True Nanny Job



Littlest In Middle Stays Warm

 

I have the opportunity this week to be a true nanny to a young family.  The mom and dad are cockatiels and they are doing a wonderful job of caring for their five babies in the nestbox.  In order to have survival of all five chicks, they have to have abundant food.  (Unfortunately, the youngest chicks don't always survive due to the huge size difference.)  But this mom and dad seem to be very successful.  I go over twice a day to replenish their selection of soft foods and fresh produce.  I also let them out to fly about and get the cabin fever out of their system.  After a little flying, it's back to business.  The mom is the diligent caregiver.  She is serious about eating heartily and then feeding the babies.  She scolds the dad to come back in and help out!  He seems to prefer standing guard on top of the cage.  I am pleased to say that all five babies are already spoken for and will be in good homes.  Looks like three "heavy pieds" and two solid yellow or white birds.  Gorgeous.



Mama Eats Ravenously





Dad Stands Guard