Handfeeding Baby Parrotlet

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I have a baby parrotlet I had to pull on day 1 because the parents did not feed their chicks. It is now two weeks old and suddenly decided it will not eat. The formula is at the right temp, I know how to handfeed, I've bred lovebirds for years. This is my first parrotlet chick. Any advice? I can't find anything on the internet. Also, maybe parrotlet seems to have some physical difficulties. He can move both legs and wings but only seems to actually utilize one side. It worries me. I've tried putting him in a smaller cup to force him to stand but he'll still flip over, lay on his back and flap one little wing. Can birds be handicapped? None of his parent's other chicks have survived (out of two clutches. Not a good rate and they have been separated.) He seems healthy. I just want to fix any problem before it goes too far. Thanks.
ANSWER: Beth,

I have a had a few babies with the same problem. My local Avian vet has told me this is a genetics issue. He recommended I pair the parents up with other mates. Which ever parent this problem followed I should remove from my breeding program. This would explain the poor chick survival rate you re experiencing. As far as the chick not wanting to eat, there is a way to (force feed it) by sliding a very small tube down into it's crop and on the other end would be a syringe. (like a feeding tube for humans pretty much.) I have had to do this before and was able to get these items from my Avian vet.

Wayne

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much for getting back with me. I've found and eye dropper with a small enough tip that if he opens up a little, I get enough food in him. He seems to be doing better today, he's moving around more and his eyes are open more. He has a new problem, though. He seems to have some sort of lump on the side of his neck. Not where an Adam's apple would be, it's to the left side. Any ideas? His parents were terrible parents are separated and will not be breeding together again. I knew there was something wrong with the genetics when I put the unhatched eggs in my best lovebird foster parent's own clutch. They hatched out one and continued to sit on the other eggs without feeding it. (I found out about him after the fact.)

Answer
I'm not sure what that could be?? I would keep an eye on it, is it effecting the bird in any way? Breathing, swallowing, etc.?

I am very glad to hear he is more active!

That's GOOD NEWS:>)

Wayne

ps

Watch out for dehydration also. When chicks will not eat, fluids are an issue.