Too young to come home? Budgie.

[Dayna]

I bought 4 budgie chicks. 4-5 weeks old. I am getting confused becuase I am reading that they wean at 7 to 8 weeks? These guys are eating on their own, though I am still waiting to see them drink. Pooping is normal. They are fully feathered.

Any help here?

[Monica]

They do actually sound very young, so as long as you notice them all eating fine I wouldn't worry too much though you may want to get some handfeeding formula and syringes. In truth however, I'm sure they are probably older, as they don't look like they are 4-5 weeks old, but rather 7+ weeks old.

Check out this page... http://feistyhome.phpwebhosting.com/budgie_growthw4.htm

[Dayna]

Since I handfeed tiels, I already have all the equipment.

The lady wrote down the egg laid dates and hatchdates on her calander, so I am pretty sure that the dates are accurate. Unless she was just out and out lying. I guess that is possible, though I can't think of a reason.

One thing that they do is cuddle up in the pouch of my shirt and sleep for a really long time like they are being brooded. They brood each other as well.

The little baby one is about the same look to it as the 25 day old in that picture. Hmmmm. I am keeping a good eye on weight. I have weighed them 3 times since I brought them home yesterday. I guess if they drop more than 4 or 5 grams I will look into handfeeding.

[Monica]

It is possible that she lied though I can't say.

Good to know that you have the supplies incase they may need a bit extra food!

[Dayna]

Monica, I did notice that the youngest one had food on it's beak (possibly from parent feeding) do you know if the parents continue feeding after the babies no longer need it? I know that finches do, and cockatiels do. But am unsure about budgies.

Everything I read seems to condradict everything else I read!

[Monica]

It probably really depends on the parents. Some birds may actually continue feeding the younger ones well after they have been 'weaned'.

[Dayna]

No, I looked at the calander with her. I don't know. Kinda weird. I will just keep a close eye on them.