Page 279 - Hand rearing birds second

268 Hand-Rearing Birds

­ Feeding­Procedures

In the wild, feeding begins within hours of hatching. The parent regurgitates partially digested fish
into the nest for chicks to pick up. This behavior lasts for approximately 3 weeks. The transition to
a different feeding method coincides with the chicks becoming completely down covered. At about
2–3 weeks of age, the chicks begin feeding by reaching into the parent’s throat for fish. This behav-
ior lasts until the chick is ready to fledge. Once the chick can fly, the parent limits the number of
feedings. PHSS is located on a flyway in Biscayne Bay, Florida, near a pelican nesting site. The
author frequently sees young pelicans chasing adult birds both on land and water. Normal behav-
ior is for the fledgling to waggle its wings, bob the head, and snap at its own wings to attract the
parent’s attention. More aggressive behavior includes trying to force the adult’s beak open.
For small chicks without down, offer slivers of fish or small whole fish, such as small smelt, on
the cage or nest floor. Leave the area, because the chick may become distracted and not eat while
humans are present. It is important to count the number of fish placed with the chick so eating
habits can be monitored. Introduce the chick to foster parents as soon as possible if available
(Figure 16.2).
Older down‐covered chicks may be more of a challenge as they have become used to eating from
the pouch (Figure 16.3). If they will not pick fish off the floor, try presenting fish on the end of a
hemostat or pair of scissors. They will learn quickly. Chicks that are standing well and developing
feathers can be introduced to fish in a bowl of shallow water.
If foster parents are not available, it is in the chick’s best interests to be transferred to a facility
with foster parents and experience in raising pelicans. Foster parents are normally nonreleasable
pelicans used for fostering or education purposes. Permits are required. Adults undergoing reha-
bilitation should not be used as foster parents.
When placing chicks with foster parents, it is normally readily apparent if the chick will be
accepted or not. Normal behavior is for the adult to circle the chick, with head swaying and open

Figure­16.2­ Downy chick with foster parent.