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A Beginners Guide to Hand Feeding Baby Lovebirds
By Petey & Petunia

While Lovebirds as a whole are really good parents, occasionally a hen
becomes aggressive towards or won't accept a chick. If this happens, you
will have to hand feed.

If you can, find someone to teach you how to hand feed, if not, then
this guide is for you.



You will need:

1. A hand feeding formula for lovebirds
2. Syringes
3. A brooder or suitable nest box


Put the chicks in a separate nest box or brooder with plenty of
warm, clean bedding. Change bedding often so young birds will
not eat contaminated bedding material. Paper towels on top of
the nesting material helps greatly in clean up.


Make sure you use a Clean and Disinfected nest box or brooder.

See: All About Cleaning Bird Cages & Accessories


Heat the formula to between 103 and 105 degrees. Don't use a
microwave, that can cause hot spots in the formula.

Chicks normally feed on their backs.

Draw the warmed formula into the syringe. Do not force the
formula, but use a gentle pumping motion of the syringe into
and out of the bird's mouth. This will allow you to determine
the rhythm of the chick.

Put the syringe into the left corner of the bird's mouth and
aim towards the rear right side. Birds
have two openings in their throat, the left side is for air,
the right side leads to the stomach.


Slowly push the plunger as the bird determines. Don't force feed.

Clean syringes thoroughly between feedings.


Our recommendation for the best cleaning agent is Oxyfresh,
see the above link on Cleaning Bird cages & Accessories



If the temperature is cool, place a heating pad on low heat
under half the nest, that way if the nest becomes too warm,
the chicks can move to the other half.


Weaning Lovebirds

Put a perch in the brooder after 4 weeks. Put the chicks in their
own cage after 6 weeks. At this time put a high quality lovebird
food in the cage, along with drinking water. (Distilled water,
not tap or well water).


Cooked vegetables can be given in small amounts at this time.

See  What to Feed Lovebirds


It may be a slow process, but once lovebirds learn to eat on
their own, you're pretty much home free.

Lovebirds fledge (leave the nest) at around 6 weeks of age, however
parents continue to feed them for several weeks after.

Lovebirds are fully weaned when they no longer cry or want
formula or feeding by the parents if that is the case. Generally
with hand feeding weaning happens between the 7th to 9th week.


Remember: Go slow, be patient. This little baby is totally dependent
upon you for life. Enjoy being the parent.


See Also:

Our entire library of Lovebird care and info here:

Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

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