Hi, Well I've check the FAQ and nosed around in different topics, can't quite find something on this.

 

My pet pair have five healthy chicks from five eggs (first clutch). First two chicks are 3 weeks old today.

Before the hatching started I bought hand-rearing formula but have not had to use it. :rofl:

 

But since I have the stuff, is there any "good" reason to bring the chicks out in the evening and give them a kind of social feeding? I'd rather leave mom to her good work, but I was wondering if there would be a substantial benefit to doing this ... as these chicks will be our pets as well (two of them might go to another home).

 

Because everybody loves piccies, here are the two eldest today:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/wanda23/IMG_7754.jpg

Edited August 5, 200915 yr by KAZ
photo turned to link as it was oversized as per forum rules

Hi Kate,

I would see no harm in a social feeding as you put it, BUT handrearing formula is generally meant for younger chicks as its finer and more processed than the feeds they would currently be getting from their parents right now. At the age they are now they would be able to take some BUDGIE STARTER off the spoon ( runny and warm ). Budgie starter has seeds in it and a lot of other good things. Hand rearing formula is smoother. But give it a try. :rofl:

Edited August 5, 200915 yr by KAZ

Woops! Sorry about the big photo, I thought I had gotten it small enough...

 

Thanks KAZ, I think I will give it another week or so, after I've found some budgie starter around here. By then all the chicks will be over 3 weeks or closer to 4.

Babies are at fledging point at 4 weeks so maybe forget the feeding and just spend a lot of time handling and bonding. Handling will acchieve a close bond without the extra feeds. Enjoy :rofl:

I remember, Bea one of our members did this exact thing with Blinks she took him out of the nest around 3 wks for bonding purposes and then gave him back to his parents, he is very very tame.

Thanks KAZ, thanks also Elly,

I'm very tempted to do this, as every other day or so we bring them out and get them used to being held while I clean out the nestbox. I thought "sharing a meal" might make them feel much more brave about being out of the box.

 

My only concern is tilting mom Lucy and dad Horton away from the babies. They've both been steady parents throughout—but they are first-timers and now that mom is spending more time outside of the cage I wouldn't want her to think she can wash her hands of her little ones just yet!

I quite often take a special baby out of the nestbox while I clean the birdroom, and I pop him on my shoulder or just inside my top for body warmth and cuddles. It helps them bond.

I quite often take a special baby out of the nestbox while I clean the birdroom, and I pop him on my shoulder or just inside my top for body warmth and cuddles. It helps them bond.

 

 

How utterly sweet!

In a way Lucy has brought back those "first time mom" wonder feelings in me all over again, lol.