Galahs are a type of cockatoo native to Australia. They are known for their pink and grey feathers and loud, screeching calls. Galahs are popular pets due to their affectionate nature and ability to mimic speech. However, feeding baby galahs requires some special considerations. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about feeding baby galahs to ensure they grow into healthy, happy birds.
What do baby galahs eat in the wild?
In the wild, baby galahs are fed a diet consisting mostly of seeds. Their parents regurgitate seeds they have eaten into the chicks’ mouths. Seeds make up about 70% of the diet of wild galahs. Some common seeds eaten include grass seeds, acacia seeds, and seeds from eucalyptus pods. As the chicks get older, the parents will also start providing some plant material like fruits, berries, buds, and nectar. Insects make up the remaining portion of a wild galah chick’s diet. The parents will collect insects like ants, termites, beetles, and larvae to feed the chicks. This high protein food helps the chicks grow and develop.
Transitioning baby galahs to captivity
When hand-raising baby galahs, it’s best to try to mimic their natural diet as much as possible. Here are some tips for transitioning chicks to captivity:
- Start with hand-feeding formula. Specialized formulas made for parrots are best. Avoid puppy or cat milk replacers.
- Slowly start introducing seeds at around 2-3 weeks old. Start with small, soft seeds like hulled millet.
- Chop up larger seeds at first. Soak hard seeds overnight to soften them.
- Mix seed with formula for an easier transition. Slowly decrease the ratio of formula to seeds.
- Introduce leafy greens, sprouted seeds, chopped fruits and veggies around 6-8 weeks old.
- Feed softened, high protein pellets starting at 8-10 weeks old.
- Supplement with calcium and vitamins.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Following these steps will help the chick adjust to captivity while still providing balanced nutrition.
Types of food to feed baby galahs
Here are some of the main types of foods to feed hand-raised galah chicks:
Hand-feeding formula
Specialized hand-feeding formulas made for parrots are essential when raising baby galahs by hand. Some commonly used brands include Kaytee Exact, Zupreem Embrace, and Roudybush Squab Diet. The formula provides complete, easy to digest nutrition for chicks. Follow package instructions for amounts and frequency of feeding based on the chick’s age and weight. Proper hydration is also critical, so make sure to mix the powder with the right ratio of water.
Sprouted seeds
Sprouted or germinated seeds are nutritious additions once the chick can handle solid foods. Some good options are sprouted millet, sunflower seeds, quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas. Sprouting increases digestibility and vitamin content. Chicks seem to enjoy the taste and texture as well.
Pellets
High quality, softened pellets support good nutrition for growing galah chicks. Look for pellets made specifically for small parrots, cockatoos or australian parrots. Make sure to soak the pellets in water until soft before feeding. Brands like Harrison’s and Zupreem both make good pellet options for galahs.
Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to seeds and pellets, chicks should also be offered a variety of fresh produce. Leafy greens like kale, spinach and swiss chard are excellent choices. Chopped veggies like broccoli, sweet potato, peppers and carrots add nutrients. Chicks can also be offered small pieces of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, berries, pineapple and kiwi. Be sure chop and pieces small enough to prevent choking.
Whole Grains
Cooked whole grains make a healthy addition to a galah chick’s diet. Good options include quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley, amaranth and couscous. These provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion. Cooked whole grains can be mixed with pellets or fruits and veggies.
Protein
Growing chicks need protein for muscle, tissue and feather development. High protein options to add to the diet include cooked beans, lentils, peas, hard boiled eggs, greek yogurt and insect larvae. Mealworms and black soldier fly larvae are readily accepted sources of protein that most chicks seem to enjoy.
Sample daily feeding schedule
Here is an example of a daily feeding schedule for a hand-raised galah chick:
Age | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
---|---|---|---|
2-4 weeks | Hand-feeding formula | Hand-feeding formula | Hand-feeding formula |
5-6 weeks | Formula mixed with millet | Formula, millet, sprouted seed | Millet, vegetable, formula |
7-10 weeks | Pellet-seed mix, greens | Chopped fruits, veggies, protein | Cooked grains, formula, sprouted seeds |
11-14 weeks | Chopped fruits, sprouted seeds | Pellets, greens, veggies, protein | Cooked grains, chopped veggies |
The amounts fed at each meal depends on the chick’s age and appetite. Follow chick’s lead and watch their crop to avoid under or overfeeding. Adjust schedule and ingredients as chick grows.
Tips for feeding baby galahs
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when hand-raising baby galahs:
- Feed chicks every 2-3 hours from sunrise to sunset the first 2 weeks.
- Slowly increase time between feedings as chick ages until reaching 3-4 meals per day.
- Warm formula to about 105°F before feeding.
- Feed until chick’s crop feels soft and full, not tight.
- Discard any uneaten formula left in dish after 30 minutes.
- Rinse crop if formula remains 8-12 hours to prevent sour crop.
- Introduce new foods slowly, one at a time.
- Chop all foods very small to prevent choking.
- Ensure chick is eating enough by monitoring weight and crop fullness.
- Provide clean water for drinking starting at 3-4 weeks old.
- Keep food and water dishes clean.
- Consult avian vet if any concerns about nutrition, growth or health.
Potential feeding issues
Here are some common feeding issues that may arise with hand-raised galah chicks and how to address them:
Slow crop emptying
If food is remaining in the crop for longer than normal between feedings, the chick may have slow crop emptying. Feed less quantity more often. Massage crop gently. Add probiotics to food. Consult vet if persists.
Sour crop
Sour crop results when food sits in the crop too long and goes bad. Symptoms include foul crop smell, loss of appetite. Empty crop by gently massaging and rinsing with warm water. Feed probiotics. Prevent by rinsing crop if formula not digesting well.
Aspiration
Aspiration occurs when formula accidentally goes down the trachea instead of the esophagus. Signs include coughing, choking during or after feeds. Hold chick upright 45-60 degrees during feeds. Consult a vet if aspiration is suspected.
Dehydration
Chicks can become dehydrated if not fed formula with the right consistency or not kept fully hydrated. Signs are sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, weak cry. Hydrate chick with warm paediatric electrolyte solution. Adjust formula dilution. Encourage drinking water as chick ages.
Malnutrition
Chicks may experience nutritional deficiencies if not fed a balanced, varied diet. Signs include slow growth, feather problems, lethargy, weakness. Have vet analyze diet and adjust accordingly. Supplement with vitamins/calcium if needed.
Weaning
Weaning is the process of slowly transitioning the chick fully onto solid foods. Here are some tips for successfully weaning baby galahs:
- Start offering mashed pellets around 6-8 weeks old.
- Mix pellets with warm water or formula to create a mush for early weaning.
- Gradually decrease number of formula feedings as chick eats more on its own.
- Initially, allow chick to eat solids from a shallow dish. Then introduce bowl or tray.
- Handfeed smaller amounts of formula after chick eats solid meal.
- Increase variety of fresh foods as chick adjusts to new textures.
- Weigh daily to ensure weight gain stays on target.
- Full weaning usually occurs around 12-16 weeks old.
Watch for any issues like begging for food or regressing in weight and make adjustments. Consult an avian vet if having difficulty getting chick fully weaned.
Conclusion
Providing proper nutrition through every stage of growth is crucial for raising healthy, thriving baby galahs. Follow the chick’s lead and watch for signs of readiness as you slowly transition between formula, seeds, pellets, produce and grains. Pay close attention to potential feeding issues and be prepared to adjust the diet as needed. With a balanced, varied diet and attentive feedings, your hand-raised galah chick will grow into a beautiful, feathered friend.