Recommend Hand Feeding Formula for Linnie’s?

[Chris103]

Just curious what hand feeding formula everyone prefers for Linnie chicks . I’ve used Kaytee in the past out of necessity based on cost and having a lot of mouths to feed , but I’m not the biggest fan of the ingredients. I just have the one clutch of 4 Linnie’s I’ll be pulling for hand rearing soon, so I can splurge a bit on cost since I won’t be going through a ton of formula. I bought a pound of Harrison’s formula to test out , but wanted to see what others prefer using and have had the best results with. Also have some kaytee on hand in case the Harrison’s doesn’t work out, but would like to have a better backup option.

A few questions….
Would a high fat or high energy formula be better for Linnie’s or too much ?

Does anyone add supplements to their formula such as spirulina, bee pollen , etc ? I’ve added small amounts of spirulina to kaytee formula in the past and had good results. I was considering a China Prairie supplement that’s designed to add into formula.

Any input or opinions on the subject would be appreciated!

 

[Eddie's Aviary]

I used to use Kaytee, but switched as I didn't like how grainy it is. I have been using Tropican for the last 6 years and like it. I don't add anything to it, since it is designed as a complete growth food. I have heard about people adding peanut butter to formula to boost fat and protein, but I don't know how safe that it. I don't find Linnies require a higher fat content to have normal growth.

If you add other things into the formula such as bee pollen or spirulina, they don't have the option to self-select the food and can be overdosed, so I wait until they are weaning and have more control over their own choices to add supplemental foods.

I think the biggest thing for proper growth when handfeeding is feeding more times per day (at 3 weeks, 5 x a day is good) and proper brooder temp so the food is digesting quickly and that fuels growth. I let them empty completely overnight, but cluster feed in the am, then space them out a little more as the day progresses. If you feed less amounts, more often... it is more like how they are fed by the parents. If they are begging... they are likely going to long between feeds.