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Ibis 301

Mealworms and crickets are nutritionally beneficial additions to faunivore diets, particularly
when they are enhanced through gut-loading or sprinkling with calcium (Finke 2015; also see
Chapter 41). The calcium level in crickets, mealworms, and waxworms is low compared to higher
phosphorous levels, indicating that the insects need to be supplemented with calcium to maintain
balance. Vitamin A levels are typically below recommended levels for poultry. Vitamin D levels
also fall below recommended levels, but Vitamin D can be addressed through full-spectrum UV
lighting or access to sunlight. Commercial diets for feeder insects are readily available. An alterna-
tive is to provide a commercial poultry starter diet sprinkled with calcium carbonate in a shallow
dish or to use it as a substrate. Sliced apples provide moisture for mealworms. Provide crickets with
access to a shallow water dish. Provide pebbles or another substrate to prevent drowning as needed.
Waxworms do not need to be fed; store at 55–60 °F. Store mealworms and crickets at room tempera-
ture in a container covered with a screen.

­ Expected­Weight­Gain

Chicks should gain weight daily until they reach their adult weight at 6–8 weeks of age. Weight
gains of four species of ibis chicks are shown in Figure 18.5. Incomplete data are shown for
White-faced and Scarlet Ibis; these species adult weights are typically in the 550–700 g range
(Dunning 2018).

­ Housing

Brooder

Many zoos use commercial brooders such as the Animal Intensive Care Unit (AICU) (Lyons
Technology, Inc.), which was developed specifically to maintain stable temperature and humidity;
it is also easy to clean (Figure 18.6). Set the AICU temperature to 95 °F (35 °C) and monitor for

1200

1000
Madagascar (n =4)
Cape (n =3)
800 Scarlet (n =5)
Weight (g) 600
White-faced (n =5)

400

200

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39
Days of age
Figure­18.5­ Growth of four species of ibis chicks.