Lovebird rearing

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jenn

HELP!!!
I have had three orphaned lovebirds (approx 10days old) come into my care in the last 24hrs. I am not too sure how long it has been since their parents last fed them though to guess it would be at least 12hrs. We have fed the babies approx every 4hrs but I have noticed that they don't seem to be pooing and their crop staying large and expanded (however when left overnite their crop appeared to empty). I'm concerned that they are getting blocked up as their lower abdomens are quite large and rounded, its been a long time since I have had to rear such small babies, however I don't remember this enlarged abdomen occurring in past babs.

Any help you could give would be most appreciated

Regards
Emma

ANSWER: Hi Emma - it sounds like there could be a problem.  Perhaps parasites?  Where were these babies found?  Did the previous parents reject them or something?  If so - it could have been for a reason.

I would highly recommend getting one or all to a good avian vet for an exam. It shouldn't take that long for their crops to empty out and to eliminate.  Have you noticed them poo'ing at all yet?  I say a vet is the only way to go here.  

Sorry I couldn't help further and let me know what the vet says.  

Take care.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi

We have started to get some pooing which is nice, the mother rejected them because thats what she does, she was a hand reared bird herself, hatches the eggs gets the bubs to a certain age and them gets sick of them. Usually we don't find the babes until too late.

I'm not too sure if US is behind us or in front of Australia in regards to time zone, but its the easter long weekend and no-one will be open for 5 days.    

Anyway we have had them in for 2 days and all are still bright and alert crops seem to be starting to clear out. We will just have to hope it all goes ok!

thanks
em


Answer
Hi again Emma - well, it certainly sounds a bit more promising now.  Perhaps their body just needed an adjustment period to the handfeeding formula?  I'm sure it's a bit different from mom feeding them.  

I'd like to invite you over to a board I "LIVE" on... you can post your situation there and get LOTS of tips from people there.  We have several Aussie members as well.  It's just a great place in general, but so helpful and supportive.  My username there is WonderMomma, send me a PM and say hi if you stop by.

www.theperch.net  

Take care, let me know how these babies are doing in a couple of days!  I too have 3 month old lovie babies right now that I adore!