weaning a cockatiel?

Question

My cockatiel is about 16 weeks and is still not weaned. The vet saids the bird is about a month behind because I had to take him as soon as he hatched because they killed the first two that had hatched. I just don't know why he won't wean. He is starting to take the formula from my hand and he picks at the seeds, pallets, and mallets I put in the cage. I just don't know if he is eating it or playing with it. He doesn't take as much formula as he did and I'm worried about him. Please Help!!

Answer 1

some of my baby tiels didn't want to wean either.most are weaned by about 8-9 weeks.i always started mine out on parakeet seed.when you see that he can break open and it it good then i would start gradually adding cockatiel mixture in it.also at around 5-6 weeks i would start adding dry cheerios and Gerber fruit & veggie puffs.they love them.just be patiant and he will wean himself when he is ready.also by about 7 weeks i would start giving them water from the seringe periodically then by 8 weeks gently put his beak into the water dish so he learns to drink water on his own.once he is drinking water well he will usually start to lose interest in the formula.hope this helps.

Answer 2

There's something called "abundance weaning", which is pretty much letting the bird decide when it's time to stop the handfeeding. If you do this, you'll end up with a happier bird.Don't force-wean him. Let him take all the time he wants or needs. Keep offering the seed and pellets, but don't try to starve him into weaning.

Answer 3

see www.cockatielcottage.net for more info on handfeeding and weaning. They'll wean when they are ready. Try putting some seeds and pellets on the table top, put your bird on the table, and tap at the food with your finger. A lot of cockatiels can't resist pecking at the food when you do this, and its a great way to teach a cockatiel to eat pellets.