Page 388 - Hand rearing birds second

380 Hand-Rearing Birds

Transportation­to Wildlife­Facility
The colt should be transported as soon as possible. Instruct the transporter that the youngster
should kept quiet, and away from dogs, cats, and children before and during transport. A trans -
port box no more than twice the size of the colt, but that allows it to stand, will lower stress and
keep the youngster secure. A cardboard box with air holes works well. A clean towel on the
bottom of the box will prevent chicks from sliding and possible splaying of legs. Do not trans -
port with a food or water, as spilled water will wet the chick and cause hypothermia. Provide
supplemental heat during transport. Warmed rice bags, hot-water bottles, or an equivalent
work well. Pad the heat source with towels so the colt is not directly in contact with it. A stuffed
animal, feather duster, or calmly and gently holding the colt in a towel during transport may
provide comfort.

Networking­Is­a Vital­Link­to Successful­Rehabilitation
Networking with others is the most valuable tool available to wildlife rehabilitators. Networking
is, in part, how we gain information concerning the regional nuances of animal behavior and
needs. This information can make all the difference in the welfare of your wild patient. Local
agency biologists, university researchers, veterinarians, avid birders, or land-owners – all make
great networking partners. It is only through the help and advice of others that wildlife reha-
bilitation can be done successfully. This is particularly true with sensitive species that have
exacting requirements for success. As professional wildlife rehabilitators it is our responsibility
to make certain the animal in our care has the best possible chance of recovery and survival
after release.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

If the colt is cold to the touch but responsive, put it in a dark, quiet box on heat of 90–95 °F (32–
34 °C) until the core body temperature returns to normal and is stable (104–108 °F, 40–42 °C). The
patient should be gently massaged with a warmed towel to stimulate response. When the young-
ster is warm, an exam can be done.
Do not give oral fluids or food to a colt that is nonresponsive. Oral fluids can be given only when
the colt is able to hold its head up for at least brief periods on its own. An oral emaciation diet
should be the first food for colts coming out of hypothermia, or those in critical condition (see the
section “Diet,” later in this chapter).
Give subcutaneous fluids warmed to 100.4–102.2 °F (38–39 °C) to chicks that are weak or poorly
responsive. Oral fluids can be given via gavage tube to strong chicks. The author prefers to be con-
servative in fluid amounts given, giving 5% of body weight (50 ml/kg) at a maximum to avoid over-
hydrating crane chicks. Fluid therapy is important in cases of starvation or other conditions where
dehydration is present. Dehydration will be an element in starvation cases and should be addressed
immediately.
Handle colts as little as possible. This is important both for keeping the stress level low, in con-
sideration of injury that may result due to handling, and limiting the opportunity for human
imprinting. The body structure of members of the crane family is conducive to injury at the
smallest provocation. A heightened awareness of possible injury must be built into the handling