baby cockatiel, handfeeding worries?

Hi, my name is Crystal and I'm brand new to this forum. I've grown up with birds, I've always had cockatiels, my mom has a scarlet macaw, my hubby has an Indian ringneck and my children have two budgies. I also have two shih Tzu pups, we're total animal lovers! So, everyone around me has these birds and I missed having one so I found a breeder and she met with me. I saw this beautiful yellow tiel, she was bobbing her head and trying her best to get to me. I said I want THAT one! I knew it was young but I had no clue what I was getting myself into! Almost as an afterthought as I was leaving she said that I needed to handfeed her. Okay, I can handle it. She said the bird was two and a half months and believe me, the woman lied! Yes, she has all her feathers, but she's barely perching. She also said she didn't feed her that much cause she wants the bird to come to her! Anyways, I've had her four days now, I have watched every video I can find and have read everything on the net pertaining to handfeeding, I'm almost confident in doing iit all correctly. She's gaining weight and seems very happy, she's the most loving little bird and believe me when I tell you I'm bonded to this baby! Taking her back to the breeder is out of the question as I don't think she was doing the best job. Here's my question. She seems hungry all the time! I'm figuring she's maybe six weeks and should be eating twice a day but she's always begging! Is this normal? I know this was a long post, thanks for reading and thanks for adding me to this forum! Oh, I've named my baby Sunshine!

Sounds normal. Babies will beg for food even when the crop is full. As long as her crop is full you don't need to worry.

She may also be begging for comfort.


Do you have an avian vet on hand in case of an emergency? It might be a good idea to take the chick in to make sure you are hand feeding correctly.


Are you offering her plenty of other foods as well to munch on throughout the day?

she's sick, she's staying with the vet tonight. I tried to give her other foods but she would never peck. I have lots of experience with birds but none with a baby. It's hit or miss whether she'll make it thru the night. I'm beside myself. Thanks to both of you for replying.