First time parents

[newmom2lovies]

Hello all..sorry if this is a repeat of questions but I didn't see it....
I have a pair of Lovebirds that just hatched their first clutch of eggs. I am wondering if there is anything special I should or could feed them to help them out while they are feeding the chicks....
Also I would like to know what you all think the best time to take a chick (or chicks) away from the parents to start hand feeding it?
Is it necessary to hand feed to get the bird to bond to you?

This is the first time I have had Lovebirds (let alone babies) and would appreciate all the help I can get!

Thanks for your answers!
Vicki

[Monica]

If you have not handfed before, and have no experience, please don't even try to tempt it... You can handle the chicks when they get a bit older (when they can see for example) to start taming them.

As far as food, making sure that the parents are supplied with fresh foods such as fresh veggies, whole grain breads, cooked eggs and legumes, etc will help ensure that the chicks will grow up healthier. If the parents don't care for fresh foods, just keep offering it, and once the chicks leave the nest and start exploring with their beaks, they might convert their parents!

[newmom2lovies]

Thank Monica for the reply...I have hand raised wild birds such as sparrows so am familier with hand feeding just not sure what all Lovie's like or should have. I was given this pair recently and am just new to Lovie's. I have offered the parents fresh food numerous times but they always ignore it. I am sure that they were raised on stictly a seed diet, so I will just keep offering it and see if they will eventually take it. Is there a recommended 'formula' for handfeeding? And when would you suggest I start doing so?

Thanks for any replies!
Vicki

[Monica]

Feeding parrots is not like feeding sparrows! If you know how to handfeed and can handfeed, then taking them out of the nest at 2-3 weeks of age, and feeding when needed. Petstores and possibly vets too may sell parrot handfeeding formula for all baby parrots. Most often seen/used is normally Kaytee Handfeeding Formula. May very well be a good idea to have an avian vet or two on hand, as well as some breeders if you need any help...

Beyond that, I am not a breeder, and would prefer not to get into specifics about handfeeding, etc. Be sure though that you do have a brooder or place to keep the chicks warm in.

[newmom2lovies]

Monica,
Thanks again for the advice. I appreciate the 'tip' on Kaytee and will get some asap. I understand your concern for a 'new' person taking on handfeeding but I have 12 years of experience raising all sorts of wild birds and animals and work with a rehabilitator but just want to make sure I have all the information I can get on Lovies before hand!
Thanks again!
Vicki

[CrazyBirdLady]

Vicki, you don't have to handfeed to get tame birds. Why get up in the middle of the night to handfeed when the parents are doing a good job? They know just how much to feed and most lovebird parents are devoted and excellent parents. If you choose to let the parents feed, you can begin taking the chicks out at 2½ to 3 weeks old and handling them. You have to be consistent with it though, several times a day, just petting and holding at first, them more interaction as they fledge. I've both handfed and let parents raise chicks in our aviary and have some very tame and sweet parent raised birds. Handfeeding can be very rewarding and also heartbreaking. If you have a schedule that allows you to interact and handle the birds during the day, I'd honestly suggest letting the parents raise the chicks unless you absolutely have to hand feed. Of course, having all the supplies needed on hand in case you need to pull them is good.
If you do choose to handfeed, most breeders pull the chicks at about 2 weeks old or so as once the chicks get older it can be quite trying to handfeed at first. Definitely do as much research as possible and weigh the pros and cons of both options. Good luck.