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Alcids 411

Hatchlings
Although the dietary requirements for hatchlings vary between species, the brooder requirements
may be interchanged based on the developmental rate of the species. ThermoCare Inc. Portable
ICS Units and/or Dean’s Model II Brooders have been used as brooders for chicks under 3 days of
age. A thermoregulation pad, set at 98.0 °F (36.7 °C), is rolled into a cylinder and placed at one side
of the brooder. Suspend a feather duster from the ceiling of the brooder, providing the chicks with
an insulated, dark, and secure area next to the heat source. Cover each brooder with a towel to keep
the interior darkened further. Although these high-tech brooders work well, we have been forced
to improvise during excursions in the field. A shoebox, lined with lichens and moss, with heat sup-
plied by refilling a water bottle with warm water, has been used successfully to rear day-old auklet
and puffin chicks. Move chicks greater than three days of age to a cool room with an ambient
temperature of 50 °F (10.0 °C). Although in the wild chicks may be brooded initially by the adults,
after hatching we maintain a heat source for up to 2 weeks. A hot water heat source remains with
the chicks and they are allowed access to the warmth and will self-regulate. Remove chicks at
21 days of age to an air-conditioned holding room with an ambient temperature of 55–60 °F (12.8–
15.6 °C). Individuals remain separated from each other, using solid wall dividers between brooder
sections to prevent aggression and to allow for monitoring of food intake (Figure 25.2). Furnish the
wire- or net-bottomed brooders with a 1 × 1 × 1 ft. (30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm) cardboard box, waxed on
the outside, with a small opening approximately 4 × 5 in. (10 × 12 cm) cut in the front of the box.
Paper towels line the bottom of the boxes and are cleaned at each feeding. Monitor chicks for
dehydration and overheating throughout the day. Dry eyes and pinched skin that remains tented
are signs of dehydration, and increased fluids in the formula may be required. Labored respiration,

Figure­25.2­ A 5-week-old Pigeon
Guillemot fledgling is readied for transfer
to open water. Note the use of a typical
alcid brooder with solid wall dividers,
cardboard box retreat area, and wire mesh
substrate. Source: photo by David Oehler.