Oh dear, what have I done?

... well, I got roped in to buying a bird for my wife and 2.2year old daughter!

It is a 2 ish week old Weiro (Cockatiel) which we will be hand rearing.

Erm, I have formula - I know the feeding pattern - now what do I do in between 6 hourly feeds?

I gather that we should spend a lot of time bonding, but I dont know whether to keep the bird on my chest while watching TV or should I let the poor thing alone in its box to sleep?

I am no expert but I've known people who have birds. It seems like birds can be very picky as to who they like. (ie. My friend's bird loved him but absolutely hated his wife...no apparent reason?) Hopefuly your bird will take a liking to your daughter...let everyone feed it? Seems to work for dogs...

TBH, I would not have a parrot, cockatiel etc. near any daughter of mine at 2.5, not only can you get diseases even from well cared for birds (mainly respiratory) but they can occasionally be vicious, even my budgerigar had a temper..... I had a minute scar on my nose to prove it

Perhaps an idea to google a few avian forums and seek their more expert advice?

FWIW my budgy was happy to reside on my shoulder while watching telly

http://www.hagen.com/hari/docu/car_tiel.html

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww26eiv.htm

"Salmonella, psitticosis, Allergic Alveolitus, Campylobacteriosis [which I've personally had and it nealry killed me, I had Diarrhea and vomiting for 3 weeks solid.....pardon the pun] and New Castles Disease"......

ATB,
Tom