Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1Kg

Specialised Nutrition for Newly Hatched Bird Chicks

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg is a specialised hand-feeding formula developed for the critical first stage of a baby bird’s life.

Newly hatched chicks have an immature digestive system, very low body weight and limited stored fat. At the same time, they undergo extremely rapid growth. Avi Plus has therefore formulated Phase 1 to provide high levels of easily digestible nutrients, quality protein and fat in a form that young chicks can utilise efficiently.

The formula is intended from hatching through approximately the first 10–14 days, after which most chicks progress onto Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 2 according to their species, age and development.

Key Benefits

• Formulated specifically for newly hatched chicks
• Suitable from hatching to approximately 10–14 days
• Highly digestible for the immature digestive tract
• Nutrient-dense formula for rapid early growth
• Provides high-quality protein
• Contains dietary fat to support the chick’s high energy requirements
• Includes palm oil as a fat source
• Provides vitamins and minerals
• Contains calcium and phosphorus for skeletal development
• Includes digestive support for developing gut flora
• Suitable for a wide range of bird species
• Designed as a complete hand-rearing formula
• No additional vitamin or mineral supplementation required
• Mixes with water for syringe or hand-feeding
• Part of the Avi Plus staged hand-rearing programme

Nutrition for Rapid Early Growth

The first days after hatching represent one of the fastest growth stages in a bird’s life.

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 is specifically designed for this period, when the chick has very little stored body fat but extremely high nutritional demands. Avi Plus uses elevated nutrient and fat levels to support both rapid growth and the development of appropriate energy reserves.

High-quality protein provides amino acids required for developing body tissues, while the fat component supplies concentrated energy for growing chicks.

The formulation also contains vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, which are particularly important during the rapid skeletal development occurring during this stage.

Digestive Support for Young Chicks

A newly hatched chick’s gastrointestinal system is still immature and can be particularly sensitive.

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg is formulated to be highly digestible so that nutrients can be absorbed efficiently without placing unnecessary strain on the developing digestive system. The formula also contains prebiotic digestive support intended to assist the establishment of healthy intestinal flora.

Correct preparation, temperature and feeding technique are especially important when hand-rearing chicks this young.

Mixing Instructions

Always prepare the formula fresh and follow careful hygiene when handling hand-rearing food and feeding equipment.

Avi Plus recommends beginning with boiled water that has been allowed to cool to approximately 50°C, then mixing in the required amount of Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free from lumps.

Formula-to-Water Mixing Ratio

Ratios are measured by volume.

The thinner consistency during the first few days reflects the needs of newly hatched chicks. The mixture becomes gradually thicker as the chick develops.

Around 10–14 days of age, birds generally begin transitioning to Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 2, with timing depending on species and development.

Correct Feeding Temperature

Allow the freshly prepared formula to cool to approximately:

40–45°C before feeding.

This temperature range is particularly important.

Formula that is too cold may slow crop emptying and digestion, potentially encouraging food to sour or ferment in the crop. Formula that is too hot can cause serious crop burns.

Check the temperature accurately before every feed rather than estimating it by touch.

How Much to Feed

Avi Plus recommends feeding approximately:

10–12% of the chick’s current body weight per feed.

For some smaller bird species, this may increase to up to 15% of body weight.

For example, the actual volume required depends on the chick’s body weight, age, species and crop capacity.

Avoid overfilling the crop. Avi Plus warns that feeding more than approximately 15% of body weight may overstretch or damage the crop muscles, slow crop emptying and increase the risk of regurgitation or aspiration.

Crop Management

The crop should be allowed to almost empty between feeds.

Avi Plus also recommends allowing the crop to empty completely at least once every 24 hours. This helps prevent food remaining in the crop for excessive periods, where it may ferment or sour.

Regularly monitor:

• Crop filling
• Crop emptying
• Chick weight
• Feeding response
• Droppings
• General activity and appearance

Slow crop emptying, regurgitation, weakness, failure to gain weight or refusal to feed should be treated seriously and assessed by an avian veterinarian or experienced hand-rearer.

Complete Hand-Rearing Formula

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg is formulated as a complete diet for this stage of hand-rearing.

Avi Plus specifically advises that its hand-rearing formulas should be used as the sole nutritional source, without routinely adding extra vitamin, mineral or amino acid supplements. Adding unnecessary supplements can alter the intended nutritional balance of the formula.

Species with unusual nutritional requirements may require specialised feeding programmes under experienced guidance.

Hygiene During Hand Rearing

Excellent hygiene is essential when feeding very young chicks.

Prepare only the quantity required for the current feeding session. Feeding syringes, spoons, containers and mixing equipment should be thoroughly cleaned between feeds.

Discard leftover prepared formula rather than keeping it for the next feed. Warm, nutrient-rich hand-rearing formula can support rapid bacterial growth if incorrectly stored or reused.

Always check the dry product for normal smell and freshness before preparing a feed.

Transitioning to Phase 2

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 is specifically designed for the earliest growth stage and should not simply be continued throughout the entire hand-rearing period.

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 2 is designed for the next developmental stage and contains a nutritional profile suited to older, rapidly developing chicks. Avi Plus generally positions the transition at approximately 10–14 days to two weeks of age, depending on the species.

Later stages of the Avi Plus programme include Handrearing Finisher, while specialised formulas are also available for Macaws and parakeets.

Suitable For

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg is designed for newly hatched chicks requiring hand-rearing and is marketed as suitable for a broad range of bird species.

Because newly hatched chicks are exceptionally vulnerable, hand-rearing should be undertaken by experienced breeders or under the guidance of an avian veterinarian or experienced hand-rearer.

Storage

Store Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Keep the bag securely sealed after opening to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.

Before each feeding, ensure the powder has its normal appearance and smell. Do not use formula that is damp, mouldy, contaminated or has developed an unusual odour.

Product Specifications

Why Choose Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg?

The nutritional requirements of a newly hatched chick are very different from those of an older growing bird. Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg has been developed specifically for this demanding early period rather than using one formula throughout the entire hand-rearing process.

Its highly digestible, nutrient-dense formulation supports rapid early growth while supplying protein, dietary fat, vitamins, minerals, calcium, phosphorus and digestive support in an age-appropriate formula.

Combined with the staged Avi Plus hand-rearing system and clear preparation guidelines, Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 1 1kg provides breeders and experienced bird carers with a specialised nutritional foundation for chicks during their first critical days of life.

Avi Plus Handrearing Phase 2

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