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Brown Pelicans 267

­ Common­Medical­Problems­and Solutions

Minor skin lacerations are not uncommon. Make sure the affected area is kept clean; this type of
minor skin nick normally heals quickly. More serious wounds may occur if a chick is or has been
attacked by older siblings in the nest. Another problem can occur during weaning. Juveniles
may try to feed from any available adult, becoming quite aggressive in their attempts to force the
adult’s beak open. The adult will on occasion retaliate by biting the juvenile around the head,
sometimes resulting in head injuries. Most injuries are superficial and will scab over and heal
quickly. At this age the beak is still soft and is damaged easily. Normally, the injuries are located
caudally on the bill. Scabbing can be quite severe, and the beak may take several weeks to fully
heal. Birds with scratches to the eyes and birds exhibiting neurological symptoms should be seen
by an experienced wildlife veterinarian. Hematological and biochemical reference values can be
found in Zaias et al. (2000).
It is normal for Brown Pelicans to have what appears to be subcutaneous emphysema under
the skin. This assists with buoyancy. When palpated, it will feel like bubble wrap and may
make a crackling sound. If an air sac is ruptured there will be an obvious, larger outpouching
of the skin. If a ruptured air sac is suspected, the bird should be referred to a wildlife veterinar -
ian. The air sac may need draining, and the bird may also require ventilatory assistance as well
as medication.

Diet

In the wild, Brown Pelicans feed by plunge diving and bringing up to three gallons of water to
the surface which is drained out to leave fish behind in their pouches. Brown Pelicans will also
catch fish while floating on the surface if large, dense schools of small bait fish are available. In
captivity, smelt, minnows, and anchovies are useful in small chicks, increasing in size to small
threadfin herring, sardines, mullet, menhaden, capelin, and other small whole bait fish for
juveniles. The nutritional value of fish varies depending on fish type, season, and whether the
fish is alive or dead. Fish with a higher fat content will have a higher caloric density. Very oily
fish, such as mackerel or capelin, can cause fish oil to adhere around the pelican’s beak and will
eventually end up on the feathers, causing waterproofing problems. Although fish are normally
a good source of vitamins, changes can occur in dead or frozen fish. Birds fed dead or frozen–
thawed fish should receive thiamine and vitamin E supplements and a good general vitamin
supplement. Even birds being fed live fish in captivity will benefit from an appropriate good‐
quality vitamin supplement. Dosage is by weight and will depend on the diet given and combi-
®
nation of supplements used. Choices include Auklet or Vita‐Zu Tablets (Mazuri ), and SeaTabs,
which are formulated for fish‐eating birds and mammals (Pacific Research Laboratories).
Current recommendations for piscivores are 25–30 mg thiamine and 100 mg vitamin E per kg
fish fed (Hawkins et al. 2018).
A general rule would be to use a variety of seasonal, locally available fish if possible, because the
best diet should closely resemble what would be available to the birds in the wild during nesting
season. Chunks of large fish or fish with large bones, gill plates, or skulls are not appropriate,
because the bones are difficult and sometimes impossible for the pelican to digest. Large, sharp
bones can perforate the stomach causing peritonitis or become lodged in the esophagus, making it
difficult for the bird to swallow.