Page 24 - Hand rearing birds second

Baby Bird Basics 5

A detailed medical record should be kept on each individual, with results of the initial examina-
tion recorded, and any updated information added as it happens. This should include daily body
weights, progress of treatments, and pertinent notes on behavior. For examples of a paper version
of a record, see Appendix 1. Many caregivers are moving to using cloud‐based electronic databases
such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Medical Database (WRMD, www.wrmd.org), which has the
added benefit of allowing caregivers at multiple locations to access an animal’s record. It is helpful
when large numbers of diverse species are being raised en masse, with different volunteer caregiv-
ers, to have a “Feeding Instructions” sheet on each housing unit that tells the next caregiver when
to feed, what to feed, how much to feed, and any tips for food delivery. Electronic printouts from
animal care databases, white boards, chalk boards, reusable color cage flags, and other types of
communication regarding chick needs are used at various facilities to indicate species, feeding
frequency, medications, and other pertinent information. These sorts of communications can also
serve to flag individuals with specific health concerns. Data collected from good record keeping
can be used to assess successes and failures, and can be used to advance animal care protocols.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

Housing­and Thermal­Support
The main rule of initial baby bird care is warmth, rehydration, and feeding, in that order. Warm
chicks before giving fluids, and then hydrate them until they start passing droppings, only then is
it safe to commence feedings. Feeding a cold or dehydrated baby bird before it is warm and hydrated
may kill it, even if it is begging. Most chicks found in need of care will be cold, significantly dehy-
drated, and very stressed. Provide a visual barrier against people and other animals. Do not place
birds next to barking dogs, staring cats, noisy children, or other disturbances.
Because avian body temperatures are much higher than that of humans, chicks should always
feel warm to the touch. If the chicks are cool or cold, provide supplemental heat. A wet wash cloth
inside a sealed plastic bag or hot water bottle warmed in a microwave oven can provide a rapid ad
hoc source of heat. These sources of warmth tend to cool rapidly, so must be rewarmed frequently.
Take care that steam from a heated, moist surface will not reach the chick and scald it. Chemical
handwarmer packs or microwavable pet warmers are also an option. Always have cloth or tissues
between chicks and any heat source to prevent excessive heating, and check the chick frequently.
Chicks may also arrive hyperthermic, in which case additional heat is contraindicated until the
chick has cooled to a more normal temperature.
Both altricial and precocial chicks should be placed in a climate‐controlled incubator if availa-
ble, or other high‐temperature, moderate‐humidity enclosure. See Figures 1.1 and 1.2; also see
specific chapters for examples of appropriate nests and housing for chicks. Heat lamps may be
used but are less desirable for nonmobile chicks since it is easy for chicks to overheat and become
dehydrated under these if they cannot move away. Typically, the smaller the body size and less
feathered the chick, the higher the temperature required, with moderate humidity to help prevent
dehydration. Older chicks of any body size require less thermal support once stabilized, although
chicks that arrive malnourished may benefit from thermal support longer. Start with a very warm
90–100 °F (32–38 °C) 40–50% humidity environment to normalize the bird’s body temperature.
Chicks 5–10 g or less may require even higher environmental temperatures (100–104 °F, 38–40 °C).
Larger‐bodied chicks, such as waterbirds, do well in well‐padded pet carriers with one half placed
on a heating pad set on “low.” Beware leaving large birds in incubators or brooders very long, as