Re: baby cockatiel
Posted by LindaC in OK on 7/10/08

An incubator is where eggs are hatched in some cases and a
brooder is where babys go when they are handfed. I pull all
babys at 10 days or younger if needed. I started with a single
large wide plastic drawer then went to the 3 drawer unit with
so many babys hatched here. On the bottom of the drawer goes
a heating pad ONLY set on low to maintain temp of 82/85F then
a cotton towel then 2 inches of Aspen Wood Shavings by kaytee.
Babys need to be in a brooder for comfort until about 7 weeks
old especially at night. Sometimes for a long afternoon nap.
The length of time to keep the heating pad going depends on
area and outside temps. A margarine container of water with
holes in the lid is great for humidity needed. Again this
differs with area and outside humidity.

Rather than home remedies I would suggest a vet always first
if it is more than just a scratch. A quick swipe with aloe
vera plant leaf for a scratch. Please don't use a styptic
product they burn and hurt. The parents do try to get rid of
older birds so they can mate and have more babys.

Weaning is from 10 to 12 weeks old. There are a few instances
of earlier but not usually. Babys are introduced to all foods
during this process. I put millet spray in the brooder at
about 3 1/2 weeks old and it's the first real food they see
plus their first perch. By 4 to 4 1/2 weeks old they should
be having a good seed mix plus all the healthy veggies
imaginable.

I know this post is a couple months old. Sure hope the wee
one did okay.

LindaC

Posts on this thread, including this one

• baby cockatiel, 5/16/08, by sherm.
• Re: baby cockatiel, 5/19/08, by Connie.
• Re: baby cockatiel, 7/10/08, by LindaC in OK.