Page 18 - Hand rearing birds second

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Preface

The second edition of this book was originally planned to be a simple update to the chapters from
the first edition, with a few more chapters added for species not covered last time. After years of
discussions with the previous authors of the first edition and colleagues at wildlife rehabilitation
centers, zoos, and universities, as well as veterinarians and bird enthusiasts, we opted to create a
more thorough revision and expansion. The original plan seemed like a reasonably straightforward
thing that should only take a year or so to complete … but then Dr. Duerr would have flashes of
inspiration, and another chapter or two were added, until there were 50.
The second edition is organized much like the first but includes 12 more chapters covering spe-
cies or groups of species not covered in the first edition, and also includes color photographs this
time, which helps illustrate many concepts pertinent to birds. Our chapter authors are experts, and
are passionate about the species for which they have carefully documented their successes in the
hand‐rearing process. They have shared their tips and knowledge in this edition and we hope this
book will be helpful for anyone faced with raising most species of birds.
We would have loved to have chapters covering the more rare or endangered species of birds but
we have limited the chapters to those birds most frequently in need of hand‐rearing at wildlife
centers, zoos, and private bird facilities. That being said, many endangered birds being hand‐reared
will have useful information available on near‐relatives within these chapters.
We reiterate that hand‐rearing birds is often more art than science and hope the information we
share in this book will help others who are new to this discipline, or who wish to find new methods
to consider. There are many different ways to successfully hand‐rear a given species, and our
authors have kindly agreed to share theirs. The reader shouldn’t hesitate to read chapters on spe-
cies other than the species of their immediate concern, as many authors have tips and tricks for
food presentation, housing, and other useful ideas that may be the perfect thing for a different
circumstance. We also hope bird enthusiasts everywhere enjoy reading the chapters within for
pleasure and curiosity’s sake too. Birds are endlessly fascinating, and the ways our authors have
managed the quirks of each species make for entertaining reading. Enjoy.

Rebecca S. Duerr DVM MPVM PhD
Laurie J. Gage DVM Dipl. ACZM