My trepidation with feeding the squabs has subsided, having fed them every 4 hours since taking them in. I opted for liquidised food delivered by syringe, since they are still a bit on the young side for eating on their own. The biggest danger doing this is getting it into their lungs which would kill them. Great care has to be taken with the right length of flexible tube entering from the left side of the bird, and seeing the tube go down into the crop on the right side. Avoiding giving too much in case the crop overflows into the airway. A mixture of lettuce, porridge oats, and chick starter feed liquidised and warm, is what I've been giving them. Will switch to mixed bird seeds a bit later. Short video of how it's done in case anybody has to do it for some homeless and parentless bird.
WE ARE CUSTODIANS OF THE PLANET AND HAVE A DUTY TO CARE FOR IT. For the past 18 years I've had the privilege of watching and caring for the resident Swans on our local river estuary. I have been charmed and fascinated by their parental skills and beauty in the water, they are Simply Superb Swans. Annual Membership to the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust is £20 for a family, can be paid securely through the PayPal Donate button below. Thank you.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
How to Feed a Nestling - Squab
My trepidation with feeding the squabs has subsided, having fed them every 4 hours since taking them in. I opted for liquidised food delivered by syringe, since they are still a bit on the young side for eating on their own. The biggest danger doing this is getting it into their lungs which would kill them. Great care has to be taken with the right length of flexible tube entering from the left side of the bird, and seeing the tube go down into the crop on the right side. Avoiding giving too much in case the crop overflows into the airway. A mixture of lettuce, porridge oats, and chick starter feed liquidised and warm, is what I've been giving them. Will switch to mixed bird seeds a bit later. Short video of how it's done in case anybody has to do it for some homeless and parentless bird.
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