Feeding frequency for baby birds depends on their age and development stage:
- Newly hatched chicks (less than one week old) should be fed very frequently, about every 2-3 hours, totaling 6-10 feedings per day. Some may even require feeding during the night in the first week
- Chicks that have not yet opened their eyes generally need feeding every 15-20 minutes during daylight hours, which can amount to nearly 50 feedings per day. Night feedings are usually not necessary
- Once the eyes open , feeding frequency decreases to every 30 minutes to every 5 hours, depending on the bird's strength and feather development. Typically, 3-5 feedings per day are sufficient, spaced about every 5 hours
- As feathers grow and birds become stronger ("off their hocks") , feedings can be spaced every 45 minutes to 2 hours during daylight
- Older nestlings (3-4 weeks old) can be fed every 4-5 hours, and by 5-6 weeks, feeding frequency reduces to twice daily as they begin to eat on their own
- Baby birds generally do not need to be fed overnight ; feeding is done during daylight hours, roughly from early morning to around 8-10 p.m.
The crop (a food storage pouch) should be checked to ensure it is full after feeding but empties before the next feeding, indicating proper digestion and feeding intervals
. In summary, very young baby birds require feeding every 15-20 minutes to every 2-3 hours, gradually reducing to 2-3 times per day as they mature and start eating independently. Feeding should be done during daylight hours, stopping at night when the bird sleeps
