Best Handfeeding Formula?

[Hobbit]

Way back when we handfed babies,most of today's handfeeding formulas were not available. And since we got Hobbit as a 5 week old,and are continuing his/her handfeedings,I am very curious about the formula he's on. The breeder uses Roudybush,so that is what we're using too.But as I read the ingredient list,the only "food" listed is corn startch,corn flour,soy oil,and soy flour. The rest is vitamins and minerals. I have been reading online about different brands of "baby" formula, some sound ok,many just read like a biscquick label.

What does everyone here use?

[henpecked]

I don't think there's much difference in todays handfeeding formulas. I raised lots of zons on cream of wheat ceral mixed with fresh fruit or baby food. 15/20 yrs ago we switched to commercial baby formulas. i don't think the survival rate has improved. But we try and do what is best. Some folks,like Howard Voren make their own formula ,but they feed many more babies than i do. Check out voren.com and read some of his articles, or his book "Parrots, handfeeding and nursery management". I usually use what ever brand of formula that i plan to wean them on to pellets. That has changed several times over the years. Variety is best and at 5 weeks i'd start adding different foods to their formula.

[alnoble89]

I used Harrisons with my baby. She loved it but as said before I don't think there is as much difference.

[keepsmiling]

With Holly{RFM} I used Zupreem Embrace Plus.{macaws need the extra fat} Just don't use Kaytee!

[Hobbit]

Thanks everybody! We're going to use Harrison's Juvenile Formula. Although Hobbit is gaining weight,I think he/she will do better with some actual food in the formula,and not just corn starch,corn flour and soy flour,like the Roudybush. Plus,Hobbit will be almost 7 weeks old by the time I begin switching.

[mistywaterwoman]

I think that makes a lot of sense.

[videogamemom]

With Holly{RFM} I used Zupreem Embrace Plus.{macaws need the extra fat} Just don't use Kaytee!

Hi. I am new here and have a baby moustache parakeet. Can I ask why you say don't use Kaytee? Is it because of the problems they had last year with their formula? I've always used kaytee in the past. Last year I did switch to zupreem when I was handfeeding a baby for a friend but I did not like how it mixed it so when the breeder told me they had been using kaytee, I bought some and have been using it too since I got the baby on Sunday.

[Hobbit]

I'm no expert on handfeeding formulas,which is why I posted to begin with....But I think Kaytee is considered substandard compared to all of the other brands out there. Sort of like "junk food".

[videogamemom]

I'm no expert on handfeeding formulas,which is why I posted to begin with....But I think Kaytee is considered substandard compared to all of the other brands out there. Sort of like "junk food".

Ok, thanks. I guess I am kind of surprised to hear that because I know of quite a few breeders that use it. Not only use it but sell it. Maybe I'll look into some of the others and start swiitching my baby over.

[Hobbit]

I just got the Harrison's Juvenile Handfeeding formula today. WOW! It is amazingly different (in a good way)then the Roudybush. It mixed up better,smelled better, and Hobbit gobbled it down! Then when he began pooping,even his droppings looked soo much better!!

So far, I am VERY pleased with Harrison's!

[alnoble89]

I just got the Harrison's Juvenile Handfeeding formula today. WOW! It is amazingly different (in a good way)then the Roudybush. It mixed up better,smelled better, and Hobbit gobbled it down! Then when he began pooping,even his droppings looked soo much better!!

So far, I am VERY pleased with Harrison's!


I recommend that formula for sure. My baby girl loved it and even my big babies loved it you can say no to a cutie that wants to eat off the spoon you are holding. Lexi still often begs for feedings as a 10 month old. She is spoiled rotten and a little lazy.

