Our Parakeets Had Babies(2)

Question
Our pet parakeets had 2 babies born on Oct.14 2010. I haven't done anything in terms of touching the new birds. The mother and father always feed the babies and all I've done was make sure their seed cups were always full and water cup full as well. We did attach a wooded box to the back of their cage by removing some of the metal bars from the back allowing the mother and father to enter the nest.  The rest is history. Mother parakeet laid her eggs inside,2 babies were born and we never disturbed the nest.  It's been 5 weeks now and this is all new to us.  Do I try to handle the new birds or will this upset the parents? Should I take them from the nest and place them in the cage with parents?  They keep looking out the window of the nest? P.S. The cage isn't a big one at all . Not sure if I should go out and buy a bigger cage and let them all cohabitat together? I also noticed that the mother parakeet's nails got longer. Whats this all about and should I be concerned for her? Also my pet birds don't come out of their cage so should I let the new birds out to fly or could they get hurt or possibly would this alarm the parents? this is all new to me and I want to do the right thing by all of them. Help!

Answer
Hello Dawn,

Unlike your birds wild counterparts, handling the babies or the nest does not discourage the parent birds at all. When they are ready to leave the nest they will venture out on their own as well, there is no need to force them along although there is nothing wrong with taking them out for short periods if you are trying to acclimate them to humans. I would strongly discourage anyone from allowing their pet bird(s) from flying freely inside the house, there are to many dangers associated with it. If you wish for your bird(s) to have some freedom you will likely need to clip their wings or have a vet do it. Also on your cage size, it is always best to buy the biggest cage that you can afford. A 16x16 cage is good for 2 birds, double it for 4, etc..


Best of luck!