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BREEDING QUESTIONS
Are my Cockatiel Chicks being Overfed?

© 2007 LINDA  S. RUBIN
www.BirdChannel.com Cockatiel Expert
Cockatiel Foundation President
"All Rights Reserved"
The following question and answer was originally published on Bird Talk's website, BirdChannel.com under the
Breeding Tab on the navigation bar in the "Ask the Experts" column:



Q.  I have a pair of cockatiels who laid eight eggs. The first one was smaller than a finch egg, of the seven normal
eggs, only one made it. It is a very cute tiel, but we are worried that the parents are overfeeding the baby. We check
the next box and baby on a daily basis and everything seems fine. The parents are very protective over the baby but
let us check on them. The baby's crop is so huge it seems it will explode any minute, yet the baby seems to be
doing fine, except it can't really move well because of the crop. This is the first baby they have though and we are
concerned, any suggestions?

A. Congratulations on your baby cockatiel! Everything appears to be going well and the fact that there is only one
chick explains why the parents are a bit over-protective and stuffing the chick! As long as the parents are not “wet
feeders,” meaning they are not overfeeding wet material down the crop that is sticking to, or spilling out of the
mouth, which would be dangerous - then there is little reason to be concerned.  

Wet feeders usually require a change in soft foods provided, sometimes more experience with raising young, or
possibly a health check for medical issues. Always serve soft food that is fresh, and changed and replenished
several times a day to prevent bacteria buildup.

As long as the chick’s crop is not filled above the “Adam’s apple,” and the chick is not regurgitating food or showing
signs of aspirating material, then it is doubtful that anything abnormal is happening. You are probably the envy of
other cockatiel breeders whose birds may not feed the young well enough, or that may not feed at all, especially for
first-time experiences.

As long as you are feeding a well-balanced diet, and follow your avian veterinarian’s advice, sit back, relax and
enjoy your birds. You may wish to check out the Cockatiel Foundation's website to be certain you are providing
everything the parents need.
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Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.
C. 2007 Jane Gillespie
c.2008 Tony Chung
C. 2007 Jane Gillespie
Linda S. Rubin is an aviculturist, lecturer and avian educator of 30 years, with an international byline in avicultural magazines around
the world and author of several books at www.CockatielsPlusParrots.com. She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s
website, BirdChannel.com, writes as an overseas columnist for Cage & Aviary Birds (United kingdom), and she serves on the board of
directors as National Specialty Vice President for the American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. She is the founding president and genetics
consultant of the Cockatiel Foundation, Inc.  Linda is a certified panel judge for the Cockatiel Foundation, and the Society of Parrot
Breeders & Exhibitors, judging shows throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada since 1984.