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Question
My parakeets laid two eggs in a nesting box and one hatched and its feathers have grown out and sometimes comes out and sits on the floor huddled in the corner. The parents are mating alot and i wasn't sure if i should remove the box or keep it until the little bird is able to eat for itself.
Hi, Adib,
This baby is ready to leave the nesting box obviously. Daddy bird has probably coaxed the baby out of the nesting box because mom bird is going to lay another clutch. Daddy bird will continue to feed the baby whether the baby is in the nesting box or in the cage. If he doesn't, you need to handfeed the baby yourself (mom doesn't usually contribute to the feeding since she's busy getting ready to lay more eggs). However, you need to decide if you want additional babies and also whether your parent birds are healthy enough. I say this because most keet clutches consist of about 6 eggs. If yours are only laying 2, I'd be concerned that something might not be just right with them and I'd be watching them carefully. Perhaps they need a break if they've been breeding continuously. If you don't want additional baby keets, remove the nesting box. Don't let the birds decide what you can deal with, but you also have to keep their health, as well as their offspring's health, in mind when making this decision.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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