Page 210 - Hand rearing birds second

196 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure­11.6­ Chick floor housing and exercise bin with temporary dividers. Source: photo credit: Mike
Aguilera/SeaWorld San Diego.

Sometimes chicks can be housed together if they are the same size, regardless of species. Larger
chicks tend to pick on younger chicks resulting in bite marks on legs or refusal to feed. Larger spe-
cies such as American Flamingos may outgrow smaller species such as Lesser Flamingos so it is
necessary to watch for aggression when they are housed together. Divider panels to separate chicks
provide housing flexibility. Exposing chicks to water early in the hand‐rearing process helps them
learn to feed and bathe rather than avoiding the water.
Move chicks to a larger floor “corral” or open box brooder between 10 and 12 days old
(Figure 11.6). Continue to provide a heat lamp. Remove the heat gradually: turn heat lamps off
during the day and on at night until the chick appears to be acclimated. Assess the chick’s abil-
ity to thermoregulate once moved into the cooler enclosure and prior to removing heat at
night. Temperature changes should be gradual and chicks should not be moved to areas with
temperatures changes over 5 °F (2.8 °C).
At day 30 chicks may be moved to a larger enclosure and may need heat during the day and
night – adjust the heat lamps gradually. Move chicks to an outdoor pen (weather permitting)
during the day and back inside at night. Provide a plastic paint roller tray with water for the
chick to dabble in. Do not use metal feeding trays because they can be too sharp and the bottom
too slippery. Bus trays or plastic storage containers work well as feeders for older chicks. Always
provide a ramp or other method that allows the chick to easily exit the water if housed near a
pool. Additional details for housing can be found in the Flamingo Husbandry Guidelines (Brown
and King 2001).