Harrison's Juvenile Formula is a nutritionally complete diet for the hand-feeding of parrot chicks over seven days of age until weaning (excluding cockatiels^).

Available as a 454g bag

Special uses: In common with Recovery Formula, Juvenile Formula can be used as a digestive aid, for hospitalised birds that require supplemental feeding; birds with beak injury; tube feeding for diet conversion of extremely stubborn birds.

RECOMMENDED USES

• Use following post-hatch feeding of Recovery Formula for selected parrots (see below)
• Supports birds recovering from illness or injuries that may need supplemental feeding and birds that are losing weight during a diet conversion.

* From 8 days old onwards, each day incrementally decrease the level of Recovery Formula in the hand-rearing mix and substitute with Juvenile Formula so that on day 21 the mix is 100% Juvenile Formula.

^ Cockatiels have a more rapid rate of growth and feather production than other birds, and therefore benefit from remaining on the Recovery Formula for longer as they require a high protein (essential amino acids + energy) formulation, and a relatively high level of calcium (per unit energy) to ensure adequate mineralisation of the developing bones. Birds with a slower rate of growth (e.g. larger parrots) benefit from an earlier transition to the Juvenile Formula as too high a plane of nutrition for too long will potentially result in either tissue growth/weight being too great for the strength of the bones, or excess calories being stored as fat in the tissue or liver. With these species of birds, a lower energy input for a longer period is required to allow tissues of differing types to mature in an appropriate and parallel time frame.

FEEDING DIRECTIONS

Caution: The correct feeding technique must be used in order to prevent injury to the bird or inhalation of the formula that could result in pneumonia or death.

Step 1: Gently feel the crop to determine that it is almost empty before feeding.

Step 2: Mix fresh Juvenile Hand-Feeding Formula and “drinking water” heated to approximately 103°F (39°C). A ratio of 1 part Juvenile formula to 3 parts water by volume is usually advised, however follow the proportions as directed by your avian veterinarian for the age of your bird. Do not microwave. Allow to cool to lukewarm. Chicks with their eyes opened should be fed 3-4 times daily, and birds with feathers emerging, 2-3 times daily.

Step 3: Feeding with an irrigation syringe is probably the most universally successful technique. As one faces the bird, position the syringe to enter the oral cavity from the left side of the bird’s beak and direct it toward the right side of the bird’s neck. Deposit the food into the bird’s mouth and, as it swallows, the normal feeding response closes off the trachea and prevents aspiration of the formula into the lungs.

Step 4: Feed the bird until the crop is full but not overstuffed, and clean the excess formula from the bird’s beak, feathers and housing.

A guide to the usual quantities fed is available here.

STORAGE INFORMATION

• Once opened, use the bag within 8 weeks. Due to the organic nature of the product for your bird's health, the food contains no artificial preservatives. 
  
• Keep food in its original bag. Do not repackage into plastic bags or containers. 
• Squeeze all air out of the bag before closing and 'zip' it shut at the top - if the 'zip' becomes damaged, fold the top open and close with a clip or clothes peg. 
  

Composition: *Hulled Grey Millet, *Sunflower Kernels, *Hull-less Barley, *Corn, *Toasted Soybeans, *Peanut Kernels, *Peas, *Lentils, *Toasted Oat Groats, *Brown Rice, Tapioca Maltodextrin, *Psyllium, *Alfalfa, Calcium Carbonate, *Algae Meal, Bentonite, *Sea Kelp, *Sunflower Oil.
*CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENT

Nutritional additives per Kg: Vitamins: Vit A 19842 IU, Vit B1 5356 IU, Vit B2 4760 IU, Vit D3 552 IU, Vit E 198 IU, Vit B12 80mcg. Trace elements: Zinc Sulphate 26.5mg, Manganese Sulphate 8.8mg, Copper Sulphate 5.3mg