Best product results are obtained with enteral feedings (2-4 feedings/day). Calories (and volume) should be increased as needed to obtain, and then maintain, an ideal body weight.
Start feeding over the first 1 - 2 days with a more dilute formula - a dilution ratio of 1:3 by volume (1 part Recovery to 3 parts water by volume)
is usually recommended - working up to a less dilute formula as the bird ages and based on the feeding method.
If volume becomes limiting, less dilute formulas will provide the same calories with less volume but may not be compatible with all feeding methods. Altering the formula in any way may cause an imbalance in the formula.
The below table gives the usual feeding amounts for psittacines of certain weights.
Caution: The correct feeding
technique must be used in order to prevent injury to the bird or
inhalation of the formula that could result in pneumonia or death.
Step 1: Gently feel the crop to determine that it is almost empty before feeding.
Step 2: Mix fresh: 1 part dry formula to 1-3 parts bottled “drinking water” heated to approximately 103°F (39°C). Do not microwave. Allow to cool to lukewarm.
Step 3: Feeding with a tube is probably the most universally successful technique. As one faces the bird, position the tube to enter the oral cavity from the left side of the bird’s beak and direct it toward the right side of the bird’s neck. Deposit the food into the bird’s crop.
Step 4: Feed the bird until the crop is full but not overstuffed and clean the excess formula from the bird’s beak, feathers and enclosure. Repeat as often as needed to maintain or increase the bird’s body weight.
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