Baby budgies

Question
My budgie "tweety" just hatched 2 of her 4 eggs.  When is the appropriate time to remove the chicks from the nest for hand feeding if at all?  Is there a concern that if the babies stay with the mama (and two boy parakeets} that they may get eaten?  If we're to clean the box they're in if we touch the babies will the mama not want to feed or care for the babies? If we do decide to give away the babies at what age would we do that?  If the time comes when the babies are weened do we then get them a seperate cage? Many questions from some very anxious first time parents of baby budgies.  

Answer
FEED: Use a commercial chick starter for the first 8 weeks. Cover the floor with several layers of newspaper or paper towel for geese & ducks. Sprinkle the feed on top of the papers all around the area where the chicks will be. (Use plenty. Better to waste some than not have enough.) The chicks find the feed more easily this way at the start. Change the papers daily. Do this for 3 days. Then put the feed in troughs low enough so the chicks can see and reach the feed easily. Use a 2 foot feeder for each 50 chicks. Never let the chicks run out of feed. Be sure that the feed that you purchase is a brand name and has had a short shelf life. Feeds will get old and will lose many of the vital nutrients that baby chicks need.

WATER: Have a one gallon chick waterer for each 50 chicks. For the first two days, add 3 tablespoons of table sugar to each quart of water for extra energy. Use plain water after that. Dip the beak of the chick in the water before you turn it loose. Your chicks will be thirsty when you get them. A taste of water right away helps them to find more water soon. Most baby chick loss is caused because the chick doesn't start to eat or drink. Never let your chicks run out of water.

HEAT: The temperature where the chicks are should be 90 to 95 degrees for the first week. Reduce the temperature five degrees per week until you get to 70 degrees. They shouldn't need any heat after 70 degrees.

A good source of heat is a 250 watt heat bulb (red bulbs are better than white. They cause less picking.) Hang it 18 inches from the floor. The temperature directly under the ulb will be higher than 90 degrees. but the chicks will adjust themselves to the area they like. Use one bulb for' "each 50 chicks in cold weather. Use one bulb for each 100 chicks in warm weather.

LIGHT: If you use a heat bulb, this will also serve as the light you need. Otherwise, be sure to give your chicks light. Use a 75-watt bulb on dark days. Have a small light for night- 15 watts or similar - to keep them from piling.
Regards
Patt