hatchling cockatiels

Question
I have 4 hatchling cockatiels that are between a week and a couple of days old and are being raised by their parents so far (their first time).  The oldest was found dead in the nest with a small amount of food in it's crop.  The others have large crops (except for the youngest).  The crop has whole seeds in it.  Do you have any idea what may have happened?  The male and female both are taking turns sitting on the eggs and sometimes they do it together.  Everything appears normal.


Answer
Candy,

The oldest may have been accidentally smothered.  These things happen, unfortunately.  Keep an eye on the little one; sometimes the whole millet seeds can bind up the crop.  Try to feed the parents some softer foods...hard boiled eggs mashed up, cornbread, etc.

Good luck,

Cindy