Baby Falling Out Of Nest

[kerrie 0]

Im a tiny bit concerned my favourite baby budgie keeps falling out of the nest. He does this every second night/morning and doesnt seem to be learning from the experience. The other ones have never done it. He hasnt been hurt yet but thats what I'm scared off. Should I do something or is this normal budgie baby behaviour

[**KAZ** 0]

What height is baby falling each time ? Can you put a wooden board like a platform under the nest box so he hasnt far to fall ? I had a 4 day old baby fall 8 feet once when she came out of the nest clinging to her mother. She bounced off three things and hit the ground. She is still okay today and I call her BUNGEE. No problems. But I would take measures to prevent falls if I could.

[kerrie 0]

The nest box is incide the cage so he is falling about 30 cm (not as far as yours thank goodness I would just die) dont think he would hit anything and seems totally non plussed about the whole thing he just scrambling round he bottom of the cage enjoying himself. I was going to put a hand towel on the bottom to soften the blow but worry bout little claws getting stuck.

[**KAZ** 0]

I wouldnt worry too much then Kerrie. Baby birds fledge with no flying experience other than their first "glide" to the floor of much greater heights than that. As you have mewntioned just look out for things he can get caught up on and all will be well. Paper on the bottom of the cage should be all you need.

[kerrie 0]

Okay thanks! just freaking out for nothing i was hoping i was.

[**KAZ** 0]

Okay thanks! just freaking out for nothing i was hoping i was.

You are entitled to freak out...it IS your FAVOURITE

[kerrie 0]

I am getting a bit worried about this baby of mine he is very unusual. Today he was out of the nest about four times after the second time I put him back in I set the camera up in the room to record the budgie cage to see what was happening. He actually comes up to the hole pokes his head out looks around and then just jumps out and does a freefall. He did this twice and I captured it on video when I put him back and left the camera going and he did it again. Is he playing a game I think its a bit odd he is only a few days past three weeks old. I'm worried that he is gonna hurt himself soon

[**KAZ** 0]

I am getting a bit worried about this baby of mine he is very unusual. Today he was out of the nest about four times after the second time I put him back in I set the camera up in the room to record the budgie cage to see what was happening. He actually comes up to the hole pokes his head out looks around and then just jumps out and does a freefall. He did this twice and I captured it on video when I put him back and left the camera going and he did it again. Is he playing a game I think its a bit odd he is only a few days past three weeks old. I'm worried that he is gonna hurt himself soon

Has he got all of his feathers yet Kerrie ? GOLLY, one of mine fledged at 3 weeks too and so did many others. If they arent fully feathered I put them back. But you can leave him out for the day with food at hand and see how he goes and just pop him back in for the night. Some are more advanced than others. If he has all his feathers I would let him go, but I would still put him back for the nights until 4 weeks of age at least.

[kerrie 0]

no he hasnt got all his feathers yet hes got the beginnings of flight feathers but still alot of down showing I dont know much but he doesnt look ready to me, one of his siblings has more feathers then him. I will do as you say cause I dont like him doing this freefall stunt out the box all the time, I just cant believe what I am seeing. I wonder does he already want my attention he definately is all happy when I hold him and does grumble when I put him back in the box. The parents will still feed him if his on the floor though wont they?

Edited January 29, 2007 by kerrie

[**KAZ** 0]

no he hasnt got all his feathers yet hes got the beginnings of flight feathers but still alot of down showing I dont know much but he doesnt look ready to me, one of his siblings has more feathers then him. I will do as you say cause I dont like him doing this freefall stunt out the box all the time, I just cant believe what I am seeing. I wonder does he already want my attention he definately is all happy when I hold him and does grumble when I put him back in the box. The parents will still feed him if his on the floor though wont they?

Usually the Dads feed them when on the floor of a breeder cage and Mum budgie gets on with any in the nest. Just watch and see that he is being looked after. Not having all his feathers, he probably isnt ready to fledge but he has learnt how to escape the box. Watch him as much as you can and see how it turns out.

[Guest Sco-tie]

ive had quite a few babys do this to me and ive found babys can easily survive at 6ft drop, ive found that babys come out when the box is full and dirty so i clean the box out and that keeps them in also opening the lid half way and closing the hole stops them getting out as easily.

thanks,

Sco-tie

[kerrie 0]

Thanks for the input Sco-tie I do clean the box twice a week or more frequently if it looks a bit messy. I'm pretty anal about cleaning been a nurse and all. Thanks for the suggestion though. I think he just prefers to be out the box stays in for a day sometimes. I just put him back at night dad looks after him really well while his out so I just gonna let him be. I'm just a bit worried what he will be as an adult being so precocious already god help me!

Edited January 31, 2007 by kerrie

[**KAZ** 0]

How is your little fledgling going Kerrie ?

[hath 0]

have you provided a escape hole for it in case the cock bird attacks the chick

[kerrie 0]

Thanks for asking bubbles the fledgling is doing well does like to be out the hole. I have provided alittle igloo on the floor incase he wants to sleep in the day while he is out. Hath I do not think that chip would attack his babies his the one that keeps him fed while he is on the floor. I must say the funniest part is the look on the parents faces when he jumps sort of like "oh there he goes again (roll eyes)". The other bubs are doing good too. Oh and I posted them in pictures if u interested

[Feathers 0]

Oh and I posted them in pictures if u interested

 

but of course!! :D

 

[heads to the pics thread]

 

 

Feathers.