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Post by Julie on Mar 2, 2006 14:43:53 GMT
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Post by laurie on Jun 24, 2008 11:53:28 GMT
 I just went threw this with a baby lovie...I had purchased the parents of these birds & the babies the breeder was handfeeding, upon procuring these birds & observing the babies (they were itty bitty & much to small to be taken from the pair) I noticed the feet were even growing funny (i.e the toes were growing backwards) doing some research I hit on a fabulous idea via a website & it worked!.. I took a makeup sponge for application of liquid foundation & cut it level (it was in a triangle shape to begin with) once cutting level I cut two slits for the legs to be slipped threw carefully & that cushioned the baby & was comfy, then I padded a coffee a mug with soft tissue & slipped the baby in it (in a standing position) he was precious! the poor little guy was so weak he couldnt even hold his head up at all & would flop forwards beak down.. this little baby *Lucky* had his feet massaged hourly & his legs exersized regularly until one day he finally stood up on his own without the braces.. I myself am suspicious of the former owner nuking the exact formula in the microwave may have contributed to the decline in nutrients.. microwave ovens have been proven to kill much needed nutrients in foods. they get so many added items (vegies fruits ) added daily it probably all helps..but I am watching mom & dad just to make sure its not genetic.. I know this is an old post, but it grabbed my attention as I have just went threw all this.. nutrition is so important! I wish everyone took the extra steps needed to supply these fids with what they need before they breed.. 
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Post by Berserka on Jun 25, 2008 5:50:01 GMT
That is so true! I work hard to get my birds into condition - I cut down their seed by half and increase their fresh fruit and veggie intake twofold and add extra vitamins to their water.
So far their feathers are shining brighter, their eyes are looking sharper and their bodies are thickening. They are looking great!
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Post by laurie on Jun 25, 2008 11:06:01 GMT
Karen I am having to reprogram all these birds, the previous owner fed a strictly seed diet! so once I introduced vegies & fruit, the birds actually acted scared of them & for the most part still are..I am experimenting with various cooked nummy foods with chunks of vegies & fruit to begin the process..the Lovies have took right to the cooked food & seem to eat the vegies now ONLY in the corn bread mixes & jiffy muffin mixes..I been adding extra vitamins & stuff even started draping chunks of spray millet over the dishes of homecooked grub for them to get more brave about trying new things...all the babies are weened now pretty much & have been used to vegies & fruits lol I had to make them think I was eating it to get them to try BUT HECK! if they can take a liking to this its all the better...I have a pair of turqouise green cheek splits ,a pair of Rosie Bourkes & a Pair of Cockatiels comming home the first of July & I am despretly hoping they arent in such a deficient state as the Lovies were in when I get them! it will break my heart to have splay legged babes again!! even though my Lovie fully recovered its still so sad to see.. By the way...  I hope me going on & on about the nutrition doesnt put this in the wrong category on the forum board, but with newbies comming on here I thought it important for others to see how vital diet & nutrition is to successfully raising a healthy clutch of baby birds. |
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Post by Berserka on Jun 25, 2008 13:15:50 GMT
I totally agree with you, nutrition has alot to do with healthy breeding/chicks.
Also people should note that appropriate breeding material also plays a part in prevention of splayed legs.
Smooth nest box floors where chicks can't stand up because their feet slip out from under them . . . nutrition is one part of a big issue with raising healthy and happy chicks.
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Post by laurie on Jun 25, 2008 19:30:58 GMT
Your right Karen!! there is a multitude of things that can cause it! my babies when the breeder had them, I knew had them on pine shavings. this was the second or third clutch she had with splay legs, I just found out after I had purchased these lovebirds..we will see!! what happens, I will keep you updated on their next clutch..
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I just went threw this with a baby lovie...I had purchased the parents of these birds & the babies the breeder was handfeeding, upon procuring these birds & observing the babies (they were itty bitty & much to small to be taken from the pair) I noticed the feet were even growing funny (i.e the toes were growing backwards) doing some research I hit on a fabulous idea via a website & it worked!.. I took a makeup sponge for application of liquid foundation & cut it level (it was in a triangle shape to begin with) once cutting level I cut two slits for the legs to be slipped threw carefully & that cushioned the baby & was comfy, then I padded a coffee a mug with soft tissue & slipped the baby in it (in a standing position) he was precious! the poor little guy was so weak he couldnt even hold his head up at all & would flop forwards beak down.. this little baby *Lucky* had his feet massaged hourly & his legs exersized regularly until one day he finally stood up on his own without the braces.. 
