Page 403 - Hand rearing birds second

Shorebirds 395

Figure­24.1­ Killdeer hatchling. Source: photo courtesy of International Bird Rescue.

For most shorebirds, use the settings recommended for quail, which is 99.6–100 °F (37.6–37.8 °C).
Moisture normally should be about 40–55% relative humidity. The eggs should be rotated 180°
every two hours and, depending on the incubator used, may be set to turn eggs automatically.
During the final 4–5 days of incubation, the eggs should not be rotated and the temperature should
be lowered by 1 °F and humidity increased to about 65%. Make sure the inside of the hatcher used
is safe for hatchlings. If the bottom of the hatcher has larger mesh that a leg could fall through,
place some finer mesh on the bottom.
Fine cracks can appear at the large end of the egg up to 4–5 days before hatching (these cracks
are difficult to see without magnification). Regular tapping can be heard 2 days before hatching
and regular peeping can be heard 1–5 days before hatching. Eggs can hatch at any time of the day
or night. Once they have externally pipped (can see a distinct hole), they can hatch within 20 min-
utes up to 48 hours later. If no progress is seen within 24 hours or it has pipped in the incorrect spot,
assistance may be required. See Chapter 3 for more information on how to assist a hatch.
After hatching, swab the umbilicus area with betadine to help prevent infections. Briefly exam-
ine the chick once it is dry to make sure the yolk sac is retracted and there are no obvious deformi-
ties. Allow the chick to dry completely, fluff up, and gain strength inside the egg incubator
(Figure 24.1). At this point, the chick may be moved to a brooder.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

Chicks should be placed in a climate‐controlled intensive care unit or brooder on arrival. New
patients should be allowed to rest for 15–20 minutes in a warm, dark, quiet container before exami-
nation. Depending on the age of the chick, the ICU could be set at around 95 °F (35 °C). Adjust the
temperature based on the chicks’ behavior. Warm chicks are mobile and very active. Cold or
stressed chicks sit down and appear sleepy.
Once the bird is warm, if it is active, offer live food items in shallow dishes. The best first live prey
to offer are tubifex worms (in water) and small fly larvae (Musca domestica). These food items are
active and the movement attracts the chicks. Chicks should begin pecking at the food almost
immediately. If they are not eating well, try sticking a hand in the brooder, with the remainder of
yourself hidden, and try dropping the food at their feet and tapping at it with your finger.
After being warmed, if the bird appears too weak to eat or stand, consider rehydrating the bird
orally. If the chick will not eat on its own after being warmed to normal body temperature, and
appears too weak to eat on its own, it should be rehydrated orally. Place a drop of unflavored