Page 237 - Hand rearing birds second

African Penguins 225

Very often, it is sufficient to expose the head and increase the size of the chipped shell and the
chick will be able to complete the hatching process on its own. This will need to be monitored
closely as sometimes chicks are too fatigued and will need full assistance. Remember to record that
the chick was an assisted hatch and any other additional comments that may be relevant.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

The first 10 days after hatching are the most critical: the chicks are immunocompromised, cannot
thermoregulate, and require intensive care. After finishing hatching, move the chick back to the egg
incubator (97.7° F/36.5 °C and 45% humidity) to allow it to “fluff” out for about 12 hours, then trans-
fer to a human baby incubator. At this young age chicks are kept in individual containers; these
containers are placed inside the human baby incubator, which regulates the required temperature
and humidity. Any sick chicks are kept in their own separate incubator to prevent the spread of infec-
tion to other chicks. Care must be taken with newly hatched chicks as they cannot hold their heads
up on their own; feeding should be carried out slowly and gently to ensure the chick is swallowing.
As these chicks are intended for wild release, it is crucial to minimize handling of chicks and to
aim for group feedings along with health checks. It is very important to stimulate chicks before
feeding by “preening” their fluffy downy feathers to mimic what the parents would do. Initiating a
feeding response by creating a “V” with the index finger and middle finger around the chick’s beak
(Figure 13.2) will often encourage the chick to beg for its food as opposed to needing to be force‐
fed. During initial care, note whether the chick is vocal and giving a feeding response, whether
there is guano in the container, and, if so, what the consistency is, whether the abdomen is palpa-
bly bloated, and whether the chick appears normally hydrated.

Chick Handling
Care should be taken when handling small chicks or hatchlings up to 550 g. Place your index finger
and middle finger over the shoulders of the chick, place your thumb and ring finger under each
flipper, and support the chick’s back with the palm of your hand – your index finger and middle
finger act as a “seat belt” over the shoulder; using this handling method you are able to support the
spine of the chick as well as keeping the head upright.

Figure­13.2­ Stimulating a chick to feed by forming a “V” between fingers, while supporting the head.