I am handrearing three chicks from a clutch because the parents had stopped feeding them. One of the chicks has patches of bare skin where the feahers havent grown. They are about 3 weeks old so they should be fully feathered by now shouldnt they?? Is there anything I can add to their feed that will fix this problem such as a multi vitamin??

Here is a quote taken from: http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/breeding/index.html

 

Don't be too quick in removing the chicks from the parents, providing the parents (Cock) is accepting them, leave them as long as possible, they certainly thrive better than when removed. Another good idea is when the chicks are about 4 weeks old, place a small portion of millet-spray in the nest-box every evening, the chicks will soon copy the hen in picking at the spray. The result is they have a good idea of how to crack seed when they leave the nest. Another thing is to place a small shallow dish of water in the bottom of the cage when the chicks leave the nest, this stops them from dehydrating, which is the factor of them dropping their tails and flights. This is commonly seen in some aviaries and is often mistaken for French Moult.

 

So what feathers have they dropped?

Edited May 26, 200619 yr by Sailorwolf