Page 427 - Hand rearing birds second

420 Hand-Rearing Birds

the delicate nature of the alcids’ plumage and the diminutive body mass of specific taxa, it is
imperative for these birds to be able to bathe and maintain perfect plumage to ensure thermoreg-
ulation. Quickly remove all oils on the surface of the water to prevent these contaminants from
building up on the outer contour feathers. If oils cannot be properly removed, low-lipid fish must
be provided to prevent loss of waterproofing. Water filtration may be achieved through various
filtration methods, including sand and gravel filters, bag filters, UV filtration, and ozone filtra-
tion. Avoid the use of chlorination to prohibit degradation of the feathers that are in contact with
the water.
Use of fiberglass, urethane, rock, and gravel substrates affords the birds with a solid surface that
allows proper maintenance of plumage and prevents foot lesions. All deck areas should be well-
drained in a manner to prevent contamination of pool and feeding areas. The abrasive alkaline
nature of a cement deck is possibly the most detrimental surface that can be provided for alcids
and seabirds in general. If an alternative substrate cannot be provided, the birds may benefit from
the use of an antimicrobial mat such as Nomad™ on these hard surfaces to aid in the prevention
of foot issues.
Pelagic avifauna, due to their access to an abundance of UV light in their natural environment,
require greater amounts of supplemental lighting in a captive situation. Hypovitaminosis D 3 may
occur in birds reared in indoor or shady enclosures, resulting in rickets. Augmentation of UV light-
ing, via an adequate lighting scheme, must be provided for any colony or individual alcid housed
in an artificial environment.

­ Preparation­for Wild­Release

Fully waterproof plumage is critical for alcid survival in the wild. Birds that have obtained proper
plumage to survive in open water, are near adult weight, and are in good health, based on physical
condition and blood parameters, are good candidates for release. Release sites should be deter-
mined by revisiting the original location of the rescue or known locations of like species in the
area. All birds should be able to comfortably live in a water environment without haul-outs full
time without becoming wet to skin at any areas or being stressed.

Release

Whenever possible, release alcids at sea into a foraging group of conspecifics, as the capture
beach may be an unknown distance from good foraging grounds or good forage may have
moved. Once a release site has been chosen, make sure the weather conditions and the area
are conducive to a successful release. The weather forecast should be for stable, clear weather
for a 24-hour period. Alcids have difficulty becoming airborne and require long running starts
to take flight, which precludes fully conditioning these birds for flight prior to release. Ensure
the release site is open and free of immediate obstacles the birds may collide with and that
there are no gulls or other predators in the vicinity. Use a boat to transport the released bird
further from shore whenever possible. Sun-filled skies along open shorelines will give each
bird ample opportunity to go out to sea, maintain good plumage, and with luck find birds of
their own kind.