By the time you see an ounce lost – it’s more than 28 grams! A weight loss of 5% warrants a vet visit within a day or two. Weight loss of 10% is an emergency vet visit as supportive care may be necessary.
I’d weigh every other day until the weight seems to stabilize at about a year old, then I weigh once a week at the same time and day, keeping a record.
Whenever a bird’s weight goes 5% below the average weight, it’s time to have a full health evaluation.
Force weaning by denying the bird feedings is never a good idea. More details about specific weaning options are here:
http://www.parrottalk.com/weaning.htm
Here are some options to add to or include with a pelleted diet:
Offer ½ spoon of all natural, organic baby food (squash, yams, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables) which many birds take readily; also try some pabulum or baby rice cereal and a few licks of natural (no artificial anything) yogurt.
Make an oatmeal using 2 tablespoons of all natural oats + 4 tablespoons of plain, hot tap water. Let it stand for about 5 or 10 minutes until the water is mostly absorbed. You can add ½ teaspoon of no sugar added, all natural applesauce, either regular or jarred baby food type, which often makes the oatmeal more acceptable for picky eaters.
Chop up some fresh or dried fruits to add. With dried fruits try to find ‘no sulfites’ on the packaging.
Right around now it would be a good idea for the bird's first vet visit too. Establishing a doctor is important so you'll have someone to call if there's ever an emergency. Getting a DNA/genetic profile not only to determine the sex, but be sure there's no disease being carried genetically is also a big benefit for the well bird exam.
Let's hope this is just the beginning of another 65 years to come!
Certified Avian Specialist
Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author