Posts tagged breeding birds
Myth-Busters – Do Hand-Reared or Parent-Reared Parrots Make Better Pets?
Aug 5th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. This is the first in a new series of what I’ll call “Myth-Buster Articles”, which will focus on beliefs or practices that have aroused debate among bird keepers. After reviewing the available research and my own and other’s experiences, I will attempt to sort fact from fiction. Today I’ll compare the “pet value” of hand-reared, parent-reared and “co-parented” parrots.
General Considerations
“Hand-reared” refers to chicks that are pulled from the nest soon after hatching and fed by hand until fledged. Such birds have long been considered to be the gold standard in parrot pet. However, behavioral problems that are sometimes exhibited by hand-reared individuals have led some to question the value of this technique. More >
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Loading ...Hand-Rearing Young Pigeons and Doves
Mar 18th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A ThatBirdBlog reader in Bangkok, Thailand recently contacted me concerning the hand-rearing of Zebra Dove nestling whose parents had been attacked by a crow. The incident reminded me that spring is on the way, and with it will come a number of calls concerning young pigeons and doves (or “squabs”), that have fallen from their nests or have otherwise become orphaned. Those who keep pigeons and doves as pets, or who “fly” them as a hobby, are also sometimes called upon to raise abandoned nestlings.
Crop Milk
Pigeons and doves depart radically from other birds when it comes to rearing their chicks. Rather than providing them with insects or fruit, breeding adults produce a semi-solid nestling food known as pigeon milk or crop milk. While not related to mammalian milk, there certainly are some parallels.
The “milk” is secreted from the lining of the crop, which is a food storage organ located at the end of the esophagus (base of the throat) of most birds. It is higher in protein (38%) and fat (58%) than both cow and human milk, and allows for very rapid growth. Crop milk also contains several vitamins and minerals, and is produced by both males and females. More >
(-1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...Springtime Tips for Bird Owners and Bird Watchers
Apr 22nd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Spring is an exciting time for those of us who keep birds as pets and observe them outdoors. In the past I’ve written articles dealing with special concerns and opportunities that arrive with the spring…I’d like to summarize them here, and add a few new thoughts. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...Conditioning Parrots, Softbills and Finches for Breeding – Diet Changes
Mar 18th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As spring slowly makes its way across the Northern Hemisphere, aviculturists’ thoughts turn to nests and nestlings. Many birds, even those from tropical habitats, respond to the coming of spring by becoming increasingly active, hungry and interested in the opposite sex. While we often attribute this to longer days and warmer weather, this is only part of the story – the birds are more interested in the glut of new, nutritious food items that accompanies warm or rainy weather in nearly all habitats. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Bird Breeding – Why Do Good Parents Sometimes Attack Their Chicks?
Oct 27th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Parrots that pair up well, mate, hatch eggs and feed their chicks are every bird-breeders dream. However, some such birds present us with a frustrating situation – just as the chicks begin to grow feathers, one or both of the otherwise doting parents begin to pluck at their chicks’ feathers. Bleeding and skin bruising follow, and, while the chicks usually recover, they are often left high-strung and nervous. Chicks housed in outdoor aviaries may suffer from exposure and chilling as well.
The Scenario
Chick-plucking is most commonly observed among peach-faced lovebirds, budgerigars and cockatiels (particularly lutino cockatiels). Attacks on the plumage usually commence when the feathers first emerge from the skin, and may continue until the time they unfurl. Oddly, the erring adults continue to feed their offspring throughout, and remain good parents once the plucking ceases.
Unfortunately, chick-plucking parents usually do not change, and subsequent offspring are usually attacked as well; there is also evidence that chicks born to “plucking parents” repeat the cycle when they mature and reproduce.
A Theory
The most likely explanation for this perplexing behavior is that it results from frustrated attempts by the parents to preen the emerging feathers. Unable to perform this task properly on the thin, unfurled plumage, the anxious parents begin pulling at the feathers. The fact that most attacks are confined to the chicks’ napes and upper wings – areas not reachable by the chicks and usually attended to by the parents, lends support to this theory.
Thwarting Attacks
Bitter Apple Spray is often successful in deterring plumage attacks, but is best applied before plucking begins. If the chick’s skin is broken, consult your veterinarian before applying Bitter Apple or similar products.
Further Reading
Captive breeding, while immensely rewarding, is not without its problems. To read about other potential concerns, please see my article Spring’s Affect on Cage Birds.
Please write in with your questions and comments.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
Lovebird with newborn chicks image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Snowmanradio
Whitefaced lutino Cockatiel Chick image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Magnus Manske
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