Taming a young cockatiel

Question
Thanks Chrys!

I do have time, I stay home for now and probably until January or February so I'm sure I can give them quality time. So when can I start handling them? As young as they are or should I wait until they're 2 weeks old? And how often should I handle them? How many minutes each session? I touch them when the parents are out eating. I'm just a little worried that if I start to hold them, they'll be neglected by the parents.

I really appreciate your advice :)
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Just last week, 3 eggs from my pair of tiels hatched. The oldest would be 7 days old today. This is their first clutch and I've observed that they're being really good parents in raising their chicks. Now my question is, is it possible for me to tame these chicks without me handfeeding them? I've had the experience of handfeeding my friend's lovebird a couple of times before so that would be no problem if the need arises. But right now, the chicks are being taken cared of by the parents without any problem so I don't think pulling them out is necessary. But I want them tamed. Is this possible? How?
-----Answer-----
Hi, Thea.  Thanks for posting!

It's possible, but depends on the bird and how much time you have.  You want the babies to imprint on humans.  The best way to do this is by handfeeding.  However, it's possible to also tame them by just handling them every day.  Once a day won't do it.  You would need to handle them as often as possible every day.  This means taking them from the nesting box and simply holding them in your hands, on your lap, next to your chest, etc.  As they grow older, you can do more things with them, but they have to also be kept warm (not allowed to get cold).  Be aware though that baby birds have to spend most of their time eating, sleeping, pooing in order to grow.  This is why handfeeding is the best method of imprinting to humans.  The babies see/hear/smell their human only when being handfed...they learn that their human is where their food comes from versus their parents.

You can do it, but you have to have the time available.

Chrys

Answer
Hi again, Thea.

You can start handling them as soon as they open up their eyes.  You want them to see you as often as possible.  They are probably old enough for you to handle right now.  Since they are so young right now, I'd say if you could handle them once in the AM, once in the afternoon, then again in the evening.  As they grow older and stay awake more, you can increase the amount of time you "play" with them.  There's no set amount of time you should spend with them each session...just depends on your schedule and how they react.  If they just sleep, then you don't need to keep them out for too long.  As they get older and start to play a little, then you might want to keep them out longer.  Just play it by ear based on their ages and how they react.  The parents shouldn't neglect them.  I've never seen this happen in over 17 years with parrots when I've taken their babies out of the nest.  It's usually the opposite, they are glad to have them back when you put them back in the nesting box.

Chrys