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Loons 161

this method of gradually increasing pool depth from 6 in. (15 cm) to 14 in. (35 cm) works well.
Debilitated young loons may be in the Original Rearing Cubicle until healthy, while healthier
chicks may outgrow it in a few days.

Transitioning­to a Pool
A small haul‐out should be provided in the pool. The chick may need to be placed on the haul‐out
a few times in order to learn what it is. Once the Original Rearing Cubicle is filled with water and
the haul‐out is provided it is important to check on the chick. Checking every 15–30 minutes may
be necessary based on the age and waterproofing of the chick. Peeking through a window or cur-
tain is ideal for observation to limit interaction. While observing, note if the chick is staying water-
proofed or if it is wet, waterlogged, sinking, or appears cold. If this occurs, the chick should be
moved back to a wet‐dry setup with a heat lamp. If the chick is doing well, observations can be
decreased to every hour and correlated with feedings. Once the chick hauls itself out, observations
can stop. Some chicks may not use the haul‐out and the caregiver must use their judgment on
whether they think the chick can stay in the pool for the entire day. It may take a few days for birds
to learn to use the haul‐out. If concerned about the chick overnight, place the bird back into the
wet‐dry setup. After several days of the deeper water in the brooder box, it is likely the bird is ready
to move to a larger pool.

Pool
Pools should be a color that will contrast the fish given to the chick. Loons depend on good light
for hunting. The authors used a white water storage tank (Vertical Storage Tank, Norwesco, St.
Bonifacious, MN), and cut off the top to leave a pool of 67 in. (1.7 m) diameter and 18 in. (45.7 cm)
water depth; this was then retrofitted with a closed filtration system (Figure 9.6). Larger pools are
ideal, but expense and space are factors in rehabilitation. A pool large enough to encourage foraging,

Figure 9.6 Top view of a Common Loon in a pool with a screen cover and closed filtration system that
provides constant surface water skimming and replacement of water after it passes through the filter.