New to breeding lovebirds and scared

[waywardangel]

I have just had the first opportunity to get a look at the hatching eggs of my lovebirds. There is one bird born but it is not moving. How do I tell if it alive or has passed away?

 

[waywardangel]

It's been in there a few days now and I have not heard it chirp, but it does appear to have some feathers. Hate to do this, but am going to shut down the door when Mama Mia is out so I can get a better look. Is that a bad idea? Thank you.

 

[waywardangel]

Well, keep responding to my own posts...but it is okay!! No chirping yet that I can hear, but yah!

 

[getwozzy]

I have no experience with breeding or chicks, but there are plenty of other knowledgeable members here, so please be patient while waiting for replies; although we are a busy forum, not everyone knows the answer to your question or is available right now to reply.

 

[MikeyTN]

Close off the entrance would be fine for you to check on the baby. Do you know how to hand feed???

 

[waywardangel]

Hi Mikey, Thank you for the reply. I do not know how to hand feed. With the research I have done it appears an experienced person should only hand-feed a lovebird because it could get hurt if you don't know what you are doing. It's something I may look into though. The one baby is about 3 days old. Am not sure if anymore will be hatching as this pair is only known for producing 1-2 babies, however, the eggs are still in place by the new baby, other than the that is broke, the mama has moved it off to the corner. I will probably keep this baby, it would be nice for it to be tame. Thank you again!

 

[GW.Joe]

Hi Mikey, Thank you for the reply. I do not know how to hand feed. With the research I have done it appears an experienced person should only hand-feed a lovebird because it could get hurt if you don't know what you are doing. It's something I may look into though. The one baby is about 3 days old. Am not sure if anymore will be hatching as this pair is only known for producing 1-2 babies, however, the eggs are still in place by the new baby, other than the that is broke, the mama has moved it off to the corner. I will probably keep this baby, it would be nice for it to be tame. Thank you again!

So the baby is ok?

 

[waywardangel]

The baby is fine G.W. Joe! Thank you for asking. This new baby owner got a little over anxious! He/she must have been sleeping very soundly because it was sitting up when I looked again. Mom seems comfortable, she was in the box with it, and didn't get upset. I was surprised it is already getting a little fluffy!

 

[GW.Joe]

A "No Flash" Picture would be VERY NICE

 

[waywardangel]

Once the crazy Quaker settles back into his cage, I'll try!

 

[MikeyTN]

When you allow birds to have babies there are some consequences you may have to deal with such as hand feeding. If you were to allow breeding then you should always learn how to hand feed just in case something does happen. There's been a couple of incidence off here already and those members started hand feeding after I walk them through. Parents can stop caring for their chicks at the drop of a hat. You just never know.

 

[GW.Joe]

When you allow birds to have babies there are some consequences you may have to deal with such as hand feeding. If you were to allow breeding then you should always learn how to hand feed just in case something does happen. There's been a couple of incidence off here already and those members started hand feeding after I walk them through. Parents can stop caring for their chicks at the drop of a hat. You just never know.

That's exactly what I was thinking, Even though I am not planing to ever put a pair together, over the years I still studied and learned to hand feed from a breeder friend of mine, So funny the way the baby reacts with the "feeding response" LOL

What do you think of a gavage tube that delivers the food right into the crop?
(never seen one but it sounds faster for multi chick feedings)

 

[MikeyTN]

Over the years I learned to prefer the natural feeding response instead of the unnatural way which is by forcing food into their crop sac. BUT with that said, it is necessary at times depending on the situation.

 

[waywardangel]

I actually did purchase these as proven breeders with that intent, so experiencing it for the first time. The previous owner that had them said with the 3 hatches they have had, the mother will feed them for a month and then the dad will take over. However, having said that, you are correct. Have studied a little on it, but really need to start delving into the techniques, just in case.

 

[MikeyTN]

Should always understand the meaning of breeding and how to be a responsible breeder.

Be real careful about buying proven breeders. It varies from situation to situation. Usually they either rid their worst pair, poor parents, baby killers, improperly sexed (meaning both are males or females), infertile momma or daddy or both, etc. It just depends on how well you know someone. Most lie!

 

[waywardangel]

Your probably right. I did know this lady actually. They are really good parents so far to each other and showing much excitement over their nest and baby. Good information though for future purchases!