Page 390 - Hand rearing birds second

382 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 23.3 Restraining an adult crane
involves holding the bird facing backward
with the legs and feet restrained. Safety
glasses are prudent.

Respiratory­Disease
Respiratory disease is common in crane colts. General symptoms include pale mucous membranes
and lethargy in the early stages of any respiratory condition. Chicks exhibiting signs of illness
should be given supplemental heat (90–97 °F, 32–36 °C) and supportive care immediately. Raspy or
open-mouthed breathing requires immediate intervention. In very young chicks, the problem is
generally bacterial in nature; however, after 2 weeks of age, fungal disease including aspergillosis
and coccidioidomycosis should be considered with appropriate medical care (Altman et al. 1997).

Parasites
Parasites such as Syngamus trachea (gapeworm) occur in cranes and create respiratory symptoms.
Earthworms serve as an intermediate host. This parasite should be considered in young cranes,
particularly those that have been fed or have had access to earthworms early in their life. Gapeworm
produces many symptoms, including head shaking, raspy sounding respirations, open-mouth
breathing, and coughing. In some cases, the worms are easily visible as red threadlike strands on
the wall of the trachea when viewed down the glottis from inside the mouth. Eggs can be detected
in the feces. This parasite can cause death in young cranes from anemia, asphyxiation from mucous
production, or even tracheal ulceration (Ritchie et al. 1994; Rupley 1997). Treatment once diag-
nosed is ivermectin or thiabendazole.