Uno Deserves A Post Of His Own

[debbie276]

His crop sure looks empty in a couple of those pictures. Have the parents stopped caring for him and your handfeeding? I don't notice as many seeds in his crop like he had in the beginning.

[erine]

He sure is a pretty baby. I didn't have the guts to grab and cuddle any of my babes because I was too afraid the parents wouldn't like it. Glad you're having fun.

[lovezebs]

erine

He is a sweetie, Erine.
I hope he grows up to be a lovely boy/girl (?)

[lovezebs]

debbie276

I noticed that too Debbie.

There is a definite difference today from a few days ago when he looked like a stuffed sausage.

Things were going so well, that I left them to do their thing, and hadn't checked on him as often as I normally would have.

Now that I know there might be a problem, I will definitely keep a much closer watch, and top him up with baby food as often as needed.

[debbie276]

I'm so surprised they let you "cuddle" with the chick so much and take photos and still not abandon, especially with only one chick.
Think maybe they may be getting nervous and thinking about abandoning ... watch closely

[lovezebs]

debbie276

LOL Deb, you should know better with my birdie parents

I went to check on him shortly after my last post......

I think you'll agree with me, that our worries were unfounded

[Haider]

Looks healthy

[lovezebs]

Haider

Looks like a stuffed goose, lol.

That's our Uno

[debbie276]

Now that's the way his crop should look!

Do you handle them so much to try to get them more tame then those left alone? Do you think it really makes a difference or is it more individual personality?
I don't fuss with the chick's nearly as much as you do and am surprised how many chick's come right up to me. I really think just being gentle with a soft voice gives them the confidence your not out to harm them.
Not sure I'd be comfortable enough to handle them and risk the parents abandoning unless there was a health issue.

[lovezebs]

debbie276

I have found that handling these babies, makes for a much less flighty adult, who is much more comfortable and calm around people.

I have never had a Goulding parent abandon a chick yet (knock on wood). My guys, have no problems with my 'borrowing' their kids for a few minutes on a regular basis. They watch me, without any signs or sounds of anxiety, and will usually go about eating, and bathing, while I handle their babies. I think they somehow sense that I will not harm them, and that I will give them back.

I have to admit, that I really love handling these warm responsive little darlings. Their absolute trust and complete lack of fear, is heartwarming.

[debbie276]

I know what you mean! I spend lots of time sitting in the aviary and talking softly to them. All chicks raised here are much more calm then ones I've bought.
I check nest boxes regularly but don't handle the chicks unless like I said there may be a health issue. The adults are tolerant but I don't feel I should push my luck. And I never "top them off" unless again there is an issue. It is so easy to aspirate them at any age I just don't see that it's worth the risk.
You are much more brave then I.

Sure does put to bed all those rumors about goulds being the worse parents on the face of the earth!

Do we know what mutation he will be yet?

[lovezebs]

debbie276

Not brave at all Maybe just don't know any better, but somehow it works for me.

When they sit in my hand all warm and sweet, and look at me with those trusting eyes, then open those big mouths , asking for food.... how can anyone resist? Then they go to sleep right in my hands, and I put them back in the nest, where parents go, take a look at them, then go right back to whatever they were doing, as if to say: " they're fine, no worries ." You should try it Deb, it's quite addictive, and the most relaxing thing in the world


Regarding Uno's mutation :

BB, is one of my kids (Black head, White breast, Green back [ both parents are normals, split to white breast] ).

Pim, my handsome Pet Shop back room rescue, (is Orange head, White breast, Green back).

[debbie276]

Ha ha you make me laugh!
I've never had a chick look to me for food unless I was handfeeding that chick.
My luck if I touched the chick the parents would abandon and if I offered them food they would aspirate.
I'll leave the fussing to you ;)
I'm more relaxed watching the parents care for them then worrying something might go wrong of I but in.

[lovezebs]

debbie276

To each his own, I guess
However, I would highly recommend it for high blood pressure (mine can hike up to 204/97), yet when holding a baby bird, it goes down down down..... Maybe I should send an article to a medical journal, proposing it as a treatment for hypertension , lol.

[Spreckles]

Elana
I want to be a hands-on mom. I love spending time with the birds. Relaxing is the word.
Karen