Handfeeding Tips

[Californiabirdlover]

A hand feeding question. I have read many books that state, if you are going to hand feed to wait until after two weeks so that the chicks can get the antibodies and nutrients they need from the parents for the first couple of weeks. Is this true?

Also, when handfeeding. Is it okay to transport the little ones in like a cardboard box with a heating pad, etc to keep from getting cold. I work somewhere where I am able to take the babies with me everyday and care for them. Need to know what is best to put them in?

Thanks Again. for all the info. This website is a god send...

[BennyBeagle]

Yes, wait 2 weeks until the babies have some antibodies to ward off infections.
As for the cardboard box--I would suggest using a fish tank as it is more sturdy and will retain heat better.
I imagine the droppings from the chicks will soil the cardboard. Just get a 5 gallon fishtank, put some bed liner (about two inches high) on the bottom, and layer paper towels on top of it so the chicks won't eat the bed liner. Make sure to change the paper towels between each feeding as the droppings become a big big mess!
Goodluck!
ps--if you work and really do not have time to handfeed, just have the parents do it. You can have nice hand trained babies w/o handfeeding.