Hand Feeding (Zawana Lofts)

By: Joe & Wanda Byrne
Date: NTU Yearbook 1990/91
Category: Feeding

For several years I've taken on the task of feeding baby pigeons that have
been abandoned, oz` needed foster parents or for some reason the nest has
had trouble of one sort or another. Although we use Bernburgs and Helmuts
for foster parents, which work out great, sometimes the timing is off and
the feeders are busy raising young or are on eggs and it is necessary for me
to take over. It is not very often I can raise a bird less than three days
old but in some cases I have succeeded. If it is at all possible, let the
parents feed the squabs for the first three days as their milk is vital to
the infants. The first year I raised sixty-five squabs and lost only four. I
was very disappointed about the loss but I came to realise that from time to
time I will lose an occasional youngster and I can't save them all. If
anyone has success raising a day-old squab, I would appreciate any advice
they would be willing to share with me.

I'm writing this article to help other breeders to save valuable birds and
to avoid disappointment in their breeding and show seasons.

The task for preparing a feeding program is very easy. First, you will need
a box. If you have other pets such as a cat or dog, you will need a cage.
Next place a heating pad in the box and turn on low. Place a bath towel that
has been folded, on top of the heating pad. Put the squabs on the towel and
cover them with one layer of towel to keep them warm - avoid drafts. After
this is done, you will need a plastic bottle such as a hair dying bottle
with a long nozzle. Cut the nozzle off leaving enough to place a lavene tube
over the remaining stub. The tube is very important. It is the type used in
hospitals to feed patients. It is soft rubber and very pliable and can be
purchased in any drug store. Cut about one and a half inches of size - 14 or
- 16 tubing and force one end over the bottle top. Now take a match and burn
the other end slightly to round off the rough edge. This is important to
prevent scratching or injuring the squab's throat.

Now you are ready to feed your squabs. For birds three to five days old, I
heat Pro-sobee, warm not hot, and fill the bottle. Place the tube very
gently down the squab's throat into the craw and squeeze very gently. Be
very careful not to feed too much or the crop might be ruptured. This is
done for about four days. Birds must be fed four times a day on Pro-sobee.
On the fifth day a small amount of baby cereal is added to the formula, high
protein is best. This mixture is fed four times a day until squabs are about
eight or nine days old. At this age they are ready to be fed grain. First
place a few drops of formula in the birds crop. Hold mouth open and place a
pinch of grain in their mouth. They will gobble it down quickly and easily.
Repeat filling the mouth with grain until the crop is almost full. Don't
forget to add a few pinches of grit when feeding. After the squab is full,
but not to bursting point, give him a small amount of water with vitamins.
Feeding takes a short time and with a little practice you can become an
expert.

When the squabs are well feathered, they are fed twice a day with grain and
grit once in the morning and once in the later afternoon. Each feeding is
followed with water, also water is given in the mid afternoon.

A cup of feed and a cup of water is placed in their cage. Soon they are
eating and drinking on their own. Before I forget, the heating pad can be
removed if there is no danger of a cold spell and the birds are feathered
enough and out walking around.

Remember, you have taken on the responsibility of the baby's parents and
they are dependent on you for everything. When they hear your voice or see
you they get very excited and squeel. They like to be babied and love to be
with you. For your efforts you will receive more love, attention and
companionship than you ever realised. I raised about 60 or 70 hand fed
babies a year. When I enter the lofts they greet me by landing on my arms,
shoulders and head.

They let me know they still love their mama. I pause and look around, and
know, it was worth every precious minute.
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