Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 10/17/2006

Question
Hi Chrys,

The parents have been feeding the babies and the oldest one flew out of the nest by himself 3 days ago.  I had bought the baby parakeet food just in case the parents didn't feed the babies.  I haven't had to use it.  I have anoter cage I've put the baby into and I gave him some millet and some seed mix today, and he ate it.  I also put some water in different places in the cage.  

Thanks for your advice.  Karen
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Followup To

Question -
Hi,

I have 5 baby parakeets and the oldest one has left the nest this week at 4 1/2 weeks old.  I have put the baby with the parents and my other two adult parakeets and the mother has been attacking the baby.  The baby still begs for food and the father will feed him/her.  The father has also tried to mate with the baby.  So, I moved the baby to a seperate flight cage and am worried he/she won't know how to eat and drink water.  I've given the baby millet and he's eaten that.

Should I keep the babies seperate from the parents and other birds?  How will they learn to eat and drink water?  I have baby parakeet formula and a small syringe to feed them, but I haven't had to because the parents have been feeding the babies.

Thanks, Karen

Answer -
Hi, Karen.  Thanks for posting!

I need more information from you in order to be of any help.  When you say the baby has "left the nest," exactly what do you mean?  You also state you have "put the baby with the parents"...where has the baby been up to now...had you pulled them for handfeeding and were keeping them in a separate brooder?  I'm confused because you later state you have formula and a syringe to feed them, but haven't had to because the parents have been feeding them...either the parents have been feeding them or you've been feeding them...I need to know the details about this.  Did you wean this/these babies yet?  If you pulled these babies from their parents early on for handfeeding, YOU need to teach them how to eat and drink water (you've taken over the role of both parents when you pull and handfeed babies).

Yes, I recommend you keep the babies separate from the parents at least and other birds until they are a bit older.  You should be keeping the babies together in a separate cage until they can fend for themselves.

Waiting on more details/clarification so I can help you!  Thanks.

Chrys

Answer
Hi again, Karen.  Thanks for the additional information.

Since these babies are being parent-raised, they likely won't be tame enough to handle and be pet birds.  I'd like to recommend you wean these babies to a variety of foods.  Seed is OK, but should only comprise about 20% of their diet.  Seed is very high in fat and has little to no nutritional value.  They need a mix of seed, pelleted food, and other healthy human foods.  Visit my website for more information on types of foods:

http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Come back if you have additional questions.

Chrys