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Lorikeets 621

As the chicks develop further in the weaning cage, they will begin to climb the walls. At this
stage they will perch and are starting to explore more. If the chicks are to be raised as pets,
hand‐feeding should be started again and chicks encouraged to step up onto your hand or finger to
eat. At first, there may be hesitation, but soon they will be eager to get on your hand to eat.
Requiring chicks to step up to eat establishes a positive experience for the birds with hands and
prevents hand fear in most species of parrots.

­ Fledging

When chicks become more active, climbing cage sides and practicing short flight attempts, it’s time
for them to move into a fledging aviary. If the fledging aviary is outdoors, the addition of 250‐W
portable heat lamps should be used initially if the temperature is below 60 °F (15.5 °C). Arrange
perching so they have a choice of what distance from the heat lamp is comfortable for them. They
will tend to stay close together for warmth and not use the lamp. Leave the lamp available for
potential colder nights.
This is a good time to introduce bird‐safe toys, branches, and various perches for good foot exer-
cise. Avoid toys with long cords or chains that could wrap around the neck or body. Cotton perches
should be monitored for fraying and repaired or replaced promptly. Tiny cotton fibers may be dan-
gerous and can wrap around a toe and cut off circulation. Shower curtains, bed linens, plastic
tablecloths, or plastic sheeting may be use on walls behind cages and washed periodically to stay
clean. Finely chopped fruits may be added to the diet at this time.
Flying comes naturally to most birds. It is a time when they develop into graceful flying machines.
Fledging aviaries need not be very large. A 6 × 6 ft. (1.8 × 1.8 m) aviary with a safety door to prevent
escape works very nicely for these relatively small birds. Aviaries may be outdoors if protected
from the elements and predators.

­ Preparation­for Aviary­Release

After the birds have had some time to practice flying, they may be taken to an introductory aviary,
which is a small aviary large enough for them to fly in, and may house calm, nonaggressive birds,
or other fledged chicks. This allows them to socialize with other birds. Allow them to spend 2–3
hours per day in this aviary for a few days, gradually increasing the time. This requires close super-
vision to ensure that the other birds are acting appropriately and that the young birds are eating. If
no other birds are available for the introductory aviary, housing the young birds in an aviary adja-
cent to the main aviary is the next best option for socialization. Weigh the chicks daily until they
have maintained their weight for at least 2 weeks. The young birds are now ready to be introduced
to their final aviary housing.

­ Acknowledgments

Thanks to Steve Duncan with Avian Resources, Gregory Sercel at Gregory’s Aviary, Alycia
Antheunisse at Cedar Hill Birds, and Jordan Daniels at Nurilory Aviary.