You know, my friend just asked me when I'll be able to give him one birdie I just realized I'm not quite sure I know when baby birds are ready to go to new homes... When? O_o

The chicks leave the box (fledge) between 4 and 5 weeks of age. However, they should not be removed from their parents until they can crack seeds competently on their own.

 

This is usually at about 6 weeks of age. Six weeks is not always the exact age, more a guideline. Some chicks may be able to eat on their own before then and some may take a little longer.

 

from our FAQ section by Bea

 

By Kaz

Answer: You can move your chicks to a nursery cage once they are fully eating alone and not reliant on the parents. Age for that varies from 5-6 weeks on. Some chicks take a backward step and actually get depressed and stop eating, so watch out for that. Supply good food and vegies, plenty of it...especially food dishes at floor level and easy for them to find. If you think they are ready, move them out, but watch for signs of trouble ( not eating ) . answered by BBC moderator Kaz

 

So personally based on the answers above. I would move them to a nursery cage for at least a week to observe them BEFORE you adopt them out to anyone so you can watch for signs of distress. Once they pass your test that they are eating on their own, acting healthy etc... then you can adopt them to friends, family and others.

I'm keeping my babies, is it alright to just keep them in the same cage as the parents? I'm always hearing of people moving their babies to a nursery cage. I suppose that's just because they're giving them away or planning to sell them.

Just curious!

thanks.

I'm keeping my babies, is it alright to just keep them in the same cage as the parents? I'm always hearing of people moving their babies to a nursery cage. I suppose that's just because they're giving them away or planning to sell them.

Just curious!

thanks.

Moving them out of the cage is due to a couple of reasons. If you plan to breed again with the parents you cannot have the youngsters still in the cage. Also, moving babies into a cage with others babies the same ages is like a kindergarten to them. They learn to play and socialise and to eat and be independant.

I leave them with the parents until they are 6 weeks old and then move them to a nursary for at least 3 week before selling them. If they are for show they stay in the nursary until they are 3 months old and then go in to the Junior Flight until they are 6 months and then into the main flights.