Baby budgie feeding problems

Question
Hi Christopher

I recently removed 3 baby budgies from their box after their mother disowned them with the intentions of hand-rearing them. The youngest baby has now finally started to accept being handfed and will eat, but the older two will not touch a thing!
They eldest two are both fully feathered and soon to start flying, but they have not willingly eaten any of the hand-rearing mixture I have provided. I have had them inside for about 2 days now and I'm getting really worried as they have not eaten anything.
I have tried introducing them to solids - such as egg, vegies and even seed, but they just wont touch it. I have been having to force feed them the handrearing mixture just so they get something into them, but it is not nearly enough and I fear their not going to survive much longer. I really don't know what is left to do! The handrearing mixture has been at the right temperature and consistency, but htey wont accept it. Is there anything else I can try? Their crops are now completely empty . . .

Answer
Hello Cryssy,

Have no fear, if your birds are recently removed and they are of age to "almost" fly, then it is perfectly normal for them to not willingly accept your offerings. Keep doing like you are, offering them fresh seed, water,greens, etc. On a daily basis get one good force feeding in.. use a crop tube if you must to get the food in them. Eventually they will catch on and start eating on their own free will and you can stop hand feeding altogether!

Best of luck!