Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    First of all, do you have a pair of cockatiels and have you set up a
    nest box?  If so, then there's a good chance that things should work
    out, however if the parents are young and this is their first clutch
    then they may abandon the eggs at some point or not feed the young
    once they hatch (This happened to me).  It is sort of difficult to
    raise newly hatched young, since it is so important for them to get
    the parents antibodies to build up their immune system, however if
    this should happen, stop by a good pet store/ or grain store and
    purchase some handrearing formula (Lakes is a very popular brand which
    is very easy to prepare and goes down well).  You will also need to
    buy the bacteria supplement to mix in order to build the immune system.
    I can't remember the name, perhaps some other more experienced noters
    can fill you in on this (I think it is Lacto....something).
    
    More often than not though the parents will rear the youngsters very
    well, both parents will partake in the feeding and incubating.  Be
    certain to give them lots of spray millet and veggies (esp. Corn -
    canned or fresh, and broccoli.  They seem to really go for that)  and
    change water often.  They drink much more water than usual when feeding
    young.  
    
    You may want to pull the babies around 3wks of age and complete the
    handfeeding process in order to have puppy friendly babies.
    
    There are many bird books out on the market.  Especially around
    cockatiels.  I have an excellent one at home.  I will get the name 
    and author and give it to you tomorrow.  
    
    Best of luck  and keep us posted!
    
    Regards,
    Denise

    FYI-
    
    The name of an excellent reference book for cockatiels is:
    
                      COCKATIELS!  Pets-Breeding-Showing
    
                       By Nancy Reed
    
    
                       Copyright 1990
    
                       T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
                       One T.F.H. Plaza
                       Neptune City,  NH 07753
    
     HardCover, 256 pgs.
    

We now have a two day old baby cockatiel.

Both parents are taking turns feeding.


We had added a nesting box two weeks after the eggs were layed. A bit of straw
was included as well.

Nervously watching...


About six weeks ago we moved the whole cockatiel cage from the dining room
to the family room . There is much more light and the cage is next to my
125 gallon aquarium. The moist warm humidity in the room might also help.

thanks for the info...

 

After four weeks, the baby has grown and has full feathers except on his
head.

My wife is using a commercial hand feeding formula and the baby attacks the food.

We had removed the baby to a different cage because the parents laid four more
eggs and seems to want the baby out of the nesting box. They were pulling 
feathers out of the young bird who is getting bigger by the day.

The baby is quite friendly and was so excited with the last feeding that she
flapped her wings and rose about four feet.


thanks for all the info...

cheers

Morrie

I thought I would close out my question and thank all those who gave me 
advice both on and off line.

We have four healthy baby cockatiels.

The bird pablum did the trick. They are all hand tame and fully feathered...
except for the clipped wings.

During the hand feeding process, they would gather around the bird tub and 
compete for position. Occaisionally one and usually more than one would get
splashed with food. Our collie would come over to give them a bath. They still 
understand the bath concept but stand there while getting cleaned by the dog
and sing merrily.

The evening ritual is to place them on the coffee table where we move a play
structure for them to get some activity. Should you put your arm on the table,
it is an invitation for new adventure and the four race up your arm and perch on
your shoulder.

I use an old 45 gallon aquarium as a home. The mess is kept to a minimum and
there is enough room foor some home-made perches and ladders.

	Our family room now has 4 baby cokatiels
				2 adult cockatiels
				2 large turtles
				125 gallon aquarium with angel fish 
				    ( with good lid)
	A great environment.
morrie