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Birds--General/pulling the babies?

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Expert: - 4/3/2007


Question
Hi, i have two birds, and they have layed their first batch of eggs. I am trying to decide if i should pull the babies away from their parents when its time or not? what would you do? i have never done this before! if i do pull them, can the parents see the babies after they have been pulled?

Thanks for the time!!

Katie

Answer
Hi, Katie.  Thanks for posting!

If you want the babies to be tame, you should pull them at 10-14 days after hatching and handfeed them (you didn't mention the species of parrot you have which could affect when babies are pulled).  If you don't handfeed them, they will not be tame enough to handle.

The parents can see the babies after you pull them, but they won't recognize them as their own babies.  You wouldn't want to put the babies back with the parents after you have pulled them for handfeeding.

Visit my website for more information on handfeeding:

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

Come back with any additional questions.

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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