Caring for a baby Cockatiel

[Kamoebas]

Right now, Cotton is 4 weeks old. they're doing amazing! though, I have some questions such as: When should they drink water? When will they start flying? When will they fully get their colors? When should I teach them tricks? What's their gender? I'll have more questions when they're older. Though Cotton really trusts me, and I love them very much!

 

[expressmailtome]

Bump.

 

[Zara]

When should they drink water?

Baby birds will need water available as soon as you start introducing anything that is not formula. For eg veggies, pellets and seed. Offer just a shallow amount to avoid any accidental drownings.

When will they start flying?

Once their flight feathers have grown and the keratin sheath preened off they will start trying to build strength by flapping wings, and shortly after will try taking flight.

When will they fully get their colors?

After their first moult they will have their adult plumage.

When should I teach them tricks?

Once they are completely fully feathered. Go slow and keep in mind they are still young. Don't over do it, just a few minutes here and there, starting with recall.

What's their gender?

Most can be known by their adult plumage. Those that can't you can DNA test them. If you don't want to wait, you can get a DNA test now.

 

[Kamoebas]

Baby birds will need water available as soon as you start introducing anything that is not formula. For eg veggies, pellets and seed. Offer just a shallow amount to avoid any accidental drownings.


Once their flight feathers have grown and the keratin sheath preened off they will start trying to build strength by flapping wings, and shortly after will try taking flight.


After their first moult they will have their adult plumage.


Once they are completely fully feathered. Go slow and keep in mind they are still young. Don't over do it, just a few minutes here and there, starting with recall.


Most can be known by their adult plumage. Those that can't you can DNA test them. If you don't want to wait, you can get a DNA test now.

Ah, Thank you! I've noticed that Cotton has started to flap their wings frequently. I've also been training Cotton to step up. I've been feeding Cotton seeds, and I'm carefully giving Cotton a wee bit of water with a syringe. I give Cotton two drops before giving them some time to breath. (10 seconds)

 

[Zara]

Water should be in a bowl not given by a syringe.
The only reason to give water via a syringe is a bird that refuses to drink, is at severe risk of dehydration or is dehydrated.

 

[Kamoebas]

Water should be in a bowl not given by a syringe.
The only reason to give water via a syringe is a bird that refuses to drink, is at severe risk of dehydration or is dehydrated.

Ah, Alright. I'll give Cotton a bowl next time