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Wild Turkeys, Quail, Grouse, and Pheasants 141

Transportation to Wildlife Facility
Transport to a wildlife center should occur as soon as possible, preferably immediately. A transport
box no more than twice the size of the bird will lower stress and keep the youngster secure. A card-
board box with air holes works well. A towel or tee‐shirt on the bottom of the box will prevent
chicks from sliding and possible leg splaying. Do not transport with a filled water bowl, as spilled
water will wet the chick and cause hypothermia. Provide supplemental heat during transport.
Heating pads, warmed rice bags, a hot water bottle, or an equivalent may be used when padded
with towels, so the chick is not in direct contact with the heat source. A stuffed animal or feather
duster may comfort the youngster during transport.

Initial Care and Stabilization

Chicks of these species are often tiny at hatch, sometimes weighing 1 g or less (Figure 8.2). They
are very susceptible to stress and cold. The condition of a hypothermic patient is always critical. It
is vital to bring the temperature up quickly or death will result. Before a physical can be done, the
bird must have a normal core body temperature. Hypothermic birds should not be given food or
water orally. The digestive system does not function until the core body temperature is restored. To
warm a chilled bird, a heating pad set on a low setting can be used or a heated box or incubator set
at 97–99 °F (36.1–37.2 °C) (Anderson Brown and Robins 2002). Nonresponsive patients should
never be left on the heat without constant monitoring because heating pads and lamps can over-
heat debilitated patients that are unable to move away from the heat. Death can result. Massage the
patient with a warmed towel to stimulate response and increase circulation.
Physical examination of chicks should be brief to avoid stress. Much of the exam can be done by
observation in the brooder. Check for an egg tooth on the patient to determine whether the patient
is a hatchling. The egg tooth assists hatching and remains visible only a few days. It is important to
remember that many species hatch with primary feathers, and thus may be assumed to be older.
Check the vent to make sure it is clean and not pasted. Soft feces can dry and build up on down

Figure 8.2 Hatching California Quail eggs – the freshly hatched chick is still wet but looks alert, other
chicks are just pipping. Source: photo courtesy of International Bird Rescue.