Page 477 - Hand rearing birds second

472 Hand-Rearing Birds

important. Place food and water cups where the birds can reach them from a perch so they do not
have to go down to the ground for food (Figure 29.3). Use almost any kind of enclosure to house
them as long as there are ample places for perches. Plastic bird carriers (making sure the birds can’t
get their bodies stuck between the bars) or large parrot cages with ½ or ¾ in. bar spacing are usu-
ally sufficient. Proper perch and food cup placement will keep them from damaging their tails
between any vertical cage bars.
A light misting with water daily is recommended to encourage preening. Move birds to an out-
door aviary as soon as possible, but remember the bird may still need to be hand‐fed. The aviary
should have a good view of the stars at night and be open to the elements. Miller (2012) recom-
mends a flight aviary of 16 × 8 × 8 ft. (4.9 × 2.4 × 2.4 m) for cuckoos >12 in. (30 cm) long. Natural
leaves still on natural branches should be provided as the bird will spend many days under them
after it is released.
YBCUs can be ornery birds as they get older and merit monitoring to make sure they get along
with each other. Check frequently that none is picking on other birds or being picked on by cage
mates.

Figure 29.3 YBCU in an aviary with food dishes oriented such that the bird can eat from the perch. Note
that feathers extend far down the legs.