Accidental Breeder

[Jbsplace]

I have 2 Peach Face Lovebirds and 5 of the 6 eggs hatched 5ish weeks ago. Until recently when I caught the papa plucking the babies. I was suspicious of this due to the lack of feathers on the little ones but being new at this I wasn't sure until today when I saw him. So I have been hand feeding them once at night to supplement what the parents were doing but now I think I will need to do this full time?

 

[SilverSage]

If it is only the father plucking them, then removing him will solve the problem. If both parents are you will need to remove the babies altogether. I never suggest supplemental feedings unless necessary as it can actually CAUSE parental violence, but in your case now that you need to pull them it will likely be a lot easier since they already recognize the syringe.

Be sure to read up on how to do it; there is a lot less room for temperature error when mom and dad bird aren't there to regulate the baby. Remember that if the baby himself isn't warm enough he cannot digest his food properly.


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[Jbsplace]

Best place to find all this information. There are a ton of sites with suggestions. I just want to make sure it's correct. They have been plucking from the beginning especially one in particular. We did lose one but that was before we had any interaction. Not sure what happened. The other 4 are fine except the one with very few feathers. She/he is really scared and shy. Other than that they seem health enough. Trust me I didn't want to supplement their feeding either but didn't see a choice.

 

[SilverSage]

Are you sure it is plucking and not PBFD? Could you show a picture? What was it that made you feel supplementing was necessary?


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[Jbsplace]

Why do the mom and dad pluck the babies feathers?

 

[Jbsplace]

I uploaded a picture but dont know where find it.

 

[Jbsplace]

After researching PBFD. No Thats not it. Plus I caught that doing it today.

 

[SilverSage]

Good! That is a relief.

There are many possible reasons why the parents might do it, but it is unusual for them to have picked only one baby to pluck.


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[Jbsplace]

yesterday it was another they were picking on but the one I tried to upload a picture of seems to be the main baby. http://www.parrotforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17975&stc=1&d=1481352325

 

[texsize]

I had this problem with my cockatiel chicks.
I let chicks stay with parents till old enough to stay worm by themselves. I then separated babies from parents. At that point I would put babies in with parents for feeding. When feeding turned into plucking I would removed babies.
I am now keeping parents separated and not letting them breed again.
Babies are fully weaned and all feathers have grown back in.

 

[Jbsplace]

Well today was the first full day of hand feeding went pretty well and.the plucked baby is looking better and ate well today. They all did.

 

[SilverSage]

Glad to hear it


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[Jbsplace]

Well the babies are getting bigger and a bit better at eating. Boy are they messy! lol! One question... Can i bath them or how to clean them without causing a cold or anything else?

 

[SilverSage]

Yes, bathe them with warm water but be sure not to get any in their nares and be sure to put them somewhere warm and dry like the brooder until they are completely dry.


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[Jbsplace]

The bath went well the little ones are all clean.

 

[Jbsplace]

Ok the babies are about 7 weeks old and don't want the formula anymore. They are eating the Miller and the aviay cakes well. Full feathers and one can fly somewhat one other tries to. They climb the cage well and I put a ladder at the top they love to sit on. I kust want to make sure they are getting enough nurtients and how do I know they are drinking the water? And when can they go to their new homes?