Ask Lafeber

Question:

January 25, 2021

Organic & Natural food


New born clutch parrots are often fed parrot formula. Any other alternative organic or natural means of food can be given instead?


Answer:

Hi Silva,

It’s always best to let the parents feed the chicks to begin with. Most breeders who hand feed will let the parents start the chicks, and then the chicks are pulled from the nest box at anywhere from 2-4 weeks old, depending on the species. If you aren’t breeding a lot of birds, then co-parenting is the ideal way to go. This is where you allow the parents to feed the chicks, and you handle the chicks from the time their eyes open, several times a day in between the parents feeding them. If you do hand feed, you need to use a hand feeding formula that has been scientifically formulated for pet birds. Please do not try to make a home made formula. Feeding organic foods isn’t better if it isn’t providing the nutrition the chicks need. Chicks have sensitive digestive systems and you have to be very careful about hand feeding them. They can have issues if the formula is too hot or too cold, too thick or too thin, or if the chick is not warm enough. Just like our adult bird diets, our handfeeding formula is made with natural ingredients, with no artificial additives.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

Subscribe to our newsletter

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter

×

Join our Lafeber Flock

Enjoy our Pet Birds' weekly newsletter, featuring captivating stories, care tips, and more.
Opt for Small Mammals' monthly edition for delightful facts about rabbits, guinea pigs, and more.
Choose our monthly Backyard Chickens newsletter for insightful information to keep your flock happy.
*