Page 222 - Hand rearing birds second

Penguins 209

mula, and are given to chicks along with other supplements. Consult a nutritionist for appropriate
supplementation based on the types or lot of fish used.
Good quality fish with proper storage, thawing, and food‐handling is fundamental to an effective
penguin rearing diet. Whole fish is air‐thawed overnight in a refrigerator, then briefly rinsed prior
to use. Formula is prepared fresh daily, labeled with the preparation date/time; formula not fed
within 24 hours is discarded. Fillets are made fresh daily. All food items are refrigerated until use;
unused portions are discarded.

­ Feeding­Procedure

Chick rearing is a relationship between chick and feeder, involving observations and response.
Penguin chicks should not be overfed or overheated. Hand‐feeding equipment consists of a small
heat‐tolerant formula container and a feeding syringe. Formula is warmed via a hot‐water bath
(110 °F/43.3 °C), stirring constantly until the formula reaches 95–100 °F (35.0–37.7 °C). Formula
should be kept warm during feeding in the water bath. Do not microwave and do not overheat
formula. Chicks will refuse formula below 90 °F/32.2 °C. Formula exceeding 105 °F/40.5 °C should
be discarded, as should warmed formula that is not fed. Guard‐stage chicks are fed in the brooder
or an alternate warmed area.
Parental feeding behavior is simulated by making an inverted “V”‐formation over the chick’s bill
with the fingers, then wiggling them to induce the chick’s feeding response (Figures 12.1 and 12.2).
It is important for feeders to lift their feeding hand slightly, while wiggling the fingers, to encour-
age chicks to reach up into the “V.” The syringe is then directed toward one side of the bill and the
formula delivered. Feed 1–3‐day old chicks small aliquots of 0.5–1 cc each, while continuing to
wiggle fingers, and watching the back of the throat to see that the formula is being accepted. When
the aliquot is delivered, continue to elicit the response until the chick finishes before slowly releas-
ing the chick to rest before feeding the next aliquot, until the full allotment is fed.

Figure­12.1­ Penguin chick being syringe-fed
using inverted “V.” Source: photo credit: Mike
Aguilera/SeaWorld San Diego.