Hand Feeding 14 Day Old Gouldian

[Chris103]

Aww Thanks Ginene, thats so kind of you to say! I was actually just watching some Youtube videos of people with adult hand tamed Gouldians that they had hand raised, and they were super tame! One would fly accross the room, land on his finger and Do the male Gouldian song and dance! It was so cool! I guess if you keep holding them every day even after weaning they might stay tame? I'm conflicted as to keeping this guy as a pet or letting him be a breeder. I had a HF Parrotlet once that was both! She would go to nest with her very untamed male and still allow me to get her out of the cage and pet her! When I pulled their chicks, and others to HF,She would fly over to the table and help me feed the chicks! It was the best of both worlds, for sure!

[Ginene]

That's so cool, Chris103. I am actually picking up a hand fed, female parrotlet this SUNDAY!!! Her breeder won't let her go until she is 10 weeks old. She will be just shy of 10 weeks when we pick her up n the 23rd.
As for pairing up your hand fed baby...I think you have plenty of time before you have to decide. Take it one day at a time and enjoy him! Unfortunately, it appears that my GS might be getting ready to abandon their 17 day old baby . This is their first clutch and their breeder (Martie) said it sounds as if they are ready to move on. So I might be in the hand feeding boat with you! Lol!!! I am still praying for a miracle, as who knows if a 17 day old finch will eat for a human...

[Chris103]

Ginene,
Parrotlets are great little birds! They're actually related to Amazons...that's where all the spunk comes from! They are one of my favorite species for sure. So sorry to hear Your GS may abandon their chick But as we know hand feeding can be done! Keep me posted as to how it turns out. Best of luck with them!

[Ginene]

Chris103
Thanks Chris! I PRAY they continue feeding baby! I hand fed 2 zebra chicks that were 2 & 4 days old when abandoned, all the way to weaning!!! They were sat on and periodically fed by my societies at the time. They weren't afraid of me until they were 3 weeks old...then I was no longer their mommy. This was definitely because they were nesting and also fed by societies. It made me sad, but I was happy that they had found a family of their own. I think your little guy will have a better chance of being tame. You are his daddy !!! Anyway, thanks for the good wishes! I truly appreciate it! You always have such adorable babies and great stories happening in your bird room! Its a pleasure to watch this little one grow and flourish in your care

[Chris103]

Thanks again Ginene I'll be praying they keep feeding him too! From what I read on Your topic, it really sounds like they are ready to start a new clutch. When I bred Canaries and GS Mules they would often only have one chick, I don't think they put as much effort into nesting with only one (just like my Gouldian pair). Hopefully Your next clutch will be full and they'll continue feeding! I'm really thinking my Gouldian chick will stay tame, as you said. He has no other chicks to imprint on...just me. We shall see!

[Chris103]

Very sad morning. I woke up this morning to feed my little baby and found him dead in the brooder . I'm at a loss as to what went wrong. Everything was going great yesterday...very active, hopping around and screaming his head of like usual. I'm devastated. I was very attached to the little guy, and thought I was in the clear since everything had been going so well. His crop was empty as it usually Is in the mornings...I have no idea what went wrong. The house seems empty without his little chirps...He will be very missed. I burried him under a grapefruit tree that needed transplanting, so we will always remember the little guy.

[debbie276]

oh Chris, I'm so very sorry for your loss
You did your best

[finchandlovebird]

There are no words to share......so sad.

[Sally]

So very sorry for your loss, Chris. I've had that happen too, losing them when you think that they are out of all danger and you are home free. It is devastating, as you get so attached to those little ones.

[Ginene]

Chris103
OMGosh Chris...I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby... . He was so blessed to have such a dedicated daddy. Sending you HUGS!!!

[asher78]

I'm so sorry Chris

[Chris103]

Thank you guys so much for all the kind words, it really means a lot. Been bummed out all day. On a better note, the parents of my little chick have 5 eggs due to hatch tomorrow or the next day. Should help take my mind off things for a bit. Praying they don't stop feeding this time since there will be more chicks. I don't know what I'd Do if I have to hand feed again! Luckily, I have a few societies now that may be able to help in case of emergency.

Thank you all again for the encouragment and kindness.

[Jen]

Awwww......so precious! Saying a little prayer for both of you. You are doing a terrific job!

[Perfex]

Oh so crushing. I feel bad for you and know how sickening you feel right now. I lost my 12 day old fire chicks last week and it took a couple of days to get out if the gloom. Hang in there, a new nest of chicks will pick you right up again. Hopefully they'll do all the work this time.
Best of luck this go around.

[finchmix22]

Chris
Sorry you lost the little guy! I've lost babies for various reasons, but the worst is when you think they're doing well, but they die anyway. One time, I think the brooder was too hot and the baby dehydrated but it's hard to tell and monitor the temp and humidity 24/7