feeding babie cockatiels

Question
Dear Chrys,
I have just removed three babys from their mum as she has started to pluck their feathers resulting in small wounds, I don't think the dad is doing it, they are around three weeks old and look very healthy I plan on selling them to friends at work and planned on taming them, what I was wondering is how often should I feed them, as I work, should I keep the dad with them as backup feeder, will it matter if they go for a five or six hours without a feed?
would be very gratefull for your advice.
Cheers
Jenny

Answer
Hi, Jenny.

Your baby tiels need to be handfed at least 4 times per day until you start the weaning process, then you can start reducing the number of feedings, but you still have to substitute warm soft foods for the handfeeding(s) you stop.  Once you pull the babies, you've pulled them...no, you can't keep daddy with them as a backup feeder...he should stay with mom.  

I don't know your schedule, but the babies have to be fed!  You'll need to come home and feed, have someone else feed when you're gone, or take them with you.  Yes, they can go for 5-6 hours without being fed, but their health will likely be affected (they will lose weight, then illness may set in, etc.).  You need to come up with a solution that doesn't compromise the babies' well being.

Chrys