Bird Breeder Lied, NEED HELP.

[Chickie01]

So I'll start by saying I have several rescued parrots, and when my moms dog passed away 2 weeks ago, she decided not to get another dog. She enjoys my birds and wanted to get one for herself. I could not find any in need of rescuing and ended up finding a guy an hour and a half away who said he had 2 cockatiels for sale. We arrived to a broken down smelly house where he showed me 2 baby birds that were NOT the ones he sent pictures of! I told him I would not take one if they were not weaned and eating seed. He "guaranteed " and swore to me they were 3 months old and weaned. But halfway home I noticed this bird was very wobbly, and had no bite force. Got him home and he would not eat. Luckily my neighbor had some frozen exact brand baby bird food, which he does eat off a spoon. Does eat millet. Picks at seeds but doesn't eat much. PLEASE help us, I don't want to lose him!

1. Should I be concerned about PBFD with the bald spot on head, wing, and crop? Parents looked healthy, dad had small bald patch but had new pin feathers.

2. Should I be worried about him being not very mobile? The guy did not provide a nest, he had them raised on 2 inches of seed on top of a cage. I think maybe the babies had a hard time gaining leg strength walking around on seeds...?

3. I'm worried he isn't eating enough. Tuesday weight 90 grams. Thurs..88 grams. Guy claimed parents fed babies, but they were not interested in being by the babies when I was there, they were more interested in being perched on a human.

 

[LiveLolBrd]

I am so sorry he lied! I cant help you other than saying A full-grown cockatiel will typically weigh between 55 and 75 grams.
SORRY!

 

[Birdie Mama]

@Zara has raised a number of babies so she can help, but you may have to wait a bit as she lives in Spain and the time difference. I know nothing of feeding babies, but I’m sure there has to be a thread on here. Not very good at finding these things..all the best!

 

[April]

@BrianB @Matto @Irishj9

 

[T. gillii]

I am so sorry he lied! I cant help you other than saying A full-grown cockatiel will typically weigh between 55 and 75 grams.
SORRY!

Not quite!

 

[LiveLolBrd]

Not quite!
View attachment 446382

Oh. The place I read said otherwise but that DOES make more sence! Ugg don't know how to spell that word tonight. lol

 

[Irishj9]

With that kind of a start in life, they will need a lot of care
First, isolate them from your other birds, in case they have any infection
Second, keep them warm and cosy, dark box, unless eyes are open and climbing round
Then feed several times a day, till crop is full

When theyre a bit bigger they can have the full vet work up if you feel it is necessary

 

[BrianB]

They look young but at the age where they should start to pick at food on their own. Continue offering them hand feeding because they still need it. Baby cockatiels will scream for it and usually act like they are starving. If they sound like little screaming dinosaurs that’s your best clue that they are not weaned. Keep them isolated and warm. The bald spots should fill in with time. I would keep them isolated until you can get them tested.

 

[Zara]

I have nothing new to add, but I think getting them tested when they are stronger is a good idea, just to be safe and have all the info.

frozen exact brand baby bird food

Frozen powder?
If it is mixed then frozen, get down to the shops and buy some new bird formula. Formula should always be made fresh from powder. Fed at the temperature indicated on the back of the package (I believe Kaytee is 105F).

As everyone else said, keeping the little one warm, and feeding formula whilst offering some adult foods to pick at is the way to go.
You can try offering some warm cooked sweet potato or carrots, maybe some raw peas or peppers, soaked pellets, millet spray.