crying baby

[tinkerbell08]

My baby is about 8 or 9 weeks old. "He" is not fully feathered yet and he is not weaned. I am feeding him bird formula that the breeder gave me twice a day. I also have seed in his cage. When he is in his cage he is quiet, makes what I would call "normal" bird noises. Any time I go near the cage, take him out to feed him or to just love him, he cries incessantly. Any ideas, suggestions????

[jonesy zoo]

This is normal...if you ever watch birds in the wild or a aviary situation you will notice when ever mum or dad pass by the baby bird will carry on..It isnt that they are hungry it is just away of communicating..and your baby sees you as mum and just letting you know he/she is there...if in doubt that it is hungry check its crop...if it is completely empty feed the little one...I also would try some sprouted seeds in the cage...Yes people will say that two feeds are enough but the way I look at it they do go through growth sprouts and need more energy...also another good thing is grated apple while it is young and gradually cut into small pieces

[tinkerbell08]

Thanks for the input. However, he cries constantly when he is out of the cage and we are paying attention to him. He is quiet when he is in the cage. He will make what I refer to as regular bird noises when he is in the cage. Calling to us when we walk in the room, etc. If we acknowledge him and move on he is fine, if we go near the cage or take him out that is when he starts crying... Even after he has been fed and we are just holding him and giving him attention - that is when he cries the most. I love him dearly but I must say this is getting frustrating.

[jonesy zoo]

havnt forgotten you...picking friends brains at the moment seeing if they have any ideas...also could I please find out what kind of bird you have....I have just been watching a baby galah in the wild and it never seems to stop crying either...so I will find out more info soon sorry I wasnt much help before

[tinkerbell08]

OMG- I can't believe I didn't mention what kind of bird he is. He is a cockatiel. Very cute - yellow with black bands on his wings and orange patches on his cheeks. Still no feathers on his crop, but everything else is filling in nicely.