Hi Deb,
I raised and hand fed parrots for over 24 yrs. Chickentows-Carolyn, did as well. Well, not as long as I have(she is younger than me) but, she has many years of experience as well, and over time, we learned from each other. Hand feeding parrots is entirely different, labor intensive undertaking than chickens, finches, and many other species of birds which can take 6 to 8 months before the parrot is able to feed himself on it's own. After hatching, they must be fed once a 2hrs. round the clock, and the time in between feedings increases very slowly.
When there is more than 3 babies to feed, makes it easier to tube the babies, but one needs experience in doing so. Also, they will not automatically swallow their food; their head and beak must be held in a certain position to evoke the bobbing reflex which is necessary even when one is using tube feeding method.
There are commercially made foods available for the parrots where all you have to do is to cook it for a short period but, I have not heard good reports about them; too many cases of sour-crop which is quite dangerous for these tiny, fragile babies. Also, food must be adjusted as they develop.
Parrot eggs need a bit higher humidity than the chicken eggs when incubated. Also, parrot eggs are never cooled down as with chicken eggs, actually can be dangerous. In the wild, eggs are incubated by both parents which they take turns, and the egg transfer is always done very swiftly between the parents. Parrot babies are adorable, almost fully naked with a tiny fuzz, blind infants who require much care. Since you are well experienced with raising the other species' young, I am sure the learning process will come easy to you.
It is a lot of work to raise the parrots but, at the end, it can be quite rewarding.
