the needs of our birds, and adjust what we think will work, with what actually does work. They are 100% dependent on us.

CherylCali

 

[Flboy]

Dump the water bottle, too many issues! Don't be worried your baby will learn to only take food from you directly!

 

[RavensGryf]

It's not that your baby is 'not too bright' as you say.. He is only a baby feeling displaced all of a sudden in a completely different cage and environment from what he's ever known. I'm wondering if your baby was not completely weaned and ready to come home? Just over 3 months is awfully young. I think that is just about the age they are about weaning.. If you take a bird too soon after they just barely wean, there is a good chance of regression. That's what I think is happening.

Where did you get your bird from? I would contact the breeder or store or whoever, and ask them about this problem. My post will bump this to the top again, and hopefully those who have experience raising or finishing weaning young birds should have some feeding advice for you. One thing Raven's breeder told me (although he was weeks past weaning and didn't regress) was to give some comfort food, like in this case it was Scenic pellets which soften to almost a mush in warm water which you can try feeding from your fingers or a spoon. I wish you all the best. Please keep us posted.

 

[fowlstack]

This site is amazing. I posted, then took the baby out of his cage, and carried him to the couch and talked to him and let him know I had just posted and he better be prepared for me to do what was suggested from your site. After 15 minutes or so I carried him to his cage, picked up a handful of food from his bowl and he took food from my hand. I then put it back in the bowl, picked up another handful, let him pick again and placed it back into the bowl. I had done this yesterday numerous times to no avail. Walked back to the couch and after a few minutes heard "crunch, crunch". HE WAS EATING!!. He continued to eat and drop food all over for about 10 minutes then promptly took a nap. Problem solved..I am grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Regarding the water bottle, I thought so as well, and asked the breeder about it, but I could see when visiting that he used the water bottle and had for some time. He uses it now that he has finally located it.
I myself think the bowl would be more effective and safer than the nozzle clogging up, without me realizing it. I will probably change over for safety sake.
Thanks all for your concern and assistance.

 

[CherylCali]

This site is amazing. I posted, then took the baby out of his cage, and carried him to the couch and talked to him and let him know I had just posted and he better be prepared for me to do what was suggested from your site. After 15 minutes or so I carried him to his cage, picked up a handful of food from his bowl and he took food from my hand. I then put it back in the bowl, picked up another handful, let him pick again and placed it back into the bowl. I had done this yesterday numerous times to no avail. Walked back to the couch and after a few minutes heard "crunch, crunch". HE WAS EATING!!. He continued to eat and drop food all over for about 10 minutes then promptly took a nap. Problem solved..I am grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Regarding the water bottle, I thought so as well, and asked the breeder about it, but I could see when visiting that he used the water bottle and had for some time. He uses it now that he has finally located it.
I myself think the bowl would be more effective and safer than the nozzle clogging up, without me realizing it. I will probably change over for safety sake.
Thanks all for your concern and assistance.

That is so awesome! I'm so happy for you, we need pictures! When I brought Early home, it was immediately difficult, and it didn't change until I cried my eyes out in front of her and poured my heart out. It seemed like after that she adored me! Your talk with your baby probably helped a lot!!

CherylCali

 

[GaleriaGila]

What a great thread. I'm just now catching up!
Great advice, y'all, and great follow-through, fowlstack!