The Why and How of Hand Feeding a Baby Bird

Adopting a baby bird is a huge responsibility and hand feeding is often done out of necessity when the bird is removed from its parents before it is weaned. While feeding a bird every few hours is a major commitment, your efforts will pay off as you bond with your pet. Experienced bird lovers also find that feeding a baby bird by hand helps it to grow up without fear of humans and other animals in the home. It is important, however, to know how to feed a baby bird correctly since improper feedings can lead to illness and death. As you get to know the newest addition to your bird family, use these strategies to get the most out of your hand-feeding sessions.

When to Start

A baby bird can begin hand feeding as soon as it is removed from its parents. However, most bird breeders prefer to keep a baby chick with its parents until it is two to three weeks old. It is important to choose your timing carefully because waiting too long could lead an older bird to resist hand feeding. In some instances, hand feeding is started after weaning if a bird demonstrates poor eating habits when it feeds independently.

Talk to the Breeder

It is always important to begin hand feeding using the same methods and formula as the bird’s current owner or breeder. Ask the breeder to show you how to tell when a bird’s crop is full and when it is empty and use the same positioning of the bird for feedings as the breeder has been using. Keeping the hand-feeding strategies consistent will ensure that the baby bird gets the nutrition they need while protecting their delicate body from too many sudden changes.

Practice Food Safety

Similar to infant formula, you will need to prepare fresh food for each one of your baby bird’s meals. Reusing formula or allowing it to sit out will allow bacteria to grow that your baby bird’s developing immune system may not be able to fight off. Serving formula at the proper temperature is also critical since food that is too hot can burn your baby bird’s crop. Yet, food that is too cold may be refused or cause poor digestion. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the formula at every feeding, and strive to stay within the breeders recommended guidelines.

Develop a Feeding Schedule

Your bird’s age, growth rate and diet all influence how often they need to be fed. As a general rule, birds under six weeks of age should be fed every two to three hours and the time between feedings gradually increases as the bird matures. Make sure to chart each feeding so you never have to second guess when they ate last and remember that you may have to feed more frequently if they eat less at a feeding.

Observe for Health Changes

There are several ways to make sure your baby bird is eating enough during your hand-feeding sessions. A full crop is always a good sign and you can also weigh your baby bird before and after feedings. Finally, you should be able to see fecal matter in their droppings. If it is all liquid or completely white, then your bird may not be taking in enough food.

Hand feeding your baby bird is an amazing experience that allows you to form a strong bond in the earliest days of your bird’s life. While hand feeding can be done by anyone, you will need to ensure you do it properly so that your bird stays healthy. By taking your bird’s feedings literally into your own hands, you can simultaneously socialize them while providing the nutrition needed for optimal health.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/

Memorializing Your Pet in Polymer Clay

The loss of a pet is never easy and it is hard to move on after years of having your animal companion playing faithfully by your side. While you can’t bring back your pet, you can create a memorial that will represent the important role they had in your life. As you begin the process of letting go, you may want to consider one of the following ideas for using polymer clay to create a beautiful tribute to your favorite animal friend.

Make a Paw Print Ornament

Your dog or cat’s paw print is as unique as their personality and you can preserve it forever using polymer clay. To begin the process of making your furry friend’s paw print, you will first knead the clay until it is warm and pliable. Next, you’ll roll it out on a flat surface and place your dog’s paw in the middle. If the paw print transfers successfully, you can then use a cookie cutter to create a shape and allow it to dry. After it dries, you can paint the paw print or leave it the same color as the clay.

Wear a Portrait Necklace

With pet portrait jewelry, you can keep your pet close to your heart. To create a portrait necklace, a laser jet image is transferred to the polymer clay using a simple process. Begin by choosing a picture of your pet that will look good reversed. Then, place it on top of the clay and begin rubbing the back of it with a finger dipped in water. Continue this process until all of the paper has been removed. Then, bake the image according to the polymer clay’s directions. When the charm is complete, seal it with resin to protect it from daily use.

Sculpt Their Likeness

From the curve of your pet’s fur to their bright, cheerful eyes, polymer clay is the perfect medium to capture their features. Since this memorial requires some artistic ability, you might find it easiest to work with a sculptor who can use a picture of your pet to create a beautiful memorial. You can then place a larger sculpture in a prominent area of your home or have a small sculpture made that can be carried in your pocket.

Create a Memory Box

Memory boxes are the perfect place to hold all of your pet’s memorabilia, and you can create a customized box using polymer clay. As you plan your memory box, consider adding personalized touches such as your pet’s name or their picture. You can also choose your favorite colors and add images such as your pet’s favorite toys to remind you of all of your special times together. Once your box is complete, fill it with their name tag, leash, bandanna and other items that hold special meaning.

Grieving the loss of a pet takes time but sometimes the process of saying goodbye can be eased by creating a touching memorial in their honor. Polymer clay is long lasting and offers the versatility to shape it into any form you desire. The important thing to remember is that, whether you choose to memorialize your pet with a sculpture or by making a single paw print, their legacy will live on in your heart forever.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/

Litter Box Tips to Keep Your House Smelling Great

A dirty litter box will cause your home to be filled with an odor that is unpleasing to you, your cat and visitors. If you use these tips, you can keep your house smelling great which will make everyone involved very happy.

Scooping out the Litter Box

The longer urine and feces sit in the box, the more likely the horrible smell will invade your entire home. To cut down on the odor the litter box should be scooped out at least once a day.

Change the Litter Twice a Week

Another tip to keep your home smelling great is to replace the litter in the box at least two times per week. Daily scooping does not mean that you can stop replacing the litter; even though you scoop out the box, you will likely miss something, and that could cause a bad odor that you and your cat dislike. Be sure to wash the litter box out with soap and warm water each time you replace the litter. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners because they will make the odor worse. Before placing the fresh litter in the box, be sure that the box is completely dry.

Deodorizers Help

Using deodorizers and baking soda in your cat’s litter box can go a long way when you want to keep your home smelling great. You will need to avoid using too much deodorizer because cats will not use a litter box that is heavily-scented. You can choose an unscented deodorizer or a scent that both you and your cat will like. To help keep the odor away you will need to sprinkle a little bit of the deodorizer over the litter each time that you scoop the box out.

Litter Box Placement

It is important that you keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area. Many cat owners make the mistake of placing it in areas that are dark and tiny. These hidden spaces allow the odor to concentrate. Remember that if the litter box has a bad odor your cat will find somewhere else in the house to go. By keeping the box in a well-ventilated area of the home the scent will disperse easily. It’s also important to make sure there is enough room and lighting where the box is located so that your cat can get in and out with ease.

Compare Litter Brands

You always want to choose a brand that not only smells good to you but also a brand that smells great to your cat; otherwise, she will not use the litter box. To compare the different brands, try using a new brand each time you dispose of the litter. This will help you get an idea of which brand your cat prefers as well as which brand best neutralizes the odor.

Litter Box Replacement

It is important to replace your cat’s litter box at least once a year. Over time, the scooper that you use, in addition to your cat’s claws, can create small grooves on the sides and bottom of the litter box. These grooves make it difficult to sterilize the box and they also hold onto odors.

Using these tips can help keep your pet’s litter box clean and your home smelling fresh. Your cat will appreciate the extra effort.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/faq/

How To Ease Your Loss When You Miss Your Pet

Losing a pet is similar to losing a friend or family member. It is natural to be angry, sad, lonely and grieve for a period of time. To help you get through the healing process, it is important to find a great support system. Here are some ideas to ease your sadness: