Hand Feeding Baby Lovebirds From Day 1
Hand feeding any baby Lovebird is a commitment, but hand feeding a baby Lovebird from day 1 is a commitment, plus a labor of love! Hatchling babies are very tiny, in addition to being very uncooperative. The most important thing to consider when feeding a baby this young is timing. Parent Lovebirds feed their young around the clock for the first 7-10 days, and the hand feeder must also do this. Hatchlings are fed every 2 hours round the clock for the first 5 days. The schedule changes after day 5 and I will discuss this later. The items needed for a hatchling are the same as for an older baby but there are a few other that are necessary with a day 1. Hand feeding formula (22/9 - 22% protein, 9% fat) Lactobacillus (for digestive bacteria) Papaya (for digestive enzymes) Enfalyte or Pedialyte (suggested for the first 5 days) Small "O" ring syringe (I prefer 3 cc) or a small tapered tip eyedropper Small container to mix formula Thermometer (to check temperature of the formul...