Hi, my babies are three weeks old now (oldest one) and im starting to worry about weaning.

they are in a large cage/small aviary with their parents but there is a drop of maybe half a metre to the floor from their box. So I thought of moving them into a more suitable cage I have when they start popping out, but then mum and dad still need to feed them... is this also the time to start hand taming them?

thanks for your help!

i think if you moved them to another cage it might upset the parents and they could stop feeding them.Maybe you could lay some sawdust on the floor of the cage under the box so if they fall out it is a softer landing for them.I would be holding the babies once a day so they will get used to being held.

I agree with Deb. It's best not to move them.

When i was colony breeding my nest boxes were 6 feet up and i had no troubles with "falling" babies. They normally flutter down to the ground with out much impact. A baby normally doesn't take it's first leap out of the nest for another week or so and will be able to fly a bit

 

Also now is definitely the time to be handling the chicks - they really should be held every day from hatching to keep an eye on their development, but better late than never

 

Do you have photos of the bubs????

thanks you both have been really helpful. the bubs are going great. Yes I have been handling and foot cleaning from day two, (i was too scared for them on day one!) they are quite cheeky now though and dont appreciate my efforts. :mellow: hopefully soon theyll come round and discover im not just a big foot poking monster!