URGENT: cockatiel not sitting on baby

[bexbirds]

I'm not sure if I'm paranoid or if this is really a big deal. My baby cockatiels have hatched and there is one that is approximately 4-5 days old and not being sat on. It is just sitting infront of his dad. What do I do??? I have everything necessary in case of an emergency to handraise but the baby is just so tiny - I don't want to take him unless I absolutely have to! I will keep observing to see if any changes but please please someone respond soon.

Thanks sooo much!

Rebecca.

[Winged_Victory]

I saw your post and will contact one that can help. I sent PM's to a couple of friends who raise small birds and hope they will respond shortly.

Gary

[2horse]

How many babies? Is the baby getting fed? The parents do not sit all the time on the babies. They also sit next to the baby sometimes. If the baby looks like he has food in his crop, all is well. Do you have any idea of what the nest box temperature is as if the box is warm the parents wont need to sit on the baby so much.

[bexbirds]

Thank you SOO much!! These are my first baby cockatiels - I love the li'l yellow fuzzies!! I took another look in the nest. Stitch (dad) isn't ignoring the baby but gently nudges with his beak at times. Also, it looks like the baby has a full crop. Could it be possible this baby just doesn't need the warmth right now? It's a bit cool here but I couldn't tell you exactly what temperature... warm enough to wear t-shirt and shorts comfortably.
thanks again!

[bexbirds]

WOw, I just posted and see your post now 2horse - thanks so much for that - it's very reassuring. I know there are at least two babies but it looks like another one may have hatched today (I can't see it though).

[2horse]

Great to hear. The dad is doing his job. They will keep him warm have no doubt about that. You can give the parents a little soft food such human instant cereal mixed with water not milk to give them a helping hand with feeding the babies.
thanks to Gary for calling me here.

[bexbirds]

Thanks Gary and Angie!!!

[Joel]

Originally Posted by bexbirds

I'm not sure if I'm paranoid or if this is really a big deal. My baby cockatiels have hatched and there is one that is approximately 4-5 days old and not being sat on. It is just sitting infront of his dad. What do I do??? I have everything necessary in case of an emergency to handraise but the baby is just so tiny - I don't want to take him unless I absolutely have to! I will keep observing to see if any changes but please please someone respond soon.

Thanks sooo much!

Rebecca.

Yes, there is no need to worry about them being sat on usually (are they inside your home or out?). Ya can however provide some warmth to the area of the nestbox - fairly easily if inside... Maybe even outside if need be?

Like Angie said, watch the crop to make sure they are being fed. Sounds like it is - so sounds like you are ok, for now. Please read as many threads here & elsewhere (asap) both on breeding and raising birds properly so that ya can be as knowledgeable as possible at this stage. Also find (asap) some nearby local help (in case needed soon or later on). Try to find a local breeder or pet shop owner who will be available for hands-on assistance if you have to call her or him. Offer to pay if need be or etc. but please don't let the lil ones die by not being fully prepared in time.

Thanks also to Gary for contacting assistance for you.

[Lisa B]

I'm just getting in on this, as I was busy with company for fathers day.

However, I did raise tiels at one point and had several clutches. Travis, the dad, also did what you are describing. He didnt always sit on them, but often would lay next to them, and lay his head down to be their height. He would nudge them, preen them, and was looking at them, like "why arent you preenin back?"
I too was alarmed at first, but after watching him for a while, I relized he would scoot them under as he was getting ready to nap.
If there were more Eggs to be hatched, he would incubate the eggs while sitting next to the others.
As long as he and mom are feeding they should be ok. Keep and eye on the crops, and you can also contact your local bird club to see if anyone there has hands on experience to help you in a bind.
Good luck.(and yes, those fuzz balls are heartwarming!)

[Monica]

How old are the pair? And is this their first clutch?