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160 Hand-Rearing Birds

waterproofing. Moving chicks to larger pools is based on self‐feeding success, waterproofing, and
thermoregulation. Once a chick has moved to a pool, it is vital there is flowing surface water.
Flowing water is necessary to maintain a loon’s waterproofing. Either an overflow system or a
closed filtration system is used (Jimmy Pichner, pers. comm; Kenow et al. 2014).

Haul-outs

No matter where chicks are housed, they should have a place to haul themselves out of water. This
area should be (i) large enough for all individuals to haul‐out at the same time, (ii) flat, (iii) only
1–2 in. higher than the water level, (iv) soft and dry, and (v) have good drainage. An example is a
frame made out of PVC tubing with soft netting stretched over it to allow drainage and flexibility.
Foam (i.e. pool noodles) can be wrapped around the PVC to allow it to float and a chenile micro-
fiber bath mat (with no backing) on the top will offer a soft surface to prevent pressure sores
(Figure 9.5). Kenow et al. (2014) used a haul‐out that was much firmer but otherwise satisfied all
the above requirements and resulted in no pressure sores: Standard Tenderfoot flooring (Tandem
Products, Minneapolis, MN).

Wet-dry­Setup
Hatchlings and debilitated young loons should be placed in a brooder box with a platform or haul‐
out and a shallow pool (Figure 9.4). Provide an inch of padding on the platform or a netted bottom
with open air underneath; chenille‐tufted bathmats without the rubber backing work well alone or
on top of the netted bottom. A heat lamp on the low setting should be above the platform. The shal-
low pool should have an overflow system where excess water flows out of the system at the surface
and a hose is left on a trickle. This maintains clean surface water and is necessary for the chick’s
waterproofing. If the pool is not level with the platform, a ramp must be provided. Small fish
should be offered in the pool to help encourage chicks to peck at moving objects.
Once the caregiver is confident the chick is well waterproofed, the pool size can be increased.
Original Rearing Cubicles (Leucopsis Products, www.leucopsis.com) are plastic brooder boxes
which are excellent for gradually increasing pool size. Pipes can be added to this system at different
heights, increasing the pool depth as needed. The pipes also act as exit point for the overflow
system, keeping surface water clean. It is ideal to get loon chicks on water as quickly as possible, so

Figure 9.5 Chenille bathmat covering netting on a PVC frame which acts as a soft area for the bird to haul-out
of the water without acquiring hock or toe lesions. Source: photo courtesy of Diane Winn/Avian Haven.