New babies...

[bllivingston]

I posted a couple of weeks ago asking when to remove a nesting box because I did not want to raise baby lovebirds. I introduced a new female to my male bird who had lost his mate. She had injured her former mate, so I was anxious about how they were going to behave together. I didn't remove the nesting box because I didn't want to traumatize the male any more than necessary by changing his home. Time went by, I wasn't paying close attention. So, when cleaning their cage last week, I figured it was time to remove the nesting box. The new female was spending way too much time in it. I opened the top and there were four eggs! I took the eggs out of the box and was going to dispose of them, but they were warm and it was clear she was incubating them. I didn't have the heart to destroy them. I ended up putting them back in the box. We weren't even sure if she would continue to nest since the eggs had been handled. Four days ago, I looked in the box and there were four sets of eyes peeking back out at me. The babies are growing like crazy, but they still featherless. I'm letting the mom and dad feed them. I'm too scared to take on that responsibility. But, everything I read says to handle them frequently so they tame down and make good pets. When do I start handling them? They're only about a week old. Mom and dad are taking amazing care of them. They're already almost twice as large as they were when they hatched. I just don't want to cause them harm. Mom and dad are friendly, but not tame. I'd appreciate any help. Also, when can I remove the box? Mother and babies (and dad at night), of course, are still in it. I really don't want more after this... I just want to make sure that these are raised correctly. Thanks so much for your advice! . Oh, one more question... should I be giving mom any vitamin/mineral supplements?

 

[Echo]

You can start handling them daily from around 4 weeks old but just about 5 minutes only at first. Make sure that you wait for the parents to go feed or out of the cage then close the cage door or entrance of the nest before handling the babies so that they don't know they're missing. As they grow and get more feathers and get fed less often, you can handle them more often and for longer period of time.

 

[Echo]

You can remove the box once the babies are fledged. I like to provide a hut when I remove the box as they're used to sleeping altogether so it's a good substitute. Make sure you provide calcium and egg food for the pair to feed their young.
Hope to see pictures!!

 

[MikeyTN]

We would love to see some pictures, Echo already give you some great advice there.

 

[bllivingston]

Echo, thanks so much for your help. Mikey, I'm going to try to post pictures. I discovered them on Jan 13 and took some pictures. The week before, there were just 4 eggs. So, I don't know their exact hatch dates. Unfortunately, the nesting box is in the cage, so I'll have to reach in to get the babies. No way to keep mom out of the box while I'm handling them. She hasn't bitten me yet, but dad is extremely protective. He bit my husband when he got too close to the nest box while feeding them spinach. I was able to take these pictures while mom and dad were both out eating millet! So, I guess I have about two more weeks to go before I can handle them? They're so cute. They make lots of noise while eating. Mom and dad are great parents. I've been feeding them so much more than usual. They're eating tons of food. Lots of fresh spinach, squash, carrots, broccoli. They used to be such picky eaters. Now they're eating all fresh veggies that I give them. What type of egg/calcium supplements should I get for them? I haven't been able to find anything in my local stores... Sorry this is so long. I didn't intend to have baby birds, but I want to make sure they grow up healthy and happy. Thank you so very much for your help. Pics were taken 1/13 and 1/23. One pic of mom and dad.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Aw, they are so cute!! Good luck with them. Have you made any decisions yet on what you will do once they're fledged? Will you keep them?

 

[bllivingston]

Thanks! I could listen to them all day! Sweetest little chirps coming from their box! We're not really "bird" people. I've had a Pionus in the past and I know birds require much attention. That's why I got two lovebirds. I figured they could keep each other company when we were busy or at work. We also have two big dogs who would probably kill them if the birds were out of their cage while the dogs were inside. Mom and Dad (Harry and Merry) are very friendly but not really tame. They won't sit on my hand. Harry talks with us constantly and yells if I leave the room. He'll take food from me if i hand it to him. He's a happy bird. So... to answer your question, while I'd love to keep a baby I raised, I think we're going to find them good homes. I just want to make sure that I help raise happy, healthy babies. But, no permanent decision has been made yet. It will be hard to see them go.

 

[bllivingston]

Hi, Well, my babies are growing quickly. They're about six weeks now, still taking food from mom and dad. They're healthy and happy. And FLYING all over the place. Well, two of them are. The youngest (we call her - or him - Violet) is quite a bit more immature than the other two. She didn't even leave the nesting box until yesterday. She can fly a little bit, but just not as steady as the siblings. I guess this is normal, but I'd love to hear from others. I am supplementing violets food. Her older siblings might be taking her share. She's not gluttonous, but she will always eat a little when it is offered. I had to remove the nesting box, 'cause mom starting laying eggs again. I don't want another clutch. So, my question is... what colors are my babies? The oldest looks like mom and dad. I was told they're called Pied. The two younger babies are much darker with a deep violet hue. Does anyone know what color they are called? I really thought they'd all look like mom and dad. I was very surprised they are so dark. I'm posting a picture of little Violet!