how long does it take for newly hatched chick to come out of its nest?

Question

the eggs of my african lovebirds just hatched, just want to know how long does it take before they leave their nest? what should i feed them?

Answer 1

Parent reared lovebirds will probably wean/begin leaving the nest around 5-6 weeks of age. Lovebirds that have been hand-fed by humans generally wean a bit later - like 6-8 weeks of age.

Since you apparently do not have handfeeding experience you should leave the feeding up to the parent birds. You SHOULD, however, begin offering the parents a healthier diet than just seeds and/or pellets. You will also notice that they will begin going through LOTS more food than when it was just the two of them because they will be feeding all those growing chicks!

A couple of things you can make are: cooked rice with chopped mixed veggies, birdie bread, hard boiled eggs (chicken eggs) with the shell included (chop the shell right up and mix it in with the egg). Here is a website I found which has some good bird recipes: http://www.parrotparrot.com/birdhealth/recipes.htm

Since you won't be handfeeding this clutch yourself, you at least (if possible) try to begin handling them once they start sprouting pin feathers. I say (if possible) because the hen will probably be VERY protective of the nest and won't be too keen on you messing with her chicks. The male will be gobbling up food like crazy then regurgitating it to her (while she is in the nestbox) and because of this she will probably only leave the nest once or twice a day to go potty.

Whenever you do catch her outside the box (or you can maybe chase her out once a day), I would suggest sliding something (a postcard or a metal spatula) between the box hole and the cage wire so that you can safely pick up the chicks and spend a few moments with each one without interruption from her. And I am serious about "your safety" and the safety of the chicks! If you do not obstruct her way into the nest she will likely dive into it and either injury the chicks or turn your hand into a bloody pulp.

With lovebirds (because they are naturally so aggressive), it is better if they can be handfed by a human but if you have not had experience with this, now is NOT the time to learn so just try taming them the best you can this time around. If you plan to breed them again and you would like to learn to handfeed the chicks you should check your newspaper for a local bird breeder near to your home (or a bird club may be able to direct you to a breeder) and ask a breeder if they will show you how its done properly and ALSO ask if they would be willing to take follow-up calls from you in the event of an emergency where you don't know what to do!

Congratulations and Good Luck.

Answer 2

You shouldn't be feeding them anything in my opinion...let the parents do their job.Fledgelings will start hopping out of the nest about 3-4wks of age they are not weaned until 2-3 months of age.Please do handle the babies daily for several minutes each to get them used to human interaction!They are a cute curious bunch and will burrow into your clothes to hide if they get a chance...be VERY gentle as they have very fragile bones.Make sure you block the entrance to the nest when the 2 adults come out to eat this way you can interact with the babies without upsetting mom and dad too much.DO NOT try to hand feed if you have no experience you WILL kill your babies...it takes lots of practice with the supervision of an expert hand feeder to get the mix,temp,and amount correct to assure success.Handling them daily will give them enough contact to start the bonding process.When they are weaned they will eat whatever mom and dad eat be it seed or pellet...I always try to intro fresh foods at 4 wks or so chopped up fine.

Answer 3

First the parents will feed the babies. Second the babies have to get the size of the parents before they come out of the nest and start eating on their own, that will be weeks on down the line, maybe 6.

Answer 4

hi, toddler birds usually initiate fledging (leaving the nest) at around 21days. my toddler finches usually leave the nest around then! perhaps call animal administration or a plant existence and fauna corporation, they'll in all probability come and assemble them, they might the two try to capture the mum or they might basically hand rear the toddlers! desire I even have helped? thank you Dan

Answer 5

I SAY 6-8 WEEKS THEY WILL LEAVE THE NEST.