Weaning cockatiels

[debbieknd]

Hello, I have a baby cockatiel 2 months now.. that I have been hand feeding..How long do they take to start eating on there own? and How can I can I wean her.I have handfed lovebirds but this is takeing a little longer thought maybe I am doing something not quite right

[captwest]

Most wean by 12 - 14 wks,of course i spoon feed as soon as possible and they start trying to feed them selves out of the bowl if your not fast enough,most people don't try to force young into weaning and let them wean at their own pace, of course some are trying to hand tame birds by extending the weaning time but this isn't really needed.If you lose the syringe and use the spoon you can speed up the process and still let the bird wean itself. I might add that you can mix formula thicker when spoon feeding and even grind pellets and mix with water, just make sure birds are starting to drink on their own as younger chicks depend on the moisture in formula for water.I also assume that you are weighing your chick before the AM feeding.Good Luck , Richard