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Shorebirds 397

Box­24.1­ Hatchling­Killdeer­Intensive­Care
Kappy Sprenger

Warmth

Almost all Killdeer chicks (Charadrius vociferous) are less than 5 days old when presented for
care. Weighing around 10 g at hatch, these chicks are usually seen 1–3 days later at weights of
7–9 g. Many have become chilled. When cold, a precocial chick becomes inactive and lies down.
Some Killdeer also lie down when frightened. However, within 15–20 minutes in a quiet,
warmed place these birds should be up and running around. Chilled young take considerably
longer to become active.
Immediately upon admittance, Killdeer chicks should be placed in a heated container or
incubator and allowed to rest and get warm. If the chick is lying down or appears weak, the
best temperature is 92–95 °F (33.3–35 °C). After warming, the chick can be weighed. Those
that are weak or were chilled should remain at that temperature. Strong young up to 12 g can
safely be kept at 90–92 °F (32.2–33.3 °C); those above 12 g, at 90 °F (32.2 °C). Until they are
self-feeding, these temperatures should be maintained.

Hydration­and Liquid­Nutrition
Until a chick has become warm and is strengthening, it should not be hydrated. The author
generally uses lactated Ringer’s solution or Pedialyte (Abbott), but any good hydrating solution
will work. The warm fluid is offered from a 0.5 or 1.0 ml syringe, eyedropper, or a saturated
cotton swab. This is much safer than attempting to gavage. One drop of fluid is drawn along
the edges of the bill and repeated until drinking occurs. As it swallows, the bird’s throat will
move and the drop of liquid will disappear; however, the mouth will not appear to open. Each
chick may be offered as much as it will drink, one drop at a time. Repeat every 30 minutes until
definite strengthening is seen, and then hourly until the chick defecates. Defecations are
quickly noticed if a white paper towel is used as a smooth-cover bedding. Next, warm liquid
nutrition may be started using the same method. Formula V Enteral Care (High Protein) (PetAg)
or another easily-assimilated critical diet for carnivores is suggested. Initially, alternate diluted
liquid nutrition with hydrating solution every 1–1.5 hours. Do not mix hydrating solution with
liquid nutrition. As the chick continues to strengthen, this routine should be maintained, with
the liquid nutrition at full strength until the chick is reliably self-feeding.

Monitoring
Be sure each chick’s bottom is clean at all times. Until it is self-feeding and especially on a
younger chick that has been chilled, a small bit of dark fecal matter may be noticed stuck to
the white down just outside the vent. Remove this gently using a cotton swab dipped in warm
water, carefully rolling the swab away from the vent area until it is clean, but not saturating the
down. If the fecal matter appears again, clean it off. Left untended, this could build up and clog
the vent, causing an obstruction and death.

Getting­Them­to Start­Eating
When a chick is steady on its feet and running around, a very shallow dish or lid with water may
be provided. This should be less than 3 in. (1.2 cm) across, no more than 0.5 in. (1 cm) deep, and
easily stepped into and out of without tripping. Sometimes a chick will drink from this dish, but