Ask Lafeber

Changed cockatiel nest now parents don’t enter nest to feed the children?

I’ve two babies both are about 2 weeks old, everything was going normal and the parents were feeding the babies most of the time, however i found the nest infested with small bugs so i changed the nest put the babies in the new nest. But now the adults do not enter the nest and they’re not feeding the babies, what should i do and is there any DYI baby formula i can replicate at home?

Hi Khaled,

I’m very sorry this has happened. Breeder birds in captivity can be very nervous and they do not like to have their nest disturbed. Any changes with the nest can make them abandon it, even if they have eggs or chicks. Some pairs will even destroy the eggs or kill their chicks. If they haven’t returned, they probably will not. I have seen hand feeding formula recipes online. But a commercial formula is the best thing for them. You will also need a heating pad or a way to keep them warm.

Take care,

Brenda