12 weeks..wont eat

[bedgar2705]

I have never handfed before but it has been a real treat. I love so many things about a baby bird that goes away after they are older. My Grey was bought when he was approx 6-8 week old. (I was told he was 4 months) never-the-less I got on the internet and talked to people and we got through it. I had noticed about 10 weeks that my babys face was sometimes pinkish in color and one person had told me to watch out for redness in the face as it could be a sign of an infection. I watched and watched until I took him to the vet to be on the safe side. As the vet listened to my baby she said the only things she saw was 1) he had a small "tick" in his lungs which she gave some antibiotics for and 2) the baby seemed to be a little light for his weight. Well, I was also told that a baby at that age would stop taking as much formula and eat other things to try and loose weight so he could take flight. But now he has gotten to where he shuts that beak and refuses to eat any of it. I see him eating the pellets and fresh veggies that I offer him so he is eating. But is that normal? How much should my baby weigh at 12 weeks? he weighs about 435g. He was weighing in at 480 a couple of weeks ago. Talk to me...I am learning. Do you think it could be the meds that make him mad at me and not wanting to eat??? He dislikes the meds to no end. I have to really be patient to get him to take them.

[Dave007]

**he had a small "tick" in his lungs which she gave some antibiotics ***

That's something that only your vet can diagnose and treat.

 

Weight---The most weight a bird will have is when it's unweaned. As he/she gets older, the weight lessens and the approx final weight takes over. A bird who is weaned weighs alot less. It has nothing to do with the desire to take flight. The final weight depends upon whether the bird is a small or medium or large framed bird. As a bird nears weaning age, it'll want less formula and more solids. If he's eating what you're giving, then there's no problem.

***But now he has gotten to where he shuts that beak and refuses to eat any of it. ***

That's simply a sign that the bird is slowly weaning off the formula and long as it's being replaced with food, there's no problem. Don't completely stop the formula feedings. Give less and let your bird tell you it doesn't want any more.

Antibiotics/Medicine---that's hard to answer but usually, medication doesn't deter a bird's appetite for long. A sick bird will lose it's appetite and that's when a vet visit is needed. You've already done that. Your bird simply has an appetite for more solid foods.

***Do you think it could be the meds that make him mad at me and not wanting to eat??? He dislikes the meds to no end. I have to really be patient to get him to take them. ****

Do you like swallowing bitter tasting medicines? Ever get mad at mom when she did that? She had to be patient with you and put up with your lousy attitude, right?

 

***he weighs about 435g***

That's the approx weight for a small boned bird. It could go up ( i doubt it) or remain the same ( likely)

Edited August 3, 2011 by Dave007