It can never be overstressed the importance of cleanliness in the hand rearing area. Chicks at an early stage are extremely susceptible to diseases, viruses bacteria and fungi. Bedding in the brooder container must be changed at every feed and at PARROTCARE we use paper tissues as bedding. For the first few years of hand rearing, we used microwaved and sterilised wood shavings for this task. Over the past few years we have ceased this practice and now only use paper tissues. We had the unfortunate occurrence where a chick attempted to swallow the wood shavings and although survived the ordeal we felt it was too risky to continue with that practice.

A nursery should be a well ventilated area and at least one major extractor fan should be situated in the room, which ensures a turnover of air at least twice per day. In climates where high temperatures occur air conditioning and air filtration systems will be required to maintain air conditions at acceptable levels. Ionisers are also in use at PARROTCARE to reduce the level of dust in air.

THE TEXT ABOVE IS FROM "PARROT INCUBATION PROCEDURE AND HAND FEEDING" A PARROTCARE PUBLICATION FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE