Kaytee Exact Handfeeding Formula for Baby Birds 18-oz

Give your baby bird the best nutritious start they could ever get with the Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula. This trusted formula is one of the best food for pet birds among the crowd of so many other brands that your baby birds need to grow strong, healthy, and vibrant. Plus it is used by professional breeders, veterinarians, and conservationists worldwide. So, your little chickling will now thank you for giving them such a good food option. With probiotics for digestion and high-quality ingredients for nourishment, Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula for Baby Birds makes feeding and digestion a breeze.

• Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Oat Groats, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Oil, Dried Whole Egg, Soy Protein Isolate, Dried Molasses Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Ground Flax Seed (Source of Omega-3), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, Wheat Germ Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin A Supplement, Salt, L-Arginine, Fructooligosaccharide, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Extract, Propionic Acid (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K activity), Niacin, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Ethoxyquin (Preservative), Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cholecalciferol (Source of Vitamin D3), Folic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.
• Not intended for human consumption.
• After opening the bag, remove air from the package and reseal tightly.
• Use food within 30 – 45 days.
• Store in a cool, dry location.
• Refrigerate or freeze for extended storage.

Baby Bird Feeding and Care Guidelines

1. Feed on a Routine Schedule

• Feed baby birds at consistent intervals.
• Ensure the crop empties between feedings.
• Feeding the correct portion prevents food from staying too long in the crop and spoiling.

2. Observe the Crop

• Monitor the crop to ensure it empties at a normal rate.
• Slow crop emptying may indicate issues like crop slowdown.

3. Use Clean Feeding Tools

• Always use clean syringes, spoons, or feeding tubes.
• Use separate tools for each baby bird to prevent cross-contamination or disease transmission.

4. Feed According to the Bird’s Response

• Watch for feeding cues such as rhythmic bobbing.
• This natural feeding motion reduces the risk of aspiration (inhaling formula).

5. How Much to Feed

• Feed until the crop is nicely rounded or the bird refuses more food.
• Avoid overfeeding — it may cause regurgitation.
• Each meal should equal 10–12% of the bird’s body weight.

6. Clean Equipment After Each Feeding

• Wash and sanitize feeding tools after every use.
• Wipe off spilled food from the chick.
• Replace bedding after each feeding to maintain hygiene.

7. Hand-Feeding Formulas

• Use Exact Hand Feeding Formulas as the main food source.
• You may add small portions (max 20%) of fruits and vegetables.
• Do not add extra vitamins or minerals to the formula.

8. Encouraging Weaning

When the bird starts exploring:

• Introduce conversion diets to aid weaning.
• Once fully feathered, provide adult diets like Exact Natural or Rainbow alongside hand-feeding.
• Ensure fresh water is always available near the food bowl.

9. Monitor Weight and Health

• Weigh the chick every morning before feeding to track growth.
• A healthy chick should gain weight daily until the weaning stage.

If weight gain stops or stalls:

• Observe closely for signs of illness.
• Act promptly if weight begins to drop.

10. Address Weight Loss Immediately

Investigate causes of weight loss:

• Inadequate nutrition.
• Improper formula mixing or feeding.
• Contact an avian veterinarian for urgent concerns.

11. Nutrient Intake

A chick may not gain weight if:

• Formula is too diluted or incorrectly mixed.
• Portions are insufficient during feeding.

12. Dietary Changes

When switching formulas:

• Allow 24–48 hours for transition.
• Gradually mix new formula with the old, increasing the new over time.
• Avoid sudden changes — this can cause crop slowdown.

13. Crop Slow-Down

• Check temperature in the chick’s environment — incorrect temperature can affect digestion.

Temporary diet adjustment:

• Mix formula with infant applesauce or dilute with water (1 part formula to 2–3 parts water).
• Use this for 24 hours, then gradually return to normal concentration.
• Gently massage the crop to break up food lumps — only if it’s less than half full.

14. Monitor Droppings

• Dark green droppings indicate poor crop emptying.
• Check crop regularly for proper emptying.
• If no improvement in 36 hours, seek veterinary help.

15. Important Crop Care Notes

• Never massage a full crop — wait until it’s less than half full.
• If health does not improve after 36 hours of careful observation, consult a professional avian vet immediately.