Need help with malpositioned pigeon chick!!

[WVduckchick]

@biophiliac fabulous pic!
I bought a set of those little plastic squeeze bottles at the dollar store (like 4 for a dollar), to use to add water to my incubators. I also use them to drip feed chicks on occasion.

And you too, FMF!

 

[LauraMunro]

Bad picture but managed to get one of him feeding! Hes getting the hang of this now

 

[biophiliac]

Bad picture but managed to get one of him feeding! Hes getting the hang of this now

off to work bbl.

 

[LauraMunro]

@biophiliac are you about? I am hoping for some advice as i have read that you should only feed them when their crop is empty however they are saying that that takes 24 hours but that is too long not to feed them?! Needing a bit of reassurance because was just going to feed him and noticed his crop is still quite bulgy so im a bit confused again lol.

 

[biophiliac]

@biophiliac are you about? I am hoping for some advice as i have read that you should only feed them when their crop is empty however they are saying that that takes 24 hours but that is too long not to feed them?! Needing a bit of reassurance because was just going to feed him and noticed his crop is still quite bulgy so im a bit confused again lol.

How long since he ate last? Did you get a weight then? Compare to now?
Poop production?
I'd be surprised if it took 24 hours, where did you see that?

 

[LauraMunro]

I cant remember where i read that now ive been on so many sites! Everyone says different things he last ate probably around 3 hours ago. I forgot to weigh him last feeding but at 4pm he was 16g and now hes 18g. Hes pooing alot! I hope his crop goes down soon!

 

[biophiliac]

I cant remember where i read that now ive been on so many sites! Everyone says different things he last ate probably around 3 hours ago. I forgot to weigh him last feeding but at 4pm he was 16g and now hes 18g. Hes pooing alot! I hope his crop goes down soon!

Lots of poop is a good sign. Remember I said they teach us how to feed? ...I think based on what you describe you should offer him food again before you sleep and just see what he thinks of that. I bet he will eat. update pls

for reference I just weighed a pigeon egg - 20 gr.

ALSO I looked at your last feeding pic and I believe you will need a larger opening for his beak very soon. They open and close it while gulping down formula and that could be a bit tight.

 

[LauraMunro]

Okay i will try a feed again soon! Oh i hope hes not too light then! He was only about 12g when he hatched maybe hes just a small chick? Okay will do i have larger syringes also

 

[biophiliac]

Okay i will try a feed again soon! Oh i hope hes not too light then! He was only about 12g when he hatched maybe hes just a small chick? Okay will do i have larger syringes also

I think his weight is ok. You are correct at hatch he would be less than the egg. When he gets bigger - 10 days+ which is the size i know - he will eat 20-30ml or 2-3 oz at a time.

Because I am older and hand strength weaker I found the soft squeezable plastic bottles easier to use than a syringe. Go to the larger bore syringe now if you have it.
And don't be afraid to hold him for a bit and give his crop a gentle pat. Don't want the wee thing to feel all alone.

 

[biophiliac]

I have not been able to see babies this tiny being fed in my loft. Does he already flap his wings when squeaking for his food?