🐣 A Hands-On Guide to Raising Birds: From Hatchling to Adulthood

As someone who’s raised birds for years, it breaks my heart to see so many beginners misled by so-called “experts” on social media. Raising birds—especially hand-feeding young chicks—isn’t something to take lightly. To help new bird parents avoid unnecessary mistakes, I’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide based on real experience.

After all, every bird lover starts from zero.

🐥 Baby Bird Stage (1–4 Weeks): Warmth & Nutrition Are Everything

In the early weeks, baby birds are fragile and entirely dependent on you. Keeping the temperature and food right is crucial.

Days 0–5: Eyes Closed, Life Just Begun

Newborn chicks won’t open their eyes until day five. At this stage:

Use parrot hand-feeding formula, mixed to the consistency of milk.
Temperature should be 38–40°C (100–104°F). No thermometer? Test by dripping it on your wrist—it should feel warm but not hot.
Feed until the crop is full, but make sure to empty the crop at least once a day to prevent sour crop.

Days 6–15: Feather Pins Begin to Show

Your chick is starting to grow pin feathers.

Formula can be slightly thicker—think a runny sesame paste.
Lower the formula temperature a bit, but avoid letting it get cold.
Keep the feeding frequency the same. Be patient—don’t rush to introduce grains like egg millet yet; their digestive system isn’t ready.

Days 16–22: A Tiny “Vest” of Feathers

Pin feathers start to open, forming a fuzzy vest.

Formula should now resemble a thin sesame paste.
Feed 3–4 times daily. Watch digestion: If the crop hasn’t emptied after 4–5 hours, slow down. Food left too long can cause crop infections.

Days 23–29: Time to Explore

Feathers are coming in nicely, and your chick may start pecking at nearby objects.

Add some millet, grains, bird pellets, or even small pieces of fruit or veggies to the brooder for them to explore—but keep feeding formula (3 meals a day).

Day 30: Graduation Day!

Congrats—your chick no longer needs a brooder.

Begin mixing soaked millet or pellets into the formula to ease them into solid food.
Keep offering a variety of soft foods to encourage independent eating.

🐦 Juvenile Stage (1–5 Months): Weaning & Food Discovery

Around one month, your bird starts acting more curious and independent. Time to begin weaning.

Post-30 Days: Weaning Begins (Gently!)

Every bird is different. If your bird shows interest in pecking food:

Cut back formula to 2 meals a day.
Use a bit of hunger to encourage self-feeding, but never starve them.
Gradually reduce formula as independent eating becomes consistent.

If your bird shows no interest in solid food, continue with 3 meals daily, but slightly reduce portions. Once pecking behavior starts, follow the same weaning steps above.

🦜 Adult Stage (Around 12 Months): Maturity & Dietary Stability

Your bird is now an adult—congratulations!

Transition to adult bird food (species-appropriate), along with fresh fruits and veggies.
Avoid sudden food changes—gradually introduce new items to prevent digestive issues.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Raising a bird isn’t about following trends—it’s about patience, consistency, and love. Done right, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. I hope this guide helps you raise a happy, healthy feathered friend.

Wondering which birds are good pets? Read this article! https://soliom.net/blogs/soliommoment/the-3-best-friendly-pet-bird-speciest

Got questions or want to share your experience? Leave a comment—I’d love to hear from fellow bird parents!