[Hobbit]

I become more impressed with Harrisons with each feeding! Not easy to do,because I was blown away with it after the FIRST feeding!! I know poop is not the best topic......But the difference in Hobbit's droppings is astounding....! His poop looks sooo much better,they are almost *pretty*!:chuncky:

[Feathers First Aviary]

I have used kaytee in the past and absolutely hated it. It was gritty, didn't want to stay mixed and I have even seen it separate while in the babies crop, leaving a "mass" of formula on the bottom and water on the top. For years I used Zupreem formula without any issues(with that being said, I will state, I absolutely will not use the zupreem plus formula, I'm not going to go into detail as to why, suffice to say I've had some issues with that particular formula in the past), as long as it was mixed proportionately and at the right temperature it stayed mixed and the babies seemed to really thrive on it. For the past six months however I have been using hagen and I LOVE it. It is a very fine powder and mixes phenomenally and the babies gobble it up like it's going out of style. I have also noticed a bit more weight gain as well since I have made the switch. I also like to add a probiotic powder such as benebac to whichever formula I am using. :)

[Turquoise]

Great info about hand feeding formulas Sara. Thanks for adding it here, it could come in handy for someone trying to pick the best for their fabies.:th_biggrin:

I know most here are not hand feeding baby birds. But, anyone who brings home a just weaned baby parrot might need to still give a few comfort feedings until their fabie is settled in. I did this with my Roscoe and my Leyla Belle for a couple of weeks after they came home to live with me. I then switched over to plain oatmeal with shaved pecans & blended apples in it for a while at bedtime.:th_hug8:

[Feathers First Aviary]

This is a great thread, I think i may have to try the harrisons after reading all the good reviews on here. I like trying different formulas and then comparing the growth charts from different clutches raised on different formulas. And since so many companies seem to be having recall issues, it's always nice knowing which formulas you like best and second best etc, in case you have to suddenly switch because your main brand isn't available. My next goal is trying to make some home made formula, it's not something I plan on doing as a general rule but it would be nice to have some experience making it in case the need arises some day.

[Turquoise]

Homemade formula recipes sounds awesome! If you do come up with good homemade recipes you would recommend, please do add them. It never hurts to have something to fall back on in an emergency or when the local pet shop does not carry formulas to get you by til the order comes in.

And having an experienced breeder like you who knows the answers to any questions someone may have about hand feeding, formulas or emergency situations is always a very good asset to have here. Steve (coltfire) is also one of our breeders who has many hungry mouths to feed. We are blessed to have such knowledge in our flock. :th_wink:

[spiritbird]

In reading over this old thread I thought a few of you could update your suggestions as to what constitutes a good hand feeding formula. Any takers?

[Cedardave]

We use harrissons juvenile exlusively.We actually start once the eggs hatch in the nestbox by mixing it in with the parents food until the babies are pulled.Then as time goes on we thicken it with blendered roudybush pellets and eventually ween them onto feeding themselves

[spiritbird]

Thanks Dave. Why do you use Roudybush pellets and not Harrisons?

[Cedardave]

I would to a degree prefer to use harrissons and have an account with a vet for 25 lb bags.....$205.00 each
I also have an account with a feed supplier for roudybush,both maintenance and breeder pellets....25 lb bags...$70.00
Were feeding over 70 birds daily.The differance between the two is minimal as pellets go,although roudybush has some chemical additives....but in researching them, they all appear harmless.Harrissons, while claiming to be more organic may be a great choice for people with a couple birds,but just to expensive for us.Despite what many think...breeding birds is a labour of love...not so much a money maker.I have a full time job...my wife looks after the birds.We try and educate people moreso than sell to many young.Of the close to $275 thousand dollars we have invested into our hobby, we have educated thousands of local and worldwide people....but made only a few hundred bucks.I suppose if your actual question was why we use harrissons formula....the answer is harrissons is still a step above and starts our babies off with what I think is the best.Let me tell you.....the color and scheen of their feathers explodes with brilliance on this formula.

[spiritbird]

I had no idea you breed on a large scale. I alternate between Harrison's and Roudybush nibbles. Many breeders feed cheaper, low quality food because money is more important to them than a good start. Your a good breeder.

[Cedardave]

You need to figure the proper balance.When you consider they get roudybush once weened along with sweet potato,broccolli and cooked rice for breakfast.Then a serving of fruit or vegetables(we alternate days) along woth nuts...we are feeding a well balanced diet that covers all their nutritionl needs...even if roudybush has any nutritional deficiencies(which I dont believe it does),we are covered with the other things we feed.Thank you for your thoughts that we are a good breeder...we take great care and pride in what we do.