Collection: Hand-rearing feed and accessories

Hand-Rearing Formula and Accessories - Safe Rearing from the Very Beginning

Hand-rearing bird chicks is one of the most demanding tasks in bird keeping. Whether it is a planned rearing in breeding, an orphaned or rejected chick, or a weakened bird that needs temporary supplemental feeding: in all these situations, you need reliable hand-rearing formula and the right equipment. In this category, you will find both—proven rearing formulas from leading brands as well as the appropriate accessories for safe feeding.

📌 And just as importantly: you will find a contact partner here. Behind the Dr. Bürkle Shop stands 45 years of experience in bird keeping and breeding, combined with professional veterinary expertise. Especially when hand-rearing chicks, small mistakes can have major consequences. A quick consultation is therefore always better than just trying your luck—we have an open ear for you.

What is Hand-Rearing Formula and When Do You Need It?

Hand-rearing formula is a specially developed rearing food in powder form that is mixed with warm water to form a mash. It is tailored to the needs of growing chicks: easily digestible, high in energy, and packed with the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are important for growth, plumage, and bone development. Typical use cases:

• Planned hand-rearing in breeding, for instance, to obtain particularly tame young birds or to secure valuable clutches
• Emergencies: orphaned, rejected chicks, or those not sufficiently fed by their parents
• Supplemental feeding of weak nestlings that are lagging behind in the clutch
• Supportive feeding of weakened birds in consultation with an avian veterinarian

Nutribird and Tropican - The Proven Formulas in Comparison

We offer the two established hand-rearing formula lines that breeders have trusted for years. The Nutribird rearing formulas by Versele-Laga differ primarily in their energy and fat content: Nutribird A21 is the standard formula for most parakeet and parrot chicks. Nutribird A19 is more energy-dense and is suitable for species with higher fat requirements, traditionally macaws, African greys, and cockatoos. Which formula is right for your chick therefore depends primarily on the bird species.

The Tropican Hand-Feeding Formula is the rearing formula developed by Hari and is used across various species for parrot chicks. It can be mixed into a very fine texture and is also a reliable companion during the transition to solid food. You can find all products of this line in our subcategory Tropican. Particularly practical for beginners is our Breeder Set with hand-rearing formula, crop needle, and syringes—the essential basic equipment in one package.

The Right Accessories for Hand-Feeding

Good formula alone is not enough; the feeding technique determines success. Our disposable syringes in various sizes up to the 60 ml syringe with catheter tip are the standard tool for mash feeding. They allow precise dosing and can be hygienically replaced after each feeding. Crop needles / gavage tubes allow experienced keepers and breeders to feed directly into the crop. Important: Gavage feeding requires proper training. Have an experienced breeder or an avian veterinarian show you the technique before attempting it yourself. Syringe attachment cannulas complete the equipment. You can find all tools bundled in the subcategory Feeding Aids. To support the sensitive digestion of chicks, we also stock the dietary supplements Ac-i-prim Lactobacilli and Gladiator Plus.

The Most Important Basic Rules of Hand-Rearing

A few points from decades of practical experience that make the difference between success and failure:

• Temperature is critical: The formula should be fed lukewarm, usually around 37 to 40°C (98 to 104°F). Please follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific formula. Formula that is too hot can cause severe crop burns, while formula that is too cold is poorly digested. A thermometer is therefore part of the basic equipment.
• Strictly maintain hygiene: Freshly mixed formula for every feeding, thoroughly cleaned or replaced syringes, and clean hands are mandatory, as a chick's immune system is not yet fully developed.
• Adjust consistency and volume to age: The younger the chick, the thinner the formula and the more frequent the feedings. Adhere to the dosing guidelines of the respective manufacturer.
• Monitor weight daily: A scale accurate to the gram will show you early on whether development is on track. Stagnation or weight loss are warning signs. In such cases, consult an avian veterinarian promptly.

📌 These instructions do not replace individual guidance. If you are hand-rearing for the first time, seek support from an experienced breeder or through our webinars and seminars on bird keeping and rearing.

Buy Hand-Rearing Formula from Dr. Bürkle - Experience That Counts

All products in this category have been tested by us in our own keeping and breeding. We only sell what has proven itself in practice. You can find our veterinary practice here: Dr. Bürkle, Eisenbahnstraße 32, 77855 Achern, Germany. From Achern on the edge of the Black Forest, we ship quickly and reliably to bird keepers and breeders throughout Germany, Austria, and the entire EU. Especially with hand-rearing, time is of the essence: it is best to order your rearing formula well in advance so that you are not left without it at the decisive moment.

Do you have questions about the right formula for your bird species or about feeding techniques? We always have an open ear for you and your protegés. Click here to go to our contact form.

Order Hand-Rearing Formula Online - Well Prepared for Rearing

Whether you need Nutribird A21, A19, Tropican Hand-Feeding Formula, or the appropriate accessories from our Feeding Aids: put together your rearing equipment now. Your chicks will thank you with healthy growth and a great start into bird life.