Parent birds question

[Auntiebird]

I have cockatiels with 2 two week old babies. Should the parents be let out of cage while they have babies?

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

I don't see why not. As long as you observe them going in and feeding their babies it should be fine.

 

[Auntiebird]

I don't see why not. As long as you observe them going in and feeding their babies it should be fine.

Thanks for the help

 

[Sparkles!]

If they are tame pet birds, absolutely! They’re probably missing their out of cage fly time and routine what- nots.

But keep an eye on them. I’ve known parents to be ever on the hunt for nesting materials with babies in the box and out of cage time morphs into “stop trying to tear that up!” “Leave the curtains alone!” “No shredding carpet!” because the parents can’t stop the urge to gather.

 

[Auntiebird]

If they are tame pet birds, absolutely! They’re probably missing their out of cage fly time and routine what- nots.

But keep an eye on them. I’ve known parents to be ever on the hunt for nesting materials with babies in the box and out of cage time morphs into “stop trying to tear that up!” “Leave the curtains alone!” “No shredding carpet!” because the parents can’t stop the urge to gather.

Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately, they are not tame.

 

[Sparkles!]

Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately, they are not tame.

Do they normally have out of cage time? Some non tame birds get fly time, and while they’re not hand tame, they’re tame enough to either stick step up or target back to their dishes so if the need arises to get them back in their cages it can be safely done.

I guess I would weigh the normal temperaments of the parents. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re hand feeding babies if that wasn’t your plan or you don’t have the experience, etc. And you don’t want to resort to having to towel or net the parents if they have a history of not returning to the cage.

 

[Auntiebird]

Do they normally have out of cage time? Some non tame birds get fly time, and while they’re not hand tame, they’re tame enough to either stick step up or target back to their dishes so if the need arises to get them back in their cages it can be safely done.

I guess I would weigh the normal temperaments of the parents. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re hand feeding babies if that wasn’t your plan or you don’t have the experience, etc. And you don’t want to resort to having to towel or net the parents if they have a history of not returning to the cage.

Good point. Maybe I will just leave them in the cage. Their cage is definitely big enough to flap their wings for exercise, and though, I have done it, I don’t want to hand feed.

 

[Sparkles!]

Just provide plenty of enrichment inside the cage. Shredding opportunities, foraging, etc. provide them a dish for bathing if they usually like to bathe that way, etc.

 

[Auntiebird]

Just provide plenty of enrichment inside the cage. Shredding opportunities, foraging, etc. provide them a dish for bathing if they usually like to bathe that way, etc.

Thanks. I do have these things in their cage, so they are happy enough. I was just feeling guilty for not letting them out.

 

[Sparkles!]

Thanks. I do have these things in their cage, so they are happy enough. I was just feeling guilty for not letting them out.

Little buggers do make us feel guilty, don’t they?

 

[Auntiebird]

Little buggers do make us feel guilty, don’t they?

they sure do!

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

This is not their first clutch this year is it?

 

[Zara]

¨Tame¨ness doesn´t really matter. Hens with chicks in the nest will likely not even want to leave the cage if the door is left open, or at a push do one lap before returning. The males might stay out a little more but ultimately return somewhat soonish (compared to when there are no chicks and no box).

I liked to offer some flight time to my birds when they had chicks - it´s nice to get out of the box and have a good stretch.

 

[Auntiebird]

¨Tame¨ness doesn´t really matter. Hens with chicks in the nest will likely not even want to leave the cage if the door is left open, or at a push do one lap before returning. The males might stay out a little more but ultimately return somewhat soonish (compared to when there are no chicks and no box).

I liked to offer some flight time to my birds when they had chicks - it´s nice to get out of the box and have a good stretch.

That is kind of what I thought, and what I found. One of my babies looks to be a whiteface. Do you know anything about ‘‘tis mutation?

 

[Auntiebird]

This is not their first clutch this year is it?

Nope. Their second. I am ready to retome them after this clutch.

 

[Auntiebird]

This is not their first clutch this year is it?

Nope, this is their second and last clutch. I plan to rehome them after they raise these babies.

 

[Zara]

One of my babies looks to be a whiteface. Do you know anything about ‘‘tis mutation?

@Monica and @Tiel Feathers may be able to help you with mutation questions

I plan to rehome them after they raise these babies.

Oh? That´s a shame. They look very content on your arm in your profile picture.

 

[Shezbug]

Nope, this is their second and last clutch. I plan to rehome them after they raise these babies.

Can I ask why?

 

[Auntiebird]

@Monica and @Tiel Feathers may be able to help you with mutation questions


Oh? That´s a shame. They look very content on your arm in your profile picture.

Actually, those are my other two cockatiels. My original two. I have (including the babies) six altogether and will cut down to 4 when the parents are rehomed.

 

[Monica]

Whiteface is just a normal grey lacking yellow.

Anything in particular you want to know?