Page 204 - Hand rearing birds second

190 Hand-Rearing Birds

self‐feeding. Warm the diet to 98–100 °F (37–38 °C). The diet should feel warm to the touch, but not
hot. The chick may refuse the hand‐feeding diet if it is too cold, while formula that is too hot can
burn the chick’s crop. The volume of the hand‐feeding diet received by each chick increases pro-
gressively with age until the chicks are 5 weeks old, and thereafter stabilizes (Burch and Gailband
2000) (Table 11.2). Chicks initially parent‐reared may take several attempts before they solicit a
feeding or give a feeding response. Chicks that refuse to eat may need to be tube‐fed.
Provide two water feedings prior to introducing the diluted formula when chicks have been par-
tially parent‐reared. It is normal for flamingo chicks to ingest dirt from around nest sites and initial
fecal output may look like “dirt” output.
Fecal output will transition from green to brown to krill‐colored if feeding a krill‐based hand‐
feeding diet. Fecal output should appear watery, but will normally change color. If the chick does
not give a feeding response and brooder and diet temperatures are consistent and within set param-
eters, dilute the formula to a 50 : 50 formula‐to‐water ratio. Provide drinking water by day 5 so that
the chick can begin to self‐regulate.

Day­1
The chick’s gut is still processing yolk material at this stage, and overfeeding can overwhelm the
gut resulting in stasis. Feed about 1 ml water prior to feeding the hand‐rearing formula. Feed 50 : 50
(formula‐to‐water) every three hours for the first six feedings. Dribble the formula into the chick’s
bill via a 1 cc syringe at a 45° angle. The chick will eat while sitting down. The neck should always
be outstretched during feedings and the chick will vocalize and sway its head back and forth as if
it is feeding from its parents. Initially, the head may need to be supported using a thumb and fore-
finger held in a circle under the chick’s lower mandible. Immediately check the environmental
and food temperature when a chick refuses to eat. Assess hydration by looking at fecal output,
eyes, and by performing a “tent” test on the nape of the bird’s neck. Usually, fecal output is the
most obvious indicator of hydration, and must be monitored closely. The dilution of the formula
controls hydration of the chick. The SWC chick diet is very thin and appears “watery.” Monitor the
chick’s hydration throughout the rearing process and dilute the hand‐feeding diet if needed.
Attempt to give water orally if the chick refuses the formula and has food remaining in its crop.

Day­2
Weigh the chick daily before the first morning feeding and calculate percent gain or loss. Chicks
may lose up to 15% of their initial weight in the first few days as they use the remaining yolk
reserve. Feed the chick 75 : 25 (formula‐to‐water) six times per day. The volume may exceed 10% of
bird’s weight per feeding. Feed to a full crop and watch fecal output. Gradually increase the for-
mula amount throughout the day. Feed 1–2 ml of water midway between each feeding. Water is
quickly absorbed and does not reduce the nutrient content of the hand‐rearing diet as diet dilution
does. Satisfy caloric intake without sacrificing water intake. Assess fecal consistency and quantity
as indicators of hydration when increasing the strength of the formula. Watch for dehydration dur-
ing the transition period and anticipate the need for supplemental fluids.

Day­3
Feed 100% formula five times per day. Feed conservatively by starting at the volume from the last
feeding on day 2 and increasing the volume gradually. The chick may likely need to continue to