Page 494 - Hand rearing birds second

490 Hand-Rearing Birds

Blood­Parasites
Several blood parasites are commonly identified in owl species, including Plasmodium,
Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus. Routine bloodwork should include analysis of a blood smear in
these species. Plasmodium species are the causative agent of malaria in birds as well as humans.
Vectors include three genera of mosquitoes. The primary vector of Leucocytozoon is black flies in
the genus Simulium. Haemoproteus species are commonly transmitted by hippoboscid or flat flies.
Infections are often subclinical. Consult an avian veterinarian for treatment options.

Ectoparasites
Feather mites, lice, and hippoboscids (flat flies) may be found all over the body. Due to the preva-
lence of vector‐borne diseases, these parasites should be eliminated in clinical or group settings.
Older juveniles or fully feathered birds can generally be safely de‐parasitized with pyrethrins or
permethrins, but for younger birds a light dusting of Sevin Dust™ (diethylcarbamazine,
GardenTech™) works well. Lightly spray (or rub powder) through feather layers down to the skin.
Avoid the facial area in those birds with respiratory concerns. One good treatment on intake will
not only benefit the host, but will reduce the transfer of parasites to other patients or resident birds.
It is prudent to wear gloves when applying pesticides to patients. See Chapter 1 for information
regarding the use of pesticides.
Maggots and fly eggs should be manually removed as soon as possible. Sites that allow penetra-
tion or are easily penetrated, such as wounds and bodily orifices, should be cleared immediately.
Although some species of flies target only compromised tissue, the larva of most common fly spe-
cies are much less selective and are just as likely to feed on healthy structures. Once the eggs hatch,
they can burrow through healthy tissues and often result in damage worse than the original
trauma. Capstar™ (Nytenpyram, Novartis) is often administered orally to weaken and reduce the
number of deeper and less‐accessible active larvae. It is also dissolved in water and used to flush
wounds, as a topical application. Birds should be closely monitored for continued hatching as well
as for any resilient live maggots and treated twice daily until all larvae are eliminated.

Diet

Owls are studied and even admired for their efficient breakdown of whole food. Only the most
digestible and nutritious parts (organ meat, muscle, fat) are utilized, and the remaining less‐digest-
ible parts (bones, hair, feathers) are efficiently collected and formed into a pellet or casting that is
ejected or spit out orally. Owl pellets are often used in educational programs.
As in other areas of captive wildlife management, the optimal and most healthy diet is one that
most closely resembles the wild diet of that species. Although adult birds may tolerate modified
diets, growing juveniles with developing bones may be permanently and irreversibly affected by
incomplete or unbalanced diets. Ideally, owlets that are physically capable of digesting whole food
should be fed a complete and fully balanced diet. Calcium, phosphorus, and fat content should be
optimal in selected food sources. Whole adult prey items are always preferred. In captive environ-
ments, most birds are fed what is readily available, such as adult mice, rats, rabbits, and quail.
Avian chicks (chickens or quail) are too young and not an ideal food source due to the deficient
calcium levels.
In situations where food quality and availability are limited, care should be taken to supplement
the necessary vitamins, minerals, and deficient components as needed for each meal. It must be