Hand-feeding is a popular topic and a problem many encounter when owning finches.
The key to hand-feeding is attentiveness and accuracy; with this comprehensive guide, you’ll develop the skills it takes to channel your inner mama-bird!
The #1 rule is to keep babies in a warm brooder while feeding until they’re fledged. Do NOT remove the babies and do NOT play with them.
So lets start with formula. Always heat the formula from between 95 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula; you can find this formula at a wide variety of pet stores or sites online.
1-3 days (1 part formula to 3 parts distilled water - soupy/watery) brooder @ 95 degrees Fahrenheit
4-7 days (1 part formula to 3 parts water - wet grits ) brooder @ 92-95 degrees Fahrenheit
7-15 day (1 part formula to 2 parts water - like oatmeal ) brooder @ 80-85 degree Fahrenheit
15-23 days (mix formula thick like pea soup) brooder @ 75-room temperature (set to room temperature if there’s more than one chick, they will cuddle to keep warm).
**Brooder and formula mixing methods in video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tP-oVIibYo&list=PLeMsN_o411tBkPb9yfqu6kao3MVd9nqdK
**Feeding finch chicks from hatch to wean is covered in this documentary:
Hatched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFWNCHDNQXg&list=PLeMsN_o411tBrLMP8AB2aLI_PudMlri6d
Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFWNCHDNQXg&list=PLeMsN_o411tBrLMP8AB2aLI_PudMlri6d&index=1
Day 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxSlE9x2uJw&list=PLeMsN_o411tBrLMP8AB2aLI_PudMlri6d&index=3
Day 17: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTse5yTtJOU&list=PLeMsN_o411tBrLMP8AB2aLI_PudMlri6d&index=4
Day 17 to Fledged at 23 Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YFFHoKRyGk&list=PLeMsN_o411tBrLMP8AB2aLI_PudMlri6d&index=5