Page 223 - Hand rearing birds second

210 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure­12.2­ Adult penguin feeding a chick. Source: photo credit: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld San Diego.

Feed slowly and observe chick responses. Common mistakes which increase the risk for aspira-
tion are: failure to raise the “V” causing the chick to slouch or bend its neck, continuing to deliver
formula after the chick stops swallowing, feeding too rapidly, and releasing the chick too quickly
from the feeding response. Supporting the head allows chicks to expel formula sitting on the glot-
tis. Chicks 1–4 days old are fed using a 1 cc syringe; thereafter, syringe sizes and aliquot amounts
increase gradually concurrent with intake.
Warm water is given initially on the first day, transitioning through formula dilutions until
full‐strength formula is fed (Table 12.4). Undiluted formula can be attempted sooner than out -
lined but gradual introduction has been successful. When fish is introduced at day 7 (follow -
ing at least 1 day on undiluted formula), fillets are warmed just prior to feeding by dipping in
the water bath. Small amounts of warm water can be given between feedings, and/or 30 min-
utes after the last feeding, to offset the effects of chick overheating combined with fish intro -
duction. Fecals may appear darker with increasing fish intake but should never smell sour or
be thickened or pasty.
The guideline for chick total intake per feeding (formula plus fish) should not exceed 10% of the
chick’s morning weight. Chicks receive about half of their diet in fish by 17–21 days of age. As the
maximum formula volume per feeding is met (usually 30–40 cc), the proportion of fish in the diet
increases concomitantly; thereafter, whole‐fish segments are then introduced, and formula
decreased gradually.
As chicks grow and intake increases, the time between feedings should also increase to avoid
overfeeding. Chicks should always demonstrate a sustained and vigorous feeding behavior. If a
chick refuses food repeatedly, or fails to eat all recommended food amounts, check for overheating,
a readiness to increase feed interval, or a medical condition. At about 30 days of age chicks may
show some head‐shy behavior when feeding responses are solicited. Chicks may be experiencing a
normal predator‐response behavior (crèche phase), may be overheated (reduce temperature), or
overfed (increase feed interval).