Hello,
I have a pair of IRN (yellow female and blue male), 4 weeks ago 5 chicks hatched and we today have separated them from mum and dad for hand rearing.
Does anybody have any do's and don'ts from this point.
Thanks, Derek
First set of chicks
Moderator: Mods
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Mikaela
- Posts: 3752
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:12 am
- Location: Islamorada Key, Florida U.S.A.
- Contact:
You are so lucky! I recommend Exact brand formula. I used it with my girl and everyone comments on her color. Many trust it other than myself. Good brand.
Do you know how much and how often? I will assume yes but let me know if not.
I also recommend the syringe technique because although feeding is fun, remember it is very dangerous... meaning it isnt very hard to drown them.
Heat the water in the microwave FIRST, then mix in the formula. Try to never nuke the formula. The formula needs to be NO LESS than 105 (or it will cause infection) and NO MORE than 110. Temperature is VERY important and not anything you can say "awww a few degrees wont matter". Therefore, you need a digital thermometer. It will, there is a five degree window to ensure your babies safety. It should be just thin enough to be able to suck it into the syringe.
With the baby on a flat surface with you touching and bonding using a soft voice, insert the syringe INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BABIES MOUTH and he will gobble it down, repeat. Never the right, it can then be shot right into the lungs. ALWAYS and ONLY feed from the left side. NEVER the right.
The syringe will sometime get clogged but please dont do what I did as a mew mom. I continued putting pressure on it not realizing it was pointing to my baby and it went into her eye
My pooor baby couldnt open her eye for a couple of days so finally I thought "I have got to get to the bottom of this" and pried her eye open to find formula. I know, I deserve the death penalty, still feel so bad about that to this day.
To maintain the temp. so it doesnt fall too low give from baby to baby and so forth. I envy you! It is alot of work but soooo precious!
Most important thing is, relax. Make it fun for you and the babies. I was so anxiety ridden at first that it didnt allow Baby and I to bond as much. After a few feedings though, I actually looked forward to the next time.
Let me know if I can help you more, feel free to PM me.
Welcome to the board and please feel free to post pics... we LOVE them.
Do you know how much and how often? I will assume yes but let me know if not.
I also recommend the syringe technique because although feeding is fun, remember it is very dangerous... meaning it isnt very hard to drown them.
Heat the water in the microwave FIRST, then mix in the formula. Try to never nuke the formula. The formula needs to be NO LESS than 105 (or it will cause infection) and NO MORE than 110. Temperature is VERY important and not anything you can say "awww a few degrees wont matter". Therefore, you need a digital thermometer. It will, there is a five degree window to ensure your babies safety. It should be just thin enough to be able to suck it into the syringe.
With the baby on a flat surface with you touching and bonding using a soft voice, insert the syringe INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BABIES MOUTH and he will gobble it down, repeat. Never the right, it can then be shot right into the lungs. ALWAYS and ONLY feed from the left side. NEVER the right.
The syringe will sometime get clogged but please dont do what I did as a mew mom. I continued putting pressure on it not realizing it was pointing to my baby and it went into her eye
My pooor baby couldnt open her eye for a couple of days so finally I thought "I have got to get to the bottom of this" and pried her eye open to find formula. I know, I deserve the death penalty, still feel so bad about that to this day.
To maintain the temp. so it doesnt fall too low give from baby to baby and so forth. I envy you! It is alot of work but soooo precious!
Most important thing is, relax. Make it fun for you and the babies. I was so anxiety ridden at first that it didnt allow Baby and I to bond as much. After a few feedings though, I actually looked forward to the next time.
Let me know if I can help you more, feel free to PM me.
Welcome to the board and please feel free to post pics... we LOVE them.
~ Mikaela Sky
I hope I can help a little. If you already know any of this sorry, I'm just tryng to be thorough. I was personally trained by two friends who bred lovebirds, meyers, senegals, and african greys. I didn't even feed a bird until I had watched about five feedings. And even then I didn't get to work with the larger birds until they were confident in me. They have since sold their stock due to health but it was fun helping them. ^_~
If the syringe gets a little sticky just put some sunflower seed oil around the edge of the rubber before assembling for feeding. Then it will glide smoothly. ^_^
Your best bet it to go ask a breeder and have him/her show you in person how they handfeed. But seeing as you've already pulled the babies... :p
Have a handfeeding "kit" and keep everything together. I used an old cookie sheet. I put paper towels on the bottom since I left everything to dry on it after each feeding.
My kit:
syringe
spoons (one for scooping formula and one for mixing it with the water)
mixing cup (mine was a plastic cup for lunches, lol)
pyrex or other microwave safe container for heating the water
digital thermometer, we ended up with one for meat, candy ones work great
a roll of paper towels (you'll never have enough!)
Exact formula was kept in the fridge
I handfed in our kitchen. The microwave is right there, sink for washing, and it was open space, lol. The babies were in my room upstairs so we just brought them down for their feedings. We would set them in (I know this is funny but really, lol) a turkey baking pan since the high sides wouldn't let them roll off the table. Just an old towel in the pan for them to sit on. They don't like sliding around on metal or wood while they're eating.
I did about three test runs in the kitchen before we got out babies to find out: 1) How long was needed to microwave the water to reach proper temp. and keep it's temperature when the formula (which was refrigerated) was added. 2) The ratio of water to formula. And 3) How to do everything smoothly.
We used a two cup pyrex liquid measure for heating our water (use natural spring water, NOT distilled). The container for mixing the formula in was marked as to how much water was needed for (I think we used two and a half or three tablespoons of forumula for two birds... can't remember exactly) the formula. Because you're not mixing the formula in the container you heated water in, you don't need to worry about "hotspots". Believe me, you'll be mixing it so much the temperature evens out perfectly.
Once the formula is the consistancy you want (at first it was like loose grits, then thickens a little as the chick ages), add the thermometer and get it down (stirring) to 107 degrees F. I prefer to feed between 104 and 107. You *can* go to 103 but I wouldn't- since the formula already cools when in the syringe. If the temp falls below 104, just place the container with the formula into the still hot water (the hot water from the microwave, this is another reason we use separate containers) until it gets back up to temp. If it doesn't get hot enough, nuke the water container for a bit and try again. It can be a juggling act but when you are faster at feeding you won't usually have this problem. Mikaela is 100% correct when she stated: "never nuke the formula".
This is where a schedule comes in that you can modify. Try to only feed when the crop is empty, that way you don't have old food sitting around in it with the new. If your chick's crop is moving slowly (guage from the other birds) add a little baby food (green vegetable) to your formula. That'll help move things along.
While you're feeding, you'll see the crop begin to bulge. His crop is at the base of his neck. Like a balloon. Don't overfeed. Most chicks will refuse food when thier crop is full, but others will continue to eat. Once you have an idea of what the crop should look like, you'll have no problem making sure they eat enough.
It's easier to feed one baby at a time, since once you get them to take a little they eagerly eat more. This will allow you to guage their crops better as well. And keep track of who has already eaten. A baby barely crawling around because of his belly with his eyes glazed over in happiness has obviously already eaten.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Until they begin to feather out, keep the chicks out of cold areas and cover them to stay warm. Spend time with the chicks after they've been fed. Scratch their little heads and talk to them. Tell them how ugly they are and how beautiful they'll be when they feather out, lol. And touch their feet.
And let them learn how to fly. I feel it's important to a bird's mental health to fledge properly. Once they can land without crashing, then you can clip if you choose. Learning to fly also helps them glide down after clipping and helps prevent injuries.
ALWAYS clean everything with hot water and soap after each feeding. Try to clean immediately, crusted on formula is no fun, lol.
Also clean their cage or tank before placing them back in, sanitation is important. And until they can perch or walk around, don't use the metal grate bottom if you're using a cage.
My schedule (days are the chick's age in days):
14-18 days: 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 11:00 PM
18-25 days: 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM (Noon), 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM
26-35 days: 7:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM
36-45 days: 7:00 AM, 7:00 PM
46-weaned: 7:00 PM
I allowed myself a half-hour give in times. And let the baby birds set the pace. They actually weaned a little earlier than the days set here, and I attribute that to abundance weaning.
When I first got the babies (at three and a half weeks old) I started with the 14-18 day regimen, since they were used to getting fed often from the parents. After about five days we moved to the 18-25 day and dropped feedings as the chicks needed.
This is just a guideline.
They'll begin refusing food around fledging time but make sure they eat enough. They're not weaning, just dieting to get weight down for flying. Little buggers try to trick us. ^_~
This was little Hane when I was handfeeding him, he always insisted on eating first so Tsume had to wait.
This is what Mikaela was talking about, feeding towards the right side of the bird, from it's left.
Whoa, talk about a tan, LOL!
Again, it's important to be trained by a breeder or someone who can show you hands-on:
Dangers for handfeeding if not properly trained
Aspiration- Forcing formula into the babies mouth to fast or improperly causing the baby to aspirate the formula
Burnt Crops- Using formula that is not at the proper temp.
Stretched Crops- Forcing the baby to take more formula then he can handle stretching the crop to the point that it can not empty properly
Bacterial Infections- Can be caused by not cleaning the nursery or equipment used for hand feeding. Can also be caused by contaminated food.
Malformed Beaks- Babies beaks are still soft and pressing the syringes into their beaks can create malformation in the beak.
Dehydration- If you do not mix the formula properly you could be given them the wrong consistency.
Poor Weight Gain- Formula too thin, Not following correct feeding schedule, Not feeding enough
If the syringe gets a little sticky just put some sunflower seed oil around the edge of the rubber before assembling for feeding. Then it will glide smoothly. ^_^
Your best bet it to go ask a breeder and have him/her show you in person how they handfeed. But seeing as you've already pulled the babies... :p
Have a handfeeding "kit" and keep everything together. I used an old cookie sheet. I put paper towels on the bottom since I left everything to dry on it after each feeding.
My kit:
syringe
spoons (one for scooping formula and one for mixing it with the water)
mixing cup (mine was a plastic cup for lunches, lol)
pyrex or other microwave safe container for heating the water
digital thermometer, we ended up with one for meat, candy ones work great
a roll of paper towels (you'll never have enough!)
Exact formula was kept in the fridge
I handfed in our kitchen. The microwave is right there, sink for washing, and it was open space, lol. The babies were in my room upstairs so we just brought them down for their feedings. We would set them in (I know this is funny but really, lol) a turkey baking pan since the high sides wouldn't let them roll off the table. Just an old towel in the pan for them to sit on. They don't like sliding around on metal or wood while they're eating.
I did about three test runs in the kitchen before we got out babies to find out: 1) How long was needed to microwave the water to reach proper temp. and keep it's temperature when the formula (which was refrigerated) was added. 2) The ratio of water to formula. And 3) How to do everything smoothly.
We used a two cup pyrex liquid measure for heating our water (use natural spring water, NOT distilled). The container for mixing the formula in was marked as to how much water was needed for (I think we used two and a half or three tablespoons of forumula for two birds... can't remember exactly) the formula. Because you're not mixing the formula in the container you heated water in, you don't need to worry about "hotspots". Believe me, you'll be mixing it so much the temperature evens out perfectly.
Once the formula is the consistancy you want (at first it was like loose grits, then thickens a little as the chick ages), add the thermometer and get it down (stirring) to 107 degrees F. I prefer to feed between 104 and 107. You *can* go to 103 but I wouldn't- since the formula already cools when in the syringe. If the temp falls below 104, just place the container with the formula into the still hot water (the hot water from the microwave, this is another reason we use separate containers) until it gets back up to temp. If it doesn't get hot enough, nuke the water container for a bit and try again. It can be a juggling act but when you are faster at feeding you won't usually have this problem. Mikaela is 100% correct when she stated: "never nuke the formula".
This is where a schedule comes in that you can modify. Try to only feed when the crop is empty, that way you don't have old food sitting around in it with the new. If your chick's crop is moving slowly (guage from the other birds) add a little baby food (green vegetable) to your formula. That'll help move things along.
While you're feeding, you'll see the crop begin to bulge. His crop is at the base of his neck. Like a balloon. Don't overfeed. Most chicks will refuse food when thier crop is full, but others will continue to eat. Once you have an idea of what the crop should look like, you'll have no problem making sure they eat enough.
It's easier to feed one baby at a time, since once you get them to take a little they eagerly eat more. This will allow you to guage their crops better as well. And keep track of who has already eaten. A baby barely crawling around because of his belly with his eyes glazed over in happiness has obviously already eaten.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Until they begin to feather out, keep the chicks out of cold areas and cover them to stay warm. Spend time with the chicks after they've been fed. Scratch their little heads and talk to them. Tell them how ugly they are and how beautiful they'll be when they feather out, lol. And touch their feet.
And let them learn how to fly. I feel it's important to a bird's mental health to fledge properly. Once they can land without crashing, then you can clip if you choose. Learning to fly also helps them glide down after clipping and helps prevent injuries.
ALWAYS clean everything with hot water and soap after each feeding. Try to clean immediately, crusted on formula is no fun, lol.
Also clean their cage or tank before placing them back in, sanitation is important. And until they can perch or walk around, don't use the metal grate bottom if you're using a cage.
My schedule (days are the chick's age in days):
14-18 days: 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 11:00 PM
18-25 days: 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM (Noon), 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM
26-35 days: 7:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM
36-45 days: 7:00 AM, 7:00 PM
46-weaned: 7:00 PM
I allowed myself a half-hour give in times. And let the baby birds set the pace. They actually weaned a little earlier than the days set here, and I attribute that to abundance weaning.
When I first got the babies (at three and a half weeks old) I started with the 14-18 day regimen, since they were used to getting fed often from the parents. After about five days we moved to the 18-25 day and dropped feedings as the chicks needed.
This is just a guideline.
They'll begin refusing food around fledging time but make sure they eat enough. They're not weaning, just dieting to get weight down for flying. Little buggers try to trick us. ^_~
This was little Hane when I was handfeeding him, he always insisted on eating first so Tsume had to wait.
This is what Mikaela was talking about, feeding towards the right side of the bird, from it's left.
Whoa, talk about a tan, LOL!
Again, it's important to be trained by a breeder or someone who can show you hands-on:
Dangers for handfeeding if not properly trained
Aspiration- Forcing formula into the babies mouth to fast or improperly causing the baby to aspirate the formula
Burnt Crops- Using formula that is not at the proper temp.
Stretched Crops- Forcing the baby to take more formula then he can handle stretching the crop to the point that it can not empty properly
Bacterial Infections- Can be caused by not cleaning the nursery or equipment used for hand feeding. Can also be caused by contaminated food.
Malformed Beaks- Babies beaks are still soft and pressing the syringes into their beaks can create malformation in the beak.
Dehydration- If you do not mix the formula properly you could be given them the wrong consistency.
Poor Weight Gain- Formula too thin, Not following correct feeding schedule, Not feeding enough
I've been called 'birdbrained' before, but somehow I don't think this is what they meant. say:hah-nay
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Mikaela
- Posts: 3752
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:12 am
- Location: Islamorada Key, Florida U.S.A.
- Contact:
That is precisely what I was talking about. You and I share alot of the same ideas Melika. We care for our babies in a very simular way.
Thank you SO much for providing the picture. It is PERFECT! Alot easier for him to 'see' than to be told. I love you being a member because I know when I am away, you'll handle business.
We are both verbose, yet helpful... thanks for your committment to the board. It is appreciated.
Thank you SO much for providing the picture. It is PERFECT! Alot easier for him to 'see' than to be told. I love you being a member because I know when I am away, you'll handle business.
We are both verbose, yet helpful... thanks for your committment to the board. It is appreciated.
~ Mikaela Sky
"Verbose". What a polite way of saying I talk too much! 
I try to give... complete answers. That way I only have to answer it once, lol. And thanks for the vote of confidence! And who would have thought I'd use an old pic of me handfeeding Hane. My sister took it just because hane was such a pig, lol. Go figure. ^_^
And that picture, Derek, is exactly why it's so important to be taught by someone in person. Words just can't expain everything you need to know, even though I try.
I try to give... complete answers. That way I only have to answer it once, lol. And thanks for the vote of confidence! And who would have thought I'd use an old pic of me handfeeding Hane. My sister took it just because hane was such a pig, lol. Go figure. ^_^
And that picture, Derek, is exactly why it's so important to be taught by someone in person. Words just can't expain everything you need to know, even though I try.
I've been called 'birdbrained' before, but somehow I don't think this is what they meant. say:hah-nay
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Mikaela
- Posts: 3752
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:12 am
- Location: Islamorada Key, Florida U.S.A.
- Contact:
It is generally the wise which are verbose. One can never say too much, however one can talk alot without really saying a thing. This isnt the case with you and I... we are simply excessively concerned that what we are saying is getting through.
I dont know about you, but to me, you and I seem ALOT alike.
I dont know about you, but to me, you and I seem ALOT alike.
~ Mikaela Sky
MY GOD.... I now feel like a totally bad birdie mummy. I have never seen any handrearing mix!! I just looked at what the parent birds ate and mashed it all up in a food processor and a mortar and pestle and added water. I then heated it until it was a luke warm temp (same as testing a baby's milk bottle). I then used a plastic spoon to feed my babies. I then worked out that Heinz baby food was the same thing but pre-mashed so I bought jars of that, heated it, and used this as their food source. Then when they got bigger, I upgraded to squashed banana and kiwi fruit and the inside of grapes. I also, as a treat, gave them a little bread soaked in milk. This is how I weaned them.
My birds are well coloured and have never had any illness or infection. I have raised 3 birds from 2 separate clutches and my handraised birds are better looking, healthier and seem happier than the birds raised by their parents.
I didn't follow any kind of feeding schedule, I could tell by the sounds the birds were making when they wanted a feed, and also by their crops. I had the birds with me all the time - even when I went to work and went shopping so I grew attuned to their different sounds.
Of course, cleanliness is paramount - just the same as with human babies, which I used as my guide.
I'll probably now get fired at from all quarters, but it worked for me and my birds and I found it stress free for all involved. I guess that the handrearing mix is probably the same thing just ground up. I have never seen it for sale around my way. Same as those pellets you all talk about - never seen those for sale. Bird section around my way is pretty skint and pathetic!
My birds are well coloured and have never had any illness or infection. I have raised 3 birds from 2 separate clutches and my handraised birds are better looking, healthier and seem happier than the birds raised by their parents.
I didn't follow any kind of feeding schedule, I could tell by the sounds the birds were making when they wanted a feed, and also by their crops. I had the birds with me all the time - even when I went to work and went shopping so I grew attuned to their different sounds.
Of course, cleanliness is paramount - just the same as with human babies, which I used as my guide.
I'll probably now get fired at from all quarters, but it worked for me and my birds and I found it stress free for all involved. I guess that the handrearing mix is probably the same thing just ground up. I have never seen it for sale around my way. Same as those pellets you all talk about - never seen those for sale. Bird section around my way is pretty skint and pathetic!
-
Mikaela
- Posts: 3752
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:12 am
- Location: Islamorada Key, Florida U.S.A.
- Contact:
Jade:
We dont 'fire' at anyone around here. This is a pleasant board where ALL comments and suggestions are welcome. We may sometimes disagree but NEVER do we disrepect. Sounds to me like you did a great job with your babies. Formula is the easy way out according to what you did.
Hand-rearing is scary. One wrong shot and well, lets just say it wouldnt be good for the birdie. Post some pics of that beauty of yours!
We dont 'fire' at anyone around here. This is a pleasant board where ALL comments and suggestions are welcome. We may sometimes disagree but NEVER do we disrepect. Sounds to me like you did a great job with your babies. Formula is the easy way out according to what you did.
Hand-rearing is scary. One wrong shot and well, lets just say it wouldnt be good for the birdie. Post some pics of that beauty of yours!
~ Mikaela Sky
Lol, that's what all "parronts" did before formula came out. Formula is the just the easiest way to feed chicks the right nutrients. Frankly I think they prefer some veggies added, or at least a little baby food- I wouldn't want the same tasting food every time either, lol. But formula is easier for most people- at least those who can get it. It can be ordered online.
Plus it keep forever in the freezer, lol. About a year.
I know there are still breeders who swear by their own homemade formula mixes. But for average joe it's too risky. At least that's how I feel. And most peeps don't want to "make" formula, lol. Too much work. xDDD
Plus it keep forever in the freezer, lol. About a year.
I know there are still breeders who swear by their own homemade formula mixes. But for average joe it's too risky. At least that's how I feel. And most peeps don't want to "make" formula, lol. Too much work. xDDD
I've been called 'birdbrained' before, but somehow I don't think this is what they meant. say:hah-nay
Firstly regarding the phone camera thing... I had just bought a new mobile before they brought out the camera ones, and that was to replace my old analogue brick because they phased out analogue!! My hubby is a country boy who doesn't have an affinity with technology. Give him a cow or a sheep or something and no worries. I only got a microwave 5 years ago after lots of convincing, he didn't want one because someone told him that radiation gets in the food!!! His family didn't even have a telephone until he was 12 years old!!!
Secondly, I am relieved to hear that my method of hand rearing is okay. Got a bit scared there. Not that I have any babies hatched at the moment but still...
Thanks for all the support guys - means a lot to me. I was seriously very worried that I maybe hadn't done the right thing by my birds. I have only had one chick die, and that was after I had given it to one of my husband's friends who I firmly believe, didn't follow my advice with the feeding and the poor thing suffered. I have never had one in my care die (touch wood). Incidentally, I have also never given one of my babies away to anyone else!
Secondly, I am relieved to hear that my method of hand rearing is okay. Got a bit scared there. Not that I have any babies hatched at the moment but still...
Thanks for all the support guys - means a lot to me. I was seriously very worried that I maybe hadn't done the right thing by my birds. I have only had one chick die, and that was after I had given it to one of my husband's friends who I firmly believe, didn't follow my advice with the feeding and the poor thing suffered. I have never had one in my care die (touch wood). Incidentally, I have also never given one of my babies away to anyone else!
Jade wrote:Firstly regarding the phone camera thing... I had just bought a new mobile before they brought out the camera ones, and that was to replace my old analogue brick because they phased out analogue!! My hubby is a country boy who doesn't have an affinity with technology. Give him a cow or a sheep or something and no worries. I only got a microwave 5 years ago after lots of convincing, he didn't want one because someone told him that radiation gets in the food!!! His family didn't even have a telephone until he was 12 years old!!!
The bit about radiation is actually true, though america doesn't publish the scientific info on it. Russia has pretty much banned microwaves that have any real power. Germany also has strict regulations on microwaves. My grandfather (very german, lol) refuses to own a microwave. He's seen those studies in person (he was an inventor for Bell labs for many many years, one of those german genius dudes) and doesn't trust the microwaves. It's been proven that the microwaves aren't sealed in well and can have an effect on anything within 100 yards. Not to mention what it does to our food. Kinda knocks all the nutrients out when it cooks, lol.
Microwaves just aren't good for me, I've tried heating food with metal pot lids (twice, always when I was tired and just plain hungry), and burned popcorn multiple times- once I had black smoke literally billowing out of the thing. So I keep my use of them to a minimum, lol.
But my dad wouldn't live without it, even though he only heats his water for his tea with it. Or popcorn.
I think it's nifty to have around when you need something done quickly though. Can't fight with that. Though that knowledge is always in the back of my mind. 0_o
I've been called 'birdbrained' before, but somehow I don't think this is what they meant. say:hah-nay
Dear mother of God.... If my husband hears that his concerns about radiation are justified, the microwave will become a new play thing for the cows!! I think I'll just let this piece of information slide. Incidentally...both his parents and mine are German!! (could explain a lot!!)
In regard to eating the birds food - my son eats the left over mashed up banana. He loves it. He won't eat a whole banana though. Kids.
In regard to eating the birds food - my son eats the left over mashed up banana. He loves it. He won't eat a whole banana though. Kids.
Mikaela wrote:I actually liked the way the formula smelled. Noooo I didnt taste it. Ok, maybe I did but only ONCE!
I tried an Exact pellet once. They smell like candy! But sure don't taste like it... 0_o
Jade wrote:Dear mother of God.... If my husband hears that his concerns about radiation are justified, the microwave will become a new play thing for the cows!! I think I'll just let this piece of information slide. Incidentally...both his parents and mine are German!! (could explain a lot!!)
In regard to eating the birds food - my son eats the left over mashed up banana. He loves it. He won't eat a whole banana though. Kids.
LOL!
I've been called 'birdbrained' before, but somehow I don't think this is what they meant. say:hah-nay