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Melto36
11-26-2009, 07:09 AM
I have a baby who is taking a bit of time to wean...although he is starting!. He is about 32 days....my question though is this:
He is eating millet now...and his crop doesnt empty now as fast...if I feed him that seems to go...but sometimes there is a hard little lump left...Is that seeds? Should I worry? He is fine otherwise...chatting away, droppings goood, eating fine.
RockyandhisFriends
11-26-2009, 09:47 AM
Hi,

It would make a difference if your bird is being hand fed or parent raised.

You say that "I have a baby who is taking a bit of a time to wean....although he is starting!." and that he is 32 days old.

Most parrotlets are weaned at about 6 weeks of age (42 days) but I have had some that have taken as much as 8 weeks to wean. Your bird at 32 days old is still too young to be fully weaned.

I hand feed my babies and at around 32 days of age they are still taking about 5-6 cc's of formula 4 times a day plus are just starting to eat millet and other small seeds and chopped vegatables.

If the baby is being hand fed then the formula would be digested faster (because it is fine powder and water) than being on millet and seed alone, this would cause the crop to empty slower. Remember that your bird is at least 1 - 1 1/2 weeks from being completely weaned. You should also be aware that he is starting to fledge and should start taking less food at this time, you should also notice a drop in his weight over the next two weeks.

Phil
Melto36
11-26-2009, 02:23 PM
Sorry...yes he is being hand fed.He is fledging well ....and his abdomen has gone down already. Aside from my worry about sour crop....he seems quite fine. I still feed 3 x a day although he is definatly wanting less. I see him nibble on millet and pellets lots so he is on his way! I was just worried about the hardness. Thanks for the help!
Melto36
11-27-2009, 06:58 AM
He refused last nights feeding and this mornings . So I will try a few more days and if not ...I can assume hes weaned!
RockyandhisFriends
11-27-2009, 08:17 AM
Sounds like he's weaned to me. I still like to offer them a hand feeding for a day or two after they are fully weaned. I always worry about them getting enough water in their system. This way they may take a feeding to get their water.

Know I would try to get him on a good diet. The younger they are the easier it is to get them to try new foods.

Good luck and have fun with your new bird.

Phil