I have cockatiels but I got them when they were already weaned, so I've never really had handfeeding experience. I wouldn't advise you to go on vacation while your baby needs to be handfed, because at this age, he/she cannot eat on her own, so unless you find an experience breeder, or someone who knows how to handfeed birds well, I think leaving the baby could be risky. As for the age you stop, I think you gradually teach them how to eat on their own until they get it and no longer need handfeeding. Be sure to stay with your fethered baby until she knows how to eat on her own, and if you HAVE to go, I would advise leaving her with an experienced hand feeder, or boarding her with an avian vet who is willing to handfeed her. Here's an article about handfeeding.


http://www.acstiels.com/handfeed.html

Hope this helps.