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Re: Handfeeding & Weaning
Posted by majormitchells on 10/02/05

On 9/30/05, Fran wrote:
> On 9/29/05, Dawn wrote:
>> I posted on this website a few times and got great
>> responses to my questions and now I am looking for more
>> advice. I have an umbrella who was hatched 1-10-05. She
>> is still handfeeding once a day as well as receiving her
>> pellets, safflower seeds, fresh veggies and other various
>> foods. I am trying to get her off of the one feeding and
>> get her to eat on her own but am not having much luck. I
>> was told to buy a gram scale to ensure that she is not
>> losing weight while I am withholding the formula. How
> much
>> weight is too much for her to lose?? The first time I
>> weighed her she was 1.475 lb/oz. She has since lost less
>> than a 1/2 once but she cries to eat. It is not a loud
> cry
>> or even a painful cry. It is a low, sad and pitiful cry.
>> When I give her the handfeeding she bobs like she has not
>> eaten in weeks. I haven't gone more than two days without
>> the baby food. Someone please help. Is she wanting the
>> handfeeding because of the comfort level. Am I ok to let
>> her cry, is she overweight, underweight. Please help. I
>> am one of those unsuspecting people that was sold a U2 by
> a
>> pet store at a discounted price because I agreed to hand
>> feed her. I love my bird dearly and want the best for her
>> so I am begging for help. I have tried contacting the
>> stores but they are not much help.
>
> Dawn, I don't have any personal experience with weaning a
> cockatoo (my umbrella was an adult when she came to live
> with me) but I have found an article that may help you.
> (link below) Hopefully someone will post with some hints
> that have worked for them. Cockatoos are more "emotional"
> and tend to be more needy. I think this is an important time
> for you and your 'too to establish a relationship and help
> the bird develope the emotional tools she will need in her
> lifetime. The weaning period is very important, therefore
> you don't want to wean too abruptly (as many breeders do).
> NOrmally Umbrellas weigh between 450 and 800 grams. Mine is
> on the small side at 520 grams. If you convert pounds to
> grams that will give you an idea of her weight and you can
> monitor her loss. On one feeding a day, I don't think she
> should be losing, but maintaining. Now is also a good time
> to get established with a good avian vet.
>
> I think it is good that your bird is being weaned in a
> loving environment with you. Make sure you are meeting her
> emotional needs with cuddling and attention as you decrease
> the feedings. I'm glad you have found this wonderful bird
> and all the best to you in providing her with a caring home.
> Please post with your progress. Check out this link.
>
> http://shell.pubnix.net/~mhagen/docu/weandifficult.html

What happens during weaning when going past the normal
weaning period for the average cockatoo lets call it 4 months
they will do this, Kinda like you miss parrot weaned and now
your working on a second breath, This can go on for up to
a year.What your doing is exactly correct keep on it and there
is no way out, Probably the problem is not alowing to fledge
causes this its not a bad thing but it might be for a breeder
with a customer waiting for the bird.


Paul

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Handfeeding & Weaning, 9/29/05, by Dawn.
• Re: Handfeeding & Weaning, 9/30/05, by Fran.
• Re: Handfeeding & Weaning, 10/02/05, by majormitchells.