Page 504 - Hand rearing birds second

Goatsuckers 501

Criteria for Intervention

Chicks may come into care for a variety of reasons. They are often found when remodeling or
repairing a flat roof, or recovered from construction sites where nests are accidentally disrupted or
disturbed by cats or other predators, and have even been recovered from the backs of delivery
trucks. Re‐nesting recently discovered uninjured chicks is the best resolution, but if that is not pos-
sible chicks can be raised in captivity relatively easily.

Initial Care and Stabilization

As with any young bird, warming first is essential. Place the bird in a padded container on a heat-
ing pad set on low for 15–20 minutes until it is relaxed and warm. Please see Chapter 1 for stabiliza-
tion of newly admitted birds (Figure 32.4).
Goatsucker feathers are extremely delicate, and extreme measures must be taken to ensure that
damage is not sustained in captivity. Use a silk or polyester material (such as a scarf) to protect the
feathers during handling. If it is an emergency situation and such material cannot be located
immediately, thoroughly wash and rinse the examination area and the examiner’s hands with soap
and water to remove any oils that might contaminate the feathers.
Be aware that even young chicks will probably hiss and gape in a very threatening manner; this
is a harmless but startling tactic. Do not hold the bird by the legs. Many goatsuckers will remain
still at approach, and then suddenly flush. To avoid injuries to the bird, one hand can be placed
above the bird, while the second hand does a slow approach from the side. Uninjured chicks may
be quite adept at evasive running maneuvers and may leap unexpectedly off the examination table.
The eyes should be clear and liquid‐looking, and the eyelids rather loose‐fitting. During daylight
or under bright lights, the eyelids may appear to be half‐opened; this is normal for these nocturnal
birds. Hold the bird with the feathers laying in proper alignment and the wings folded against the
body. To check wing alignment, hold an index and third finger on either side of the neck, pinning
the bird down with the heel of the hand. A detailed palpation of the wings can be achieved by

Figure 32.4 Two Common Nighthawk chicks being weighed. Source: photo courtesy of Yvonne Wallace
Blane, Fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital.