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He is almost 6 weeks old and had been eating fine up until Friday. Then he decided to fight it every step of the way. What could be the problem? I've been handfeeding birds for 30 years, but never fed a cockatoo. Is this something peculiar to them?

I've never handfed a Cockatoo either so I don't know that I can really provide much advice. I've only handfed Conures and Eclectus. I would be very concerned though. I've heard more cases of Cockatoos being difficult to wean than being difficult to feed. Would the breeder help you if you contacted him/her? If your baby does not start eating well again and soon, I would consider a trip to an avian vet.

You might get more answers under the Breeders chat.

Hi:

I used to breed Goffins and Umbrellas and they were always great eaters. Very difficult to wean but definitely didn't go off the food. However, I have heard that if a baby has a bacterial infection, crop burn, or viral, they will resist being fed. I have always erred on the side of caution and made great use of my avian vet thru the years. In other words, I'd take baby to a vet soon and have cultures, blood workup, and any other test run the vet advises.

Good luck

Sally
SE Idaho

Cockatoo's slow down with feedings at about 6 wks and you can try a great spoon feedings mix
natural peanut butter
applesauce
mashed banana
Heat all three and mash down good.
Mollucan and umbrella's love this mix and at 5-6 wks i always start them on this treat. Goffins love to whine and get attention, try it , they will love it....

Wisdom, I have often read that "natural" peanut butter is the ONE pesticide-free food that could be more dangerous for birds than the sprayed alternative. Is there a reason you recommend it?

Thanks for all the help. There isn't an avian vet in my area, but I did call one in Orlando. He also mentioned the 6 week slow down and told me to let him eat at his own pace, and offer him extra feedings until his appetite picks up again. He did say if it didn't pick up in a few days that he would see him if I could make the trip down there. But he didn't seem very concerned since the bird is so alert and active. The spoon feeding mixture sounds good. I'll try that. He has been eating a little better the past couple of days. He seems more interested in food during the mid-day meal than in the morning or evening. He wants to look around and play during those times. He tries climbing into my baby conure's bin and looks around at the other birds.

I'm glad to hear that he seems to be doing okay. I was worried about him. I'd weigh him daily to make sure he isn't losing any weight.