Page 474 - Hand rearing birds second

Yellow-billed Cuckoos 469

Record Keeping

Because they are a species in great decline, it is very important to get as much information from the
finder as to where the bird was found and the circumstances of why the bird was brought in for
care. Knowing the exact location where the bird was found may help biologists learn more about
these secretive birds and where they nest. You may want to check to see if any YBCU studies are
being done in your state and contact the biologists regarding your young bird.
Weighing cuckoos daily is important. Young cuckoos have some peculiar eating habits so weigh-
ing the bird daily at the same time of day will help you to know that the bird is progressing well,
eating enough food, and does not have an underlying medical problem. Keeping detailed progress
notes on the birds’ care may help improve future care and knowledge about these secretive birds.

­ Initial­Care­and Stabilization

Upon intake, make sure the bird is gradually warmed up and hydrated. To hydrate the chick once
it is warm, dribble tiny drops of warm fluid at the tip of bill and watch the bird swallow. If a bird is
still in the stringy pinfeather stage and its skin visible, it definitely needs to be kept warm
(Figure 29.1). If it comes in after the stringy pinfeather stage and has a fluffy‐feathered look, feel
the bird to check to see if it is chilled. The chick should always be warmer than a warm human
hand. Remember, most birds will look fully feathered but may only be a few days old. If they have
a very short tail less than ½ in. (1 cm) long, they may enjoy still being kept on low heat. With
proper feeding, additional adult contour feathers will quickly fill in over more of their body and
face as they get older. If they are active and perching on the side of the nest cup, they no longer
need low heat.
When warmed and hydrated, a complete bird exam should be gently given (see Chapter 1). In
most cases the bird was probably a “cute lost baby bird” that fell and was picked up by a person, or
pilfered from a branch or nest by another bird or predator and escaped. Consequently, it should be
carefully checked over for bruising and puncture wounds. Note that if a young bird is not thriving,

Figure 29.1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo (YBCU) hatchling.