Hi all, we have an aviary set up out the back and 2 weeks ago our 1st baby budgie hatched. The mother was constantly in the nest up until a couple of days ago. Now she hardly seems to be in there at all. I have noticed the baby has started looking out from the breeding box and I am worried it will try to jump out. The box is up near the ceiling of the aviary. How soon do they learn to fly? Should I take the baby out from the box in case it jumps out?

I have been a member of your forum for a couple of months now and have found the info here to be gold!!

The rise in temp and the fact that the bub is now covered in fluff and the start of feathers means it doesn't need the mothers warmth now, which giver her the freedom to spend more time out of the box. You should also be seeing the father take part in the feeding as well at this stage.

 

Sometimes the baby will venture out a bit early but as I close breed (use breeding cages) I've not had to worry about falling chicks. Others here will have more info soon.

Chicks can start to look after themselves at the time that the tail starts to form a point. approximately 4 weeks. Some show breeders like the chicks to stay as long as possible in the nest so that they have the parents "force" feeding them. It helps to develop a larger bird.

 

For this reason I have deeper nest boxes to keep them in.