Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 5/1/2006

Question
Hi Chrys!
I have a 4 week old black capped conure. He is eating Roudy Bush four times a day at about 8cc each feeding. I say about because he is a little messy eater. My questions is about his constant screaming. Whenever I take him out of his tank, he acts like he is starving. I know he's not- he has a full crop. Even after he has been fed he beggs for more. I want to be able to soothe him and cuddle, etc. but all he does is chirp very loudly. It also upsets me thinking that he may not be getting something he needs? My thoughts are that he is just a baby and thinks he needs to eat all the time. And I am sure he associates being out of his tank with eating. I am trying to take him out five minutes at a time throughout the day without feeding him to see if I can reset that thought. But he is just a baby, I am sure he'll work it out!
Any suggestions? Is this normal for him to "cry" whenever he is out of his tank?
Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi, Tiffany.  Thanks for posting.

I don't think you're feeding this little guy enough.  This may be why s/he's crying so much.  At 4 weeks, s/he should be eating about 15-20cc's at each feeding.  Also, at 4 weeks of age, it's time to start the weaning process.

Baby parrots usually cry to be fed, even if they are full, whenever they hear their human "parent's" voice and/or see fingers/hands.  This crying usually subsides as the little one starts eating on his own, getting more familiar with the world, etc.  Yes, they do associate with being out of their brooder with being fed if they are used to being fed outside their brooder.  

Visit my website for information on weaning, etc.  http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Come back if you need to.  Thanks.

Chrys