Page 28 - Hand rearing birds second

Baby Bird Basics 9

Use the smallest gauge needle possible when giving subcutaneous fluids; a 25–30 gauge works
well for small chicks, 23–25 for larger‐bodied chicks. Tiny altricial hatchlings less than 5 g may
bruise regardless of how small a needle is used; hence, hydrate these chicks orally whenever pos-
sible. Intravenous fluids may be feasible in larger chicks, the medial metatarsal vein is the best
option in many species. In this author’s opinion, intraosseous fluids are not advisable in wild
chicks due to risks of damage to long bone growth plates and joints by caregivers inexperienced
with using this method in young birds.
Precocial chicks, such as ducklings, may drink and eat on their own once they are warm and feel
safe. Provide water in shallow dishes with rocks or other space‐occupying masses to prevent the
birds falling into the water and drowning or becoming cold and wet. Small precocial chicks such
as quail or killdeer are often extremely stressed when brought into captivity, and may arrive in care
well below hatch weight after a period of extreme stress. Debilitated precocial chicks may require
hand hydration one drop at a time with a wet cotton swab or small syringe moved along the bill
until a swallowing motion is observed (see Chapter 24). These chicks may be hypoglycemic and
benefit from administration of glucose.
If a chick is depressed or not swallowing well, oral rehydration must be done very carefully
because there is a substantial risk of aspiration of fluids into the respiratory system. It may be bet-
ter in this circumstance to wait for the animal to absorb SQ fluids, rather than giving oral fluids too
quickly. If SQ fluids are not an option, give tiny amounts of oral fluids deep into the mouth and
ensure that the bird swallows everything before giving more.
Start altricial birds on a hand‐feeding diet after they begin passing droppings (see specific chap-
ters for diet information). If an altricial chick does not begin passing droppings within 1 hour of
giving rehydration fluids, begin feeding a hand‐feeding diet, but keep the diet dilute and the meal
size small until droppings are seen. See Chapter 2 for assistance identifying the chick, and then
proceed to the most appropriate chapter for further instructions and information on what to feed.

Baby­Birds­are­Not­Baby­Mammals­with Feathers
Day/Night Schedules: Most commonly encountered species are primarily diurnal (day‐active)
animals, and unlike mammalian neonates, require 8–10 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Most birds
do not feed their young at night. Chicks will develop several problems if kept awake to feed all
night, including crop or gut motility problems, and will show increased susceptibility to infection
due to reduced immune competence. It is not advisable to keep the bird awake all night to be fed
because the chick may die of exhaustion if not allowed to rest. Even sickly or injured chicks benefit
from a solid night’s sleep and generally will awaken stronger than when put to bed. Fretting over
the chick all night is in no one’s best interest, especially the chick’s. Once the sun goes down or the
lights are off, chicks settle in to go to sleep. Altricial chicks often stop passing droppings and appear
to spend the night metabolically recovering from the stress of the day. First thing when the lights
go up, chicks awaken, begin actively begging for breakfast, and pass an overnight dropping after
the first meal. This strong day/night schedule means that chicks will remain active and expecting
more food until the lights go off; hence it is beneficial in nurseries to start turning the lights down
as the day’s feedings wind down in the evening, and then shut the lights off when feedings stop so
that chicks do not waste energy fruitlessly begging. End of day cleaning activities should happen
as quietly and dimly lit as possible.
Nighttime Admissions: If a bird is brought into care at night, any life‐threatening conditions
should be treated and rehydration therapy initiated, and then the bird should be allowed to remain
warm, dark, and quiet until transferred to an experienced caretaker in the morning. However, if