Page 415 - Hand rearing birds second

408 Hand-Rearing Birds

the colony at 2–3 weeks of age. Fed by the parents, these chicks then remain with the adults at sea
for up to 8 weeks. Common Murre (aka Common Guillemot) (Uria aalge) chicks may become
separated from their parents at sea and beach in sometimes large numbers. Synthliboramphus
chicks depart the nest with the parents shortly after hatching. These strategies likely reduce the
energetic costs of chick rearing (Sealy 1973). The majorities of alcids that need assistance are fledg-
lings of the larger species and are found along the coastline. These puffins, murres, or guillemots
are usually underweight and often have compromised plumage. Taking immediate action is criti-
cal in reducing the cold stress that may negatively impact the immune responses in these birds
(Siegel 1985). Rearing of seabird chicks may contribute significantly to conservation efforts, par-
ticularly within threatened species (Montesdeoca et al. 2017; Morten et al. 2017).

­ Record­Keeping

The importance of maintaining detailed records for each bird cannot be emphasized enough. General
background information is needed for reporting requirements, such as species, age, the locale of
rescue, reason brought into captivity, medical information, final disposition, and/or release location.
Monitoring each individual bird requires a systematic and consistent means of evaluation to ensure
its health, and to provide data for future use. Recording environmental conditions, exposure to infec-
tious agents or toxins, diet, feed intake, physical condition, and body mass are essential in the care of
alcids in a captive situation. Weigh chicks each morning, prior to the first feeding, and record the
volumes of feed, along with brooder temperature, the attitude of chick, and medical notations.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

Make every attempt to obtain a complete history of a bird upon arrival. This will assist in the evalu-
ation of the bird and provide information designating proper release sites. Observe the bird and
record the attitude, respiration, and plumage condition. A physical examination is required to
ascertain body weight, general condition, and possible trauma. Conduct the examination and give
suitable medical treatment as quickly as possible to reduce the stress to the bird.
Usually, alcids that arrive at rehabilitation centers are dehydrated, undernourished, and hypo-
thermic. Arrange for supportive care as part of a standard protocol for incoming birds. Once
warmed, begin rehydration of the bird by administering oral or subcutaneous fluids: 40–50 ml/kg
of lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS) or a similar balanced isotonic solution. Administer a broad-
spectrum antibiotic if indicated after an initial examination or preliminary diagnostic testing. This
therapy should be prescribed by a veterinarian and may be altered based on clinical signs, diagnos-
tic tests, and culture and sensitivity results. Prophylactic antifungal therapies are often recom-
mended for captive alcids because secondary fungal infections are common in seabirds. Some
rehabilitators recommend the initiation of itraconazole therapy within 48 hours of arrival, although
only after the bird has been rehydrated to minimize the risk of potential toxic effects on the kid-
neys. Vitamin B-complex, A, D 3 , and E supplementation should also be provided (ASLC 2006b;
Huckabee pers. comm.).
Complete blood collection and analysis to assist in the diagnosis of medical problems. If the
chick is strong enough, collect a sufficient volume of blood for a packed cell volume (PCV) and
total protein (TP). If indicated and feasible, more detailed bloodwork, such as white blood cell
count and biochemistries, may be informative.