Page 468 - Hand rearing birds second

462 Hand-Rearing Birds

Wipe the beak and any other soiled areas of the body with a warm moist swab after each feeding
to reduce the chance of infection from spoiled food. Do not allow spilled food to dry on developing
feathers or get into the bird’s eyes.
Some turaco species, such as Lady Ross (Musophaga rossae), have very prominent claws on their
wrist joints resembling the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin). These claws disappear as the chick
gets older. Also, Lady Ross and several other turaco species will use their wings like arms to bring
their body forward and push themselves upright while begging.

­ Expected­Weight­Gain

Turaco chicks grow quickly. Chicks should be weighed daily before the first feeding so that weight
trends can be tracked. A 5–14% increase in weight daily, depending on species, is typical, although
there can be some normal fluctuation. After day 18 or weaning, turaco chicks do not gain as much
daily weight. A lack of weight gain or weight loss could mean problems, especially if it is consistent
for 2 or more days. Consult your avian veterinarian if a chick becomes ill or is not progressing.
Different species of adult turacos and their chicks vary in size and weight slightly. The average
hatchling weight of the green turaco species is 18–20 g.

­ Housing

After about 12 hours in the incubator, a hatchling can be moved to a brooder (Figure 28.2). The
brooder can be a professional one or as simple as a clear plastic critter container with an adjustable
heat and humidity source. Place the chick in a small bowl with a substrate that can be gripped eas-
ily and will not move aside as the chick wiggles. Keep the chick and its area clean of feces and
uneaten food. A clean tissue or lightweight cloth can be draped over the bowl to simulate being
brooded by a parent. As the chick grows, it will become more active, and the bowl may need to be

Figure­28.2­ Simple brooder setup with a plastic tank with ventilated top, heating pad underneath, a towel
over the top to adjust the interior temperature, straw bedding to protect the chicks from overheating and
from splay-leg if or when they jump out of their cups.