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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.

"Providing Resources
to the
Cockatiel Community"

The Cockatiel
Foundation, founded in
June 2007, began out
of a growing need in
the avicultural
community to address
all areas of cockatiel
culture. The Foundation
offers its members
programs for pet
owners, breeders and
exhibitors, in addition to
services never before
addressed in the
cockatiel community.

CF is establishing a
Cockatiel Adoption &
Placement Program
necessary for the
placement and
rehoming of cockatiels
to new, permanent
"forever" homes.

CF address the needs
of our Youth Members
in the CF Youth &
Education Program
developed for
tomorrows' next
generation of cockatiel
aviculturists.

Additional special
interest programs
include:
Companion Care
Nutrition
Avian Medicine
Hobby Breeding
Professional Breeding
Color Mutations
Genetics
Exhibition
and more ...

The Cockatiel
Foundation serves all
cockatiel owners needs
- from breeders,
exhibitors, and pet
companion bird owners
- to cockatiel adoption,
placement and youth
education for
tomorrows cockatiel
afficianados. Please
read our Membership
benefits and peruse
the website.

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About the Author
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.CockatielsPlusParrot s.com.
She is the cockatiel expert columnist for Bird Talk’s website,
BirdChannel.com, she serves on the board of directors of the American
Federation of Aviculture, Inc. and is the founding president 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.

Breeding QUESTIONS
ARE MY COCKATIEL CHICKS
BEING OVERFED?
COPYRIGHT © 2007 LINDA S. RUBIN
www.BirdChannel.com Cockatiel Expert
CF President & Panel Judge
Certified Avian Specialist, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
"All Rights Reserved"