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Re: 13 week old Cockatiel won't wean
Posted by Laurie on 9/06/07

On 8/18/07, Evelyn wrote:
> How do I get a baby to start eating on his own? He is the
> first day 1 chick I've raised. I've had him with
> a "weaning buddy" since he was 5 weeks old, but he still
> won't feed himself. He has been with other younger birds
> that feed themselves, but he won't catch on.
>
> Every time I try to reduce a feeding, he looses weight
> drasticly. I'm afraid I'm gong to loose him if he doesn't
> learn how to eat! He "nibbles" at any food I put in front
> of him, but looses interest in about 5 seconds. I'm at my
> wits end and would appreciate any suggestions!

Don't give up handfeeding until you are sure he's eating o
his own. I've had one die, when I didn't know better, and
tried to force it to wean.

Put him in with other birds... a couple of them. I'd give
them lots pf millit sprays, egg food (that crumbley cake
stuff), zupreem pellets, whole wheat toast with butter (they
love butter), and just try putting it in with a couple of
birds, not just one. He might not like the one you put him
in with... he could feel intimiated instead of brave. Tiels
have such different personalities it amazes me.

Has he tried to fly yet? If not, encourage that, and
encourage flapping his wings by putting him in site of other
birds that do that, if you have them... They usually wean
themselves when they try to fly and they do loose weight,
but it's only temp in order for them to gain flight.

Don't clip it's wings until it's learned to fly.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• 13 week old Cockatiel won't wean, 8/18/07, by Evelyn.
• Re: 13 week old Cockatiel won't wean, 9/06/07, by Laurie.