cockatiel eggs

[bonnie]

I am new to this group. Our cockatiels have layed two clutches of eggs and each time they sit on their eggs until they hatch. Then disaster always strikes. They do not feed the babies or keep them very warm. They have layed another set of 4 eggs and I am tempted to throw them away. I have tried unsuccessfully to take care of the babies that hatched previously and it was very hard and they died. I have the food to feed them, but am at a loss at what to do. It is like trying to feed baby bumblebees. What am I doing wrong? I have the book - The Complete Book of Cockatiels by Diane Grindol. It is somewhat helpful. I have an incubator for chickens and guineas. Should I be using that? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Bon

[kvnband]

Hi :-)

OK, first off, I am not horribly knowledgeable about birds. However, I am fairly certain (pretty much positive) that you need to have an incubator. There were (or maybe still are) instructions on how to make an incubator. But, yes, I am pretty sure that you need something to keep them warm. Hopefully one of the more knowing people will hop by here and help you out.

[Joel]

Hi Bonnie,

First of all, WELCOME to the board.

Now , please get in contact immediately with someone who can either take the eggs from you and put in an incubator at the proper temp. and humidity and/or find someone who will take the chicks once they hatch and who has the experience to raise them to maturity. IMO, you need to get with a breeder and have him/her show you " the ropes". It is just not acceptable to allow babies to die in shell or starve to death because of your inexperience. I don't mean to sound harsh but you should not be breeding birds (intentionally or unintentionally) unless you are well prepared to do all that is necessary for success which includes purchasing all needed equipment to give those babies a chance to reach adulthood. That includes as many varied books as necessary to teach you exacrly what to do in each circumstance. You need to purchase a book on handfeeding also. I suggest Handfeeding & Nursery Management.....You can purchase that from AvianPublications.com about $45.00.........

I would separate the two adults AFTER these current eggs hatch and not let them breed again until you make sure you know what you are doing. Please DO NOT THROW AWAY these eggs and KILL the developing embryos inside but find someone ASAP to help you. Check with local bird pet shops and local vets etc.......

It is in fact difficult for a novice to handfeed from day one but quite easy once one gets the hang of it but it is required for the handfeeder to get up every two hours and feed for the 1st week or so around the clock and to keep the babies at the right temp. and prepare the food to the right consistency & temp. and to have a brooder set up to keep them adequately warm around the clock. You have a lot to learn now.

I feel sad & sorry for those poor babies that already died, please do ALL YOU CAN to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to those that will hatch soon.

May I ask where you are located as there just MIGHT be some caring soul on here that lives nearby you that can help or teach ya what to do?......Good luck to you and the potential life at your fingertips.

Btw, as long as the parents are incubating the eggs until they hatch, there is no need to put them in a store bought incubator like you have. Why mess with Mother Nature? Your problem occurs afterwards and may possibly have something to do with you, such as interference, improper food, too much stress, improper cage location, temp./draft problems etc. etc. etc......Could you post a pic of the cage and it's location etc. and give ALL DETAILS possible relating to exactly what you are doing from the moment they hatch etc......Just trying to help here........

[Miabella704]

Bonnie,
I've gone through the same thing you have. If you don't have a nesting box ( a real, wooden, four sided box with a hole) that could be the problem. Also, anytime the nest is threatened or the parents don't feel safe they will abandon the babies.
Are you touching the inside of the nest? Touching the eggs or babies? I've found out, the hard way, that you need to have very specific nesting conditions. Coming to this board is the smartest thing you've done so far. Joel and others have educated me and they can really get you on the right path.
This last time I got my mating pair a wooden nesting box, put it in their cage, didn't touch it again, purchased large wood chip bedding for them to nest with, gave them a healthy well balanced diet, and made a point not to touch the interior of the nest or the eggs. All four eggs hatched and three of the babies have made it almost to adulthood now.
You need to separate the birds in such a way that they can see eachother but not mate. You also need to think about whether or not you really want to breed them.
Good luck to you, Bonnie.

[House of birds]

I have been hand feeding tiel chicks for 8 years my best advise is dont handfeed untill you have been taught how by a breeder but if you insist go to this page for basics and I do mean BASICS this is how I do it.It works for me doesnt mean it will for you.
http://houseofbirds.homestead.com/handfeeding.html