Page 485 - Hand rearing birds second
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Roadrunners 481
Figure 30.2 Hatchling roadrunner. Note the white down on black skin.
Figure 30.3 Two fledgling roadrunners in an aviary learning to pick up food.
Expected Weight Gain
Unlike many other species, roadrunners do not gain their full adult weight before learning to for-
age. Their exact age may be determined by the length of the central rectrices, unless, of course, the
bird has met with some mishap that has caused feathers to be lost or damaged (Figure 30.4).
Housing
Hatchlings should be kept at around 99 °F (37 °C) and 40–50% humidity. A variety of materials may
be used to create a replacement nest. A woven basket of the right dimensions makes a perfect
