We have hand reared dozens of Greencheeked and can honestly say we have never lost any or had a single problem. What age you take them from the nest will in my opinion be a big decision. I only take them from the nest approx 5 weeks or when the first feathers sprout.
Unless forced to due to unforeseen circumstances.
I prefer to take 2 babies or more not 1...... at this age contact with similar birds is critical so as not to breed babies with psychological problems.......at this age they are happy to be kept at room temperature, I find if they are too warm they sleep apart and if they are cold they cuddle one bird cannot do this. If they are not feathered a brooder is a must.
Spoon or syringe? I prefer syringe my wife spoon as my wife does 99% of the feeding this is the main method used.. If it is your first experience definitely a spoon with bent sides is the one to use.
Food? I have used most of the prepared hand rearing food on the market and can honestly say I haven’t found one better than the other,we currently use Kaytee.
If they wont take a feed they are probably not hungry enough or the formula is not hot enough. Max temp should be 40c always use a thermometer to be safe, burnt crop DEAD BABY!.
Usually at 5 weeks of age they take 4 feeds minimum per day, we feed when we get up, lunch, tea, and bedtime.
As soon as they are almost fully feathered they go into a small cage with a wire bottom (¼ x ¼ mesh) with soaked seed, soaked millet spray, chopped fruit & veg and clean water.We then cut the feed down to 3 times per day when you see them nibbling fruit & seed.
When you can feel seed and or fruit/veg in the crop lose another feed.
They will let you know when they are ready to wean by becoming difficult and refusing the hand rearing formula, We then soak the seed less each day until they are cracking and eating dry seed. Although it has been known for a baby to take hand rearing formula for a while after weaning I don’t think it does them any harm in fact the oppersite..
I am not saying this is the right way or the only way its just what works for us.
No matter what any one says hand rearing is not difficult these days with food, equipment, internet for advice it has never been a better time to learn.
Conures make fantastic pets especially Greencheeked as they are quiet birds if a little mischievous but always looking for human contact.
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