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6 Hand-Rearing Birds
Figure 1.1 Modified glass aquarium incubator, turned sideways to hold heat better. Front opening has
Plexiglas “baby gate” high enough to prevent escapes, attached with aquarium cement; dish of soaked
paper toweling to add humidity, thermometer, two hot pads underneath with two more on top if needed.
Cloth flap folds down over opening between feedings.
Figure 1.2 Animal Intensive Care Unit from Lyon Technologies, Inc. provides an excellent controlled
environment for chicks requiring high temperatures and humidity.
they can go from hypothermia to hyperthermia surprisingly quickly. Also be aware that chicks able
to stand may also be proficient at running and jumping. Do not handle the chick more than neces-
sary. Be judicious in application of heat to chicks with head injuries, because high temperatures
may exacerbate brain swelling.
If the bird is not able to stand – whether due to age, weakness, or injury – it should be placed in
a soft support structure such as a rolled cloth “donut” or tissue‐lined nest (see Figure 1.3) appropri-
ate for its body size. Do not allow a chick to lie on its side or in other abnormal positions or on flat
