Female passed away leaving 2 baby budgies-feeding advice pls

[terrythebudgie]

Sadly our female budgie Doreen passed away this morning. She was completely fine but then started to struggle to land and began throwing herself around the cage in pain. I held her and her feet gripped my fingers and then she managed to get back onto a perch but sadly passed away. 

She leaves behind Terry and two lovely baby budgies who are 16 days old. Terry ate some spinach and then went straight into the nesting box and I believe was feeding them. They very quickly stopped chirping once he was in there, but I didn't want to disturb them. I think Terry had been the main one feeding them anyway and so I'm pleased that he went straight in the cage, but I just wanted to check whether I should be prepared to hand-rear them?

Doreen hadn't been sleeping in the nesting box for around the last three nights anyway and so I'm hopeful they should be OK overnight, but I just wanted to get your thoughts on feeding? I don't want to start hand-rearing them and interrupt Terry feeding them but I also don't want them to starve!

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you

[starlingqueen]

How old are the chicks? Terry should be OK feeding them. Sorry for your loss.

[OP]

I think they are 16 days old starlingqueen.

[starlingqueen]

Jun 6, 2017 11:29:17 GMT OP said:

I think they are 16 days old starlingqueen .

Whoops, so they are. who is the one with the eyesight issues here? 

[OP]

It must be a good day for me.

[starlingqueen]

They should be getting feathers so hopefully won't get cold. Keep the cage in a warm place to help. I'd put some millet in the nest box so Terry doesn't have to wear himself out getting food, if it's in the box he can just grab and feed. If you are confident enough you could try hand feeding once or twice a day just to keep them topped up but as there are only 2 Terry should be able to cope. Hope they stay well.

[Hezz]

I agree with what SQ has said. Although sad that you have lost the hen, your cock seems to be doing his job beautifully. At more than two weeks old, they are luckily out of that naked chick stage and soon will be able to start taking care of their own needs. Lots of fresh food with egg will keep Terry topped with the good stuff to feed on to the little ones, and as said, the millet in the nest box will help him there, as well. It will also be there for when the chicks are ready to start nibbling for themselves.

Just keep an eye on how they are doing, make sure their crops are kept topped up. If Terry seems to be struggling, you can offer the chicks a bit extra to give him a break.

[Marianne Marlow]

How are the two baby budgies doing?