Seems there is a video
on youtube with someone using a plastic ketchup or mustard bottle to hand feed
chicks. This type handfeeding method is
new to me. Got me to thinking though, why not
try it?
 |
| I LOVE MY LITTLE PLASTIC BOTTLES |
I went to ebay and
started shopping for plastic bottles that would be easier to handle. I found
small squeeze bottles that people use for cake and candy decorating. They were food safe and cheap.
I bought some see
through, squeezable bottles, snipped the tips to the right size hole and fell in
love. I have videoed me using bottles to
share with you. I have never had chicks
this clean using the old method. I have
not had to rinse off their crops one time! No more daily scrubbing parrot feathers for me!
I mix my formula as
usual, pull the formula up into the bottle, soak the bottles in the right
temperature water and feed. I have learned that the tops need to be on tight to get good suction. I have also learned that if you put too much water into the
bowl, the bottles will float . . .duh.
You only need enough water to cover the amount of formula you have in the
bottles. I never go anywhere but from
the kitchen to the dining room table when feeding, but I imagine that traveling
with a capped bottle of formula would be convenient. 
I used colored tape wrapped around the bottle to distinguish one from another. This keeps me from
getting confused later on and using the same bottle for more than one bird. They each have their own. I really don’t like the idea of spreading
bacteria between chicks if, heaven forbid, there is a problem with any one of
them (or clutch).
I use a thermometer to
get the water the right temperature. I feed at 103-105 degrees. Too cold, they
don’t want to eat it. Too hot and you can “crop burn” your chick and need
veterinarian help. Just right and all is well. To me the extra step of using a
thermometer has been worth it. I have never had crop burn.
You can disinfect the bottles using a bleach
solution of 5-10 percent per volume. Just don’t soak them too long. A quick
soak is all you need to do. You also can run them through the dishwasher. Or
from what I’ve read, the microwave is great. You have to make sure the bottles are wet. The inter-reaction of water to microwave is what sterilizes. 2 minutes
are recommended if you choose the microwave method.
