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I have a set of parakeets that kept laying eggs,we would remove them from cage and she would just lay more.So we figured we would leave the last clutch in there and now we have chicks hatched.How do we feed them?It looks the the mother isnt feeding the chicks.And if we do have to feed them,do we move them away from the mother.It looks like she still laying on the hatched chicks,will that cause problems?Thank You
Hi, Jackie. Thanks for posting!
I hate to say this, but you've got a whole lot to learn FAST! Are these birds in with other birds that are not part of the family that just hatched babies?
The mother should be feeding the babies. You'll need to check the babies' crops to see if they're being fed. The crop is the area where food is delivered. If they are being fed, you should see food in the crop (the crop will be a large bulge). If the mother isn't feeding the babies, you'll need to pull the babies completely from the parents and you'll need to handfeed them. See this link for information and information on my website:
http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww63e.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html
The mother is supposed to lay on the hatched chicks in order to keep them warm enough until they get feathers of their own. This is natural.
Please read the information on these websites and come back with any questions.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank You!!!!!!!Yes it appears that the crop is full and she does appear to be keeping them warm.No others in cage,just the pair.Thanks again for responding so fast. Jackie | ||
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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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