laurab
Weaned Todd
Cochi, with a little Gangsta lean. Saying this is how I roll!
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 60
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weaning
Feb 28, 2005 3:36:35 GMT -7
Post by laurab on Feb 28, 2005 3:36:35 GMT -7
HI!
My name is Laura. I brought home my little guy when he was four weeks old. He is twelve weeks old now. His name is cochi. Handfeeding this little baby was an experience of a life time; and I am glad that I chose to handfeed. Cochi took to handfeeding like a pro, and I believe an unbreakable bond has been established. My children who are older also participated in cochi's hand rearing and he has a fantastic relationship with his new siblings as well. He definately thinks that I am mom. Well, a strange thing happened when he was about nine weeks old. I had started introducing chopped fruits and veggies, and weaning pellets. Well, he decided that he liked the new foods so much that he refused his formula. He would eat about 15 ml. and run over to his new food and water dishes and eat his new foods. I continued to offer the formula, and I also weighed him on the gram scale everyday. He appeared to be doing great. After a couple of weeks I stopped offering the formula. A friend of mine who is a private breeder advised me to offer a monkey biscuit soaked in warm water and so I tried it. Cochi thought he died and went to heaven. He loves the biscuits!! Anyway, I just wanted to know if there are any greys that will wean themselves? And if this is normal? Thanks, Laura
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weaning
Feb 28, 2005 4:17:41 GMT -7
Post by Jane on Feb 28, 2005 4:17:41 GMT -7
Hello Laura Yes it is normal for them to start rejecting the baby formula. Some do it earlier than others. If they are introduced to a variety of foods, as you did, it encourages them to try more. I am not sure about the monkey biscuits because I have read conflicting things about them. All parrots seem to continue to enjoy warm, soft foods. You can try things such as mashed sweet potato, fruit puree and of course scrambled egg although they shouldn't have scrambled egg every day.
Jane
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laurab
Weaned Todd
Cochi, with a little Gangsta lean. Saying this is how I roll!
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 60
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weaning
Feb 28, 2005 5:52:08 GMT -7
Post by laurab on Feb 28, 2005 5:52:08 GMT -7
Jane,
Thank you for your information; but I would like to know what conflicting reports there are concerning the monkey biscuits. I know alot of people who give them as treats to their parrots because they contain alot of protein. If they are not helpful to their diet I would like to pass it on. Thanks, Laura
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weaning
Feb 28, 2005 7:27:15 GMT -7
Post by Jane on Feb 28, 2005 7:27:15 GMT -7
Laura Yes, I know monkey biscuits are fed but the information I have read which conflicts with this states that monkey biscuits contain high levels of vitamin D which is too high for parrots and can also contain gram negative rod bacteria which is harmless to monkeys but not to parrots. Another piece of information stated that monkey biscuits don't go through the same checks for bacteria that bird pellets do and companies selling monkey biscuits (and also dog food) do not recommend them for birds. The nutritional content is designed for monkeys not birds.
Jane
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laurab
Weaned Todd
Cochi, with a little Gangsta lean. Saying this is how I roll!
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 60
|
weaning
Feb 28, 2005 7:59:28 GMT -7
Post by laurab on Feb 28, 2005 7:59:28 GMT -7
Jane, Thank you for the information I will pass it on.....I also have a question about fledging?? Cochi, my grey has been flying very well for about one week. Do you believe in wing trimming? I have heard both sides of the story. I realize that you should monitor the windows and doors, if you chose not to trim the wings,but... there is always that, what if...... and in a split second your baby flies out the door. I am thinking that for his protection I should have his wings trimmed soon. Now that he is confident with his landings. Advice? Thank you, Laura and Cochi
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weaning
Feb 28, 2005 8:22:37 GMT -7
Post by Jane on Feb 28, 2005 8:22:37 GMT -7
Wing trimming is a very personal issue. As you say, there are both sides to the story and also a lot depends on the particular bird - some just don't seem to want to fly even if they can, others want to fly as much as possible. Even if you have the wings trimmed you still have to be careful with open windows and doors because they can still flutter and indeed should be able to glide about 15 feet. A sudden gust of wind can carry them further. You also need to consider what particular hazards you have in your home that would mean it would be safer to have the wings clipped. Wing clipping needs to be done by someone experienced with greys as they need a particular clip. Both wings should be done, just the primary flight feathers and usually only four or five.
Jane
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weaning
Feb 28, 2005 22:09:51 GMT -7
Post by pyrrhura molinae on Feb 28, 2005 22:09:51 GMT -7
You're fortunate Cochi weaned so easily! As you know, there are alot of factors to be weighed in with wing trimming. Most depends on the owner's relationship with the bird I think. Alot also depends on the other human family members, and how aware they are of where the bird is at all times if it is flighted. If they're careless about open doors, fans, etc., clipping is probably the best option for now. Anyway, that's great you've let him fledge. If you decide to clip, maybe wait another week or two. If you don't clip, take extra care with the windows especially. Having grids in mine has really helped. I can keep most my birds flighted without having to worry about window crashes. Window clings also are a good idea. All of my 5 birds have had their wings clipped at some point, and also been fully flighted at times. Now, all except for one can fly, and the reason he's clipped is because he gets difficult to handle when able to fly. There are different dangers for your bird wether it's clipped or not, so just weigh in all the factors and do what seems best. The good thing is, neither has to be permament. One of my conures was clipped the first two years I had him, now he can fly wherever he wants and I have no problems. There really is no wrong or right answer.
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laurab
Weaned Todd
Cochi, with a little Gangsta lean. Saying this is how I roll!
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 60
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Post by laurab on Mar 1, 2005 3:55:53 GMT -7
pyrrhura molinae
Thank you sooo much for your helpful advice! He LOVES to fly; and can make small loops and swoops through the living room. My doors are always locked, and if the kids come in the house it is always through the garage to the ulility room; which has a door leading to the house. I may have a few flight feathers clipped in the next few weeks, I don't want to take off too many feathers in one day. I feel each parrot has an individual personality and everyday he shows me something new. So, my decision will be based partly on him. If he becomes too adventurous; then I will do what it takes to protect him. HE is such a joy to my family; and I am blessed that we have had the opportunity to have him become the newest member of our family. Thanks again for the advice, Laura and Cochi
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