Green Cheek parents plucking feathers of babies

[zubair]

Hi Guys,

My green cheek conures became parents of three beautiful babies two months ago. This is their first clutch. Two babies came out of nest box by themselves but smallest baby stayed in. I assumed that he is too small for adventure so maybe that's why he is inside. I took out the babies and played with them for 30 minutes. This was their first interaction with me. I wanted to hand feed them but didn't have time so thought I will let parents do the hard work and play with them for 30 minutes everyday so that they get hand tame. Next day I noticed that third small baby was out of nest but completely bald and hair were plucked from his back. I thought probably the parents forced him to get out of nest by plucking his feathers. I took out older babies. Played with them for 30 mins and placed them back. Next day I noticed that second green cheek conure was completely bald and hair were plucked from his back.

Can anyone explain this behaviour? Is it because I am taking out conures from the cage or parents are just trying to take babies out of nest? Will their feathers grow back? When can I separate them from parents without taking responsibility of hand feeding? Is it a good idea to interact with birds who are being fed by their parents

 

[trimblegirls]

I have absolutely no experience in this at all but thought I'd reply until someone who has experience shows up. From what I've read on this forum, you need to pull the babies and take on the responsibility of hand feeding the babies now. I hope you know how because from what I've been reading it isn't for the novice. They have to be kept at a certain temperature with a brooder. The formula has to be exactly the right temperature or things go south fast.

Good Luck!