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Ibis 299

The chick should move to four feedings a day by 8–10 days of age. Feed at regular intervals and
continue to spread the feedings out evenly throughout a 12-hour day. Feeding during an 8-hour day
is generally sufficient for chicks over 8–10 days of age. Continue to monitor the hydration and
activity of the chick. The chick should begin to eat from the tray on its own. Encourage the chick
to eat by holding the dish up to the chick and tapping on it with your finger. The chick will begin
to refuse formula as the volume of solids increases. Once 15 cc of formula is reached (10% of the
chick’s morning weight), discontinue increasing the formula volume and increase solids only.
At this stage, the chick will begin to refuse formula. Discontinue formula feedings if the chick is
gaining weight and eating solids, but refusing formula. Chicks are usually eating solids indepen-
dently by 3 weeks of age.
Self-feeding aquatic ibis intended for wild release may be offered natural prey items, such as
krill, small or chopped fish, or invertebrates in narrow trays filled with mud or sand, or live small
fish in shallow water trays, to simulate wild foraging (Figure 18.4). Terrestrial species should be
offered foraging that closely mimics what the birds will need to do to feed themselves after release.
Avoid chicks associating people with food at all ages, as human imprinted or habituated chicks will
not be releasable.

Nutrients­of Concern­for Fish­and Meat­Eaters
Very little research has been conducted specifically related to ibis nutritional requirements. Most
nutritional studies used for current bird diet formulation are based on poultry, pet bird, and marine
mammal and penguin research. The following recommendations are based on those, as well as
zoological experiences, including the work conducted at SeaWorld California and personal com-
munications with Elizabeth Koutsos, a nutritionist.

Figure­18.4­ Ibis eating in a portion of outdoor housing setup